If you're looking for a low cost alternative, buy some good Z-rated tires in the stock 215/60-15 size ('95 Maxima). These tires should noticeably improve grip in power, braking and cornering over the factory H-rated tires.

If you can afford bigger wheels, I think 225/50-16 tires would be ideal (same diameter as stock). Steve Millen goes as big as 235/45-17 on his SMX Maxima on 8" wide MOMO wheels.

Try 225/50ZR-15 R1 racing tires on Infiniti J30 alloy wheels. These wheels are the same size as stock, fit perfectly including the center hub, and are lighter with 5mm less offset (slightly wider track). Tire Rack has reasonably priced "take-offs" (from new cars that upgraded).

If you really want to see how much of a sports car the Maxima is, then you need high performance tires. Try the car out with the Pirelli P4000 SuperTouring tires. If you're looking for all season high performance, then try Yoko AVS A+4 (not U+4) or BFG VR4s.

Probably the most essential necessity for enhanced performance. To ensure proper speedometer count and normal fuel consumption, you should stick to the "Plus Concept". This states that the aspect ratio equivalent to the entire outside diameter of the tire should remain essentially unchanged regardless of the profiles of the tire and size of the rims. For example, on the a 96' Maxima SE, stocks are 215 (width) / 60 (% profile of tire height from wheel in proportion to the actual width) / 15 (wheels diameter in inches). Using the above method, a good size would be would be 225-50-16 for a nice compliant ride, and improved handling characteristics. For more radical setups, a 17" rim would fit nicely with 235-45 series tires, though the ride harshness, since there is so little rubber isolating you and the road and prevalent road noise intrusion might be a bit intolerable to some. I have seen other radical setups such as 18", but regardless, the Maxima's stock engine and drivetrain can still easily smoke the stock treads, so an upgrade is vital!

'85-'88
Here's your dilemma. A good selection is 16x7 OZ Evolution rims with 205/50/16 Yokohama AVS tires. It's a great setup. However, with the ST springs, you'll have a clearance problem. You may actually have to put spacers in between the springs AND roll back the fenders in the rear wells to fit the tires! BF Goodrich offers a 205/45/16, but you might be too chicken to try them. They are the only makers to date that have one that size. The AVS Tires absorb a lot more bumps and don't give it a jarring ride.

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