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R51 - downsizing to 16" for winter rims
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2019 6:36 am
by brickbox
Has anyone here downsized from 18" (LE/silver edition) to 16" (S) rims?
If so, has anyone run 225/75/16 tires?
I was looking online and it looks like the S variants came with 245/75/16 and given that I will be running these in the winter, I think the skinnier tires would be just fine?
Were the brakes the same across all the variants?
I'm only looking at V6 R51s.
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2019 7:11 am
by FLiPMaRC
I believe all the brakes in V6s are the same. The V8s has the larger brakes and I think can clear only 17" wheels.
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2019 1:33 pm
by disallow
they should fit, but I wonder if they would be ok to put on 8" wide rims?
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2019 7:26 pm
by BullDozer
I would also check the weight rating. How about a Lt 235 / 85 r16. ? More expensive but should handle more weight load
Also check the width of your new 16 wheel. If it’s stock Nissan than 7 inch. If not , be careful as some non oem do have issues clearing brakes or backspacing. Etc
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2019 7:08 pm
by brickbox
Thanks for your responses both.
The reason for those tires is because they are only 5,000 miles old off my R50.
They are currently mounted on 16†rims off a 2001 QX4. My plan is to find OE 16†rims off a R51 and then just mount my tires on these said R51 rims.
How do I compare the rim width differences?
Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2019 5:07 pm
by docwatson
The stock 16" wheel is 7" wide for the 2005+. I'm not sure about the pre2004 rims. You could always just take both to the tire shop and measure.
Not all tire shops will put a narrower tire on. I'm running 235/85r16 and they made me sign something because of the width.
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2019 8:49 am
by brickbox
Interesting. I’m fine with signing a waiver if they want me to.
I’m basically having them take the season old winter tires off the rims of my old QX4 and having them put them on a set of 16†rims from a base S R51.
My online research indicates that QX4 rims were also 7†wide.
I’ll post pictures here in a few weeks once I get the snow set up. I have a feeling that the Pathy is going to look a little funny on the 225 tires
Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2020 5:11 pm
by brickbox
Finally got around to doing this.
The load ratings were equal to the Dunlop all seasons my Pathy came with.
Outside of looking a little skinny, the downsized 16†winter tires off my R50 work just fine on the R51
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 9:16 pm
by BullDozer
Can you notice any faster acceleration?
Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 6:12 pm
by brickbox
Not really, no. But my speedo is off by 4mph or so.
Acceleration feels the same with the OE size all seasons or the 16†winter tires