wheel junkies chime in please!

[colinm]

alright, I don't actually have a Q yet, but I think I'll be getting a 92Q and just wanted to look into future wheel options (not an immediate upgrade). I want to improve handling and looks without spending a whole lot (don't want to get something that'll break if used hard though). I'll probably get some tokicos too. I have no idea what brands are good or bad, or really even what size is best.. I think I want 17 or 18", and I don't particularly care for chrome.. I was thinking something along the lines of the BMW M5 look, with lots of skinny spokes, sorta dark, or possibly a dark gold color. The car is Burgundy.

If anyone has pics of a setup with wheels that meet these criteria (esp in burgundy) that would be killer.

Thanks,Colin

[elwesso]

First of all, have you made sure that this is a worthy car? Chain guides? Make sure that this is a car that doesnt need anything BEFORE you start putting money into novelty items like that. Spending 1000 on wheels doesnt do you any good when you need to spend that much on repairs.

Give us some information on the car....

[colinm]

thanks for your concern about hte car itself, but I have already posted a thread in the mechanic forum and will be calling the seller tomorrow since I have my finances straightened out. Like I said, this won't be an immediate upgrade anyway, just a bit in the future IF I even get the car.Really I am just trying to get a handle as to the pros cons of the different wheel sizes. Tirerack seems to have an excellent website, but are there any issues as to the quality of the cheaper wheels sold there? For example.. the ASA (BBS) EM9 size 17X7 is $129 each. Are there any reasons not to buy this wheel or one similar?

Also, tirerack says size 225/50 is recommended for this wheel.. is that right? because discount tire recommends 235/50 for 17" wheels...

[PalmerWMD]

17 inch wheels are a great compromise between looks and functionality on a Q.Bigger is too big expesnive tires, hard near impossible to find quality wheels.

16 can be real good but its a large car and in todays fshion 16's almost look a bit small.

17's are a good Q size.

Fred...

[maxnix]

If you look at the section width to mount tires of the required load carrying capacity, you will find a 7" rim to be too narrow, and 7.5" minimal, with 8" and 8.5" widths prefered for proper fitment.

[colinm]

hmmm aren't the factories 6.5"?

[SmithSR]

Call me old-fashioned, but i say you need to find a very reputable tire shop where you can find a knowledgeable tire guru who will take as much time as necessary to answer all of your questions. Tirerack.com may have alot to offer, and a good selection of wheels and tires, but it's not the only option.

[Jeff Williams]

Colin, great to see you on the site. Asking these questions frist, is what impresses me most about you.

I have a '94 Q. It came with the 6.5" 15's and Michelin all-wether tires. Rode great, but scared the hell out of me when I made any sudden moves.

Bought 8" x 17" Konig Divas from Discount Tire Direct, takeoffs, on eBay for cheap!

I didn't know what size tire I wanted, either. My 2000 I30t has 225/50/27 Bridgestone Potenza RE-92's. I wanted something wider, so I bought a set of Continental Sport Contact 245/45/17's (Used) . Ride was rough, and I spent all my time just trying to keep the car pointed straight.

Then I went to the Bridgestone's like on the I30t, 225/50/17 (Used), and the car rode great. The downside of the Bridgestones, is the cost, and they don't last long.

I now have NITTO NT-450 225/50/17's These tire handle better than the Bridgestones in the rain, but do make some noise on dry pavement. A very good looking tire.

I think next time, I will spring for the Bridgestones, or look at Toyo's or Yokahama's.

I will definitely post a Forum, before I buy.

Ther is a picture of my car in this Forum:

http://www.nissaninfiniticlub....17252

[maxnix]

hmmm aren't the factories 6.5"?

Yes, and the standard tire is 215/65-15. If you are going to 255/50-16 or 255/45-17 (both with correct 26" diameter), you will need correspondingly wider rims.

[AZhitman]

Unless you're me.

Don't want to disagree outright with Brian (maxnix) but 7" has shown to be fine for up to a 245mm tread width. 255 will be pushing it to the extreme on a 7" rim. Fortunately, there are numerous good tires in this size.

For comparison, when I bought my tires, I had the shop mount one on an 8" rim. No difference except the sidewall shape. Footprint was identical.

Steer clear of any "affordable" aftermarket rim. The Q is hell on rims and tires (many are not strong enough and go out of round). Find some 17" Touring alloys from a 97-01 Q and you'll be real happy.