TIRE/WHEEL UPGRADES FOR DUMMIES?

[Guest jjohart]

Hi, I've got a 83 280ZXT which has warped 15 wheels and road rash/rotted tires..Falken 205 60 15's. I am immediately likely to buy new all seasons like the F's, but it always raises my interest to look at larger sizes when this happens. I think the search engine on this site is really cantankerous on "best new wheels and tires", but then Tire Rack and others have very few 16/17/18 or staggered size tires/wheels for this car, which they've called old technology four bolts.

I have seen a lot of talk about "spacers" on this site, in language too technical for my novice state of mind. There were also a whole S---load of cars with beautiful Centerlines and Daytons, my wheel of choice, at the Z club show in New Hampshire this month, but I neglected to ask owners how in hell they mounted them, and is it worth it?

My personal preference is for a set of staggered 18 rear/17 front tires that don't F. up the speedo, or make steering effort feel like a rubber barge..I plan on intercooling to make about 300bhp, but I do feel the 15's are undertired for hard braking and cornering, particularly without ABS!! Ultimately, I'm after the best riding/handling compromise, willing to drop all season designation or winter tires for the promise of a Jaguar XJ6/XKE type of smooth road holder/GT ride.....

SO...can anyone fill in the categories below?

 

1. Best 15" snow tire..205 60 15?

2. Best all season tire..same size as above

3. Best 16" tire for summer only/ultra or high performance?

4. Best 18"/17" staggered set-up w.o speedo distortion and weird handling..willing to use "spacers" etc, if it can be explained SIMPLY to me!!

5. Best 16" wheel from Dayton or other wire wheel maker OR Centerline?

6. Best staggered wheel set up (is 3 piece overkill on this car? forged alloy or cast? I tend to overdo these things, then my charge card kicks me in the backside!

THANKS

John-83 280ZXT