Wheel & Tire Fitment for Track and Street: Nissan Z & Infiniti G Platforms

Street vs Track Fitment: Different Goals

Street and track setups prioritize different things:

• Street: clearance, ride quality, steering lock, and tire longevity
• Track: grip, heat management, rotation capability, and consistency

Because of this, many drivers run separate wheel and tire sets—one for daily use and one dedicated to track days.

The Most Common Track Fitment: 18x10.5 Square

For track-driven Z and G cars, the most widely used and proven setup is:

• Wheel size: 18x10.5
• Layout: square (same size front and rear)

A square setup allows tire rotation front-to-rear, improves balance, and simplifies spares and class compliance. It also pairs well with proper alignment and suspension tuning.

Offset Range That Works

On most 350Z, 370Z, G35 coupe, and G37 coupe chassis, offsets in the following range typically fit mostly under stock fenders with appropriate alignment:

• +22 (very common baseline)
• +30 to +5 (workable range depending on alignment, ride height, and tire choice)

Exceptions: G37 sedans and some G37 coupes may require more conservative offsets, additional camber, or fender work to achieve the same clearance.

Best Tire Size for 18x10.5 Track Wheels

The most common and best-balanced tire size for an 18x10.5 track wheel on these platforms is:

• 275/35/18

This size offers an excellent combination of:

• Sidewall support
• Overall diameter suitable for gearing
• Clearance with track-focused alignment
• Availability across many 200tw tire models

Running 285/30/18 (Class-Dependent)

Some classes and builds allow stepping up to:

• 285/30/18

This can provide additional grip, but it comes with tradeoffs:

• Shorter overall diameter
• Tighter clearance requirements
• Less sidewall compliance on rough tracks

This size typically requires careful offset selection, sufficient camber, and attention to suspension travel.

Important Note on 200tw Tire Width

Not all tire sizes measure the same in reality. With modern 200tw tires, you should assume:

• A 275 often measures wider than a true 275
• Section width varies significantly by brand and model
• Sidewall shape can affect fender and suspension clearance

Because of this, clearance that works with one 275/35/18 tire may be tight—or problematic—with another. Always check manufacturer specs and plan alignment accordingly.

Street-Oriented Wheel & Tire Setups

For street-driven cars, more conservative fitments are often preferred to preserve ride quality and reduce rubbing:

• 18x9.5 or 19x9.5 wheels
• Offsets closer to factory
• 255–265 width tires

These setups are easier to live with daily, but they leave grip on the table compared to a true track-focused square setup.

Fitment Depends on the Whole System

Wheel and tire fitment doesn’t exist in isolation. Clearance is affected by:

• Ride height
• Camber and toe settings
• Spring rate and damper control
• Bump travel and bump stops

A properly aligned car with adequate suspension control can often run wider tires more cleanly than a softly sprung, poorly aligned setup.

Quick Track Fitment Summary

• Wheel: 18x10.5 square
• Offset: +22 typical (usable range +30 to +5)
• Tire: 275/35/18 (most common)
• Optional: 285/30/18 (class and clearance dependent)
• Note: 200tw tires often run wider than labeled

FAQ

Will 18x10.5 wheels fit under stock fenders?

On most Z and G coupes, yes—with proper offset and track alignment. G37 sedans and some coupes may require additional camber or fender work.

Why run a square setup on track?

Square setups improve balance, allow tire rotation, and simplify setup changes—all valuable for track use.

Is a 285 tire always better than a 275?

Not necessarily. Clearance, gearing, and tire construction matter. Many drivers find 275/35/18 to be the best all-around choice on 18x10.5 wheels.