A&Q about 350Z
Q:
Its not performance necessarily, but high speed ability (which could be considered "performance"). The rating is a speed rating. Z is 149+ MPH. The other ratings are as follows.
M 81 mph 130 km/h
N 87 mph 140km/h Temporary Spare Tires
P 93 mph 150 km/h
Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires
S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
U 124 mph 200 km/h
H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes
V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars
So.. I guess it depends how fast you drive. Keep in mind - most high performance tires are designed with other things in mind than just top-speed. I would shop for tires based on Traction rating, cornering stability, noise, treadwear, etc.. not necessarily speed rating. (unless you're a 150mph kind of guy;) That being said..you would be hard-pressed to find a tire worthy of your Z that wasnt at least V rated anyway. FEW snow tires are H rated but thats about the lowest you'll find.
Post Edited (Sep 20, 12:28pm)
A:
No your not going to lose preformance but its more of a safty thing z rated tires are for 149+ MPH just make sure that your traction level is high and you should be ok.
1990 RS Camao (Ya i know im getting a Z but i still love my Camaro!)
2002 Z28 LS1 T56 yes its fast no you cant drive it!
A:
Thanks for the input guys. I really appreciate it :)
A:
Don't buy a used tire that has been patched up tho. A Z rated tire that has been patched improperly will lose its Z speed rating.
Dragonball Z
A:
I believe they were W rated just like the 18s.
You'll pay for the unlimited speeds of the Z rating.
A:
You might lose performance but it really depends on the quality of tire you buy. As for the speed rating last I checked most tire shops won't sell you a lower rating than is required for the car. Last time I got tires for my 300zx they said selling me anything lower than H rated would be illegal as they could be sued. Besides, you bought a 350z for performance and fun so why be cheap when it comes to tires?
1977 280z: Intake, exhaust, high flow cat, header, euro damper, cam, MSD, adj. FPR, 3.7 lsd, F+R sway+strut bars, 2580lbs
1984 300zx: intake, exhuast, high flow cat, headers, JWT ECU, F+R sway bars, F strut bar
06 WRX TR
A:
In a Z rated tire the sidewalls are generally stiffer. Thus the tire handles better most often. If you go to a H rated tire for example you'll end up with a better (smoother) ride but the response of the tire will suffer since the side walls have a little more flex. On my sedans I get a expensive H rated tire. It seems to have good handling and superior ride. On my sports cars I go with a Z rated tire with a higher profile to get better response and a fair ride for the street. If I am racing it is very low profile and super stiff sidewalls with a Z rating. Hope this helps.... AJ Machaevich
"Racing is life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting"
Quote - Steve McQueen
'04 350Z Silverstone 6spd
Previous owner of 240, 280, and 300 Z's
A:
Don't forget to look DEEPER than just the the Z rating when researching your tires. If you want the best, you also have to look at the "Service Description" (i.e., look for the W and Y as well). I could go on, but the Tire Rack (source below) tells it all -
Touring/6spd/LeMans/AllOpts/#047
When Z-speed rated tires were first introduced, they were thought to reflect the highest tire speed rating that would ever be required, in excess of 240 km/h or 149 mph. While Z-speed rated tires are capable of speeds in excess of 149 mph, how far above 149 mph was not identified. That ultimately caused the automotive industry to add W- and Y-speed ratings to identify the tires that meet the needs of new vehicles that have extremely high top-speed capabilities.
W 168 mph 270 km/h Exotic Sports Cars
Y 186 mph 300 km/h Exotic Sports Cars
While a Z-speed rating still often appears in the tire size designation of these tires, such as 225/50ZR16 91W, the Z in the size signifies a maximum speed capability in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h; the W in the service description indicates the tire's 168 mph, 270 km/h maximum speed.
225/50ZR16 in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h
205/45ZR17 88W 168 mph, 270 km/h
285/35ZR19 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h
Most recently, when the Y-speed rating indicated in a service description is enclosed in parentheses, such as 285/35ZR19 (99Y), the top speed of the tire has been tested in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h indicated by the service description as shown below:
285/35ZR19 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h
285/35ZR19 (99Y) in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h
As vehicles have increased their top speeds into Autobahn-only ranges, the tire speed ratings have evolved to better identify the tires capability, allowing drivers to match the speed of their tires with the top speed of their vehicle.