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Originally Posted by maximaperform
I need help deciding which tires and wheels I should get. 17x8s would be ideal, but I don't know if this is going to affect my speedometer. I've read on a couple websites the "simple math" trick and then I read on another that it doesn't work. It would be for my 1996 Maxima. 5 lug 114 (I think). What should I expect to pay? I'd either want black or gold. I mainly just want to know what anyone else has on their Maxima or Nissan of the same time frame, so I can know how it affects ride quality / performance / etc etc...
thanks
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First of all, let me tell you what is the stock measurements for your vehicle:
WHEELS: 15" x 6.5" (6.5J), 5 lug x 114.3 bolt pattern, 40 mm offset
TIRES: 205/65R15
Now, let me direct you to a handy Tire & Wheel calculator:
Tire Size Calculator - tire & wheel plus sizing
Basically, what you need to do is keep in mind the required outside diameter of your wheels, which in your case is around 25 1/2 inches. You can safely vary +/- 3% from the recommended outside diameter. Larger diameter tires will cause your speedometer to underestimate your actual speed while smaller diameter tires will overestimate it. More than a 3% difference could be very bad for your brakes.
Next, if you are looking for 17 inch rims, anything from 7" to 8" will work. The tire sizes would range from 215/50/17 to 245/45/17. The main thing that you need to keep in mind are the tire section width (the first number) and the aspect ratio (the second number). The wider the section width, the lower the aspect ratio needs to be to keep the same overall outside diameter of wheel & tire.
You also should keep in mind the roads on which these will travel. If you are mainly driving on highways with very little driving over potholes and such, then you can get a very light wheel. The reverse is true for when you have to contend with lousy city streets. You want something that will take the punishment.
A lot comes down to personal taste in wheels. If you have got a black Max, then black wheels would look good (if they have a silver rim, though). Gold wheels on black? Personally, I am not a fan of shiny gold, but bronze would look better. On the other hand, I prefer silver...but that's me.
What looks good to you is what is important. With tires, it is a little different story because performance trumps looks. The recommended brand of tire to use should first be based on what other users have had to say. Real-life user surveys and reviews, such as what you can find at TireRack.com (which also have the best prices outside of eBay), can be a big help. Perhaps more importantly are the conditions under which they will be used (like if expect to use them also as a snow tire). Most people keep a spearate set of snow tires mounted on their original wheels.
Web sites like TireRack.com and Discounttiredirect.com have interactive screens where you can see how different wheels will look on your car. Doing a Google image search on Cardomain.com is another way to see what other Max drivers are using.
As for price? Basically, prices can vary from $90 per wheel all the way up to $2,000 per wheel (or more). A pricey wheel is not necessarily a better made wheel than one reasonably priced. I'd say, find a set you like, and then do a little research on the brand. As for what you should spend? IMHO, anyone spending more than $800 for a set is really out to impress others..sort of like buying designer jeans.
Good luck.
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BTW, if you are not set on getting black or gold, I just happen to be selling a new set of silver, 17 inch Motegi Racing MR7 rims. They are a seven spoke design and look like this:
They are 7" wide and would be fine for tires up to 245/45/17.
tire/wheel selection
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