Chicago. Winter. Sh*t....

[a2cpc]

FYI you can use '02-'03 stock WRX wheels. There was a set for sale locally a few weeks ago that had slightly used winter tires on them for $125.

[cevin45x]

Get winter tires on steelies. I got a set at Tire Rack, 16" to compensate for the profile size. Hit a few pot holes and no dents on them. I have them with Blizzaks and they are great. Using all-seasons will suck since they compromise on rain, dry, snow.

[Obsidiank]

what's the diff between blizzak ws70 and lm-60, which do people think I should get?

[Dezoris]

Ws70 is the replacement for the 60. Had them both can't tell much difference. Go with whatever is cheaper. 70 has some advances but like most snow tires those only matter the first 50% of the tread depth anyway.

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by Obsidiank

what's the diff between blizzak ws70 and lm-60, which do people think I should get?

LM-60 is the "performance" snow tire - it's got a higher speed rating and will perform better on the dry, but it doesn't have the fancy rubber compound that gives the best snow grip (their best compound is too soft to get the high speed rating). WS-70 is the all-out, dedicated snow tire - the tread will squirm more while cornering, it'll wear out faster, and I wouldn't trust it at high speeds (>100-115ish mph), but its grip on snow and ice is second to none. Personally, I'd go with the WS-70, and leave the sporty driving (at least on dry pavement) for your other set of tires.

[chrisl]

Originally Posted by Dezoris

Ws70 is the replacement for the 60. Had them both can't tell much difference. Go with whatever is cheaper. 70 has some advances but like most snow tires those only matter the first 50% of the tread depth anyway.

That's WS-70 vs WS-60 - he asked about the WS-70 vs the LM-60.

[Hawaiian]

Originally Posted by BRZBlack

Anyone live in the Chi area? If yes, what do you think.... Winter tires on stock wheels/cheapo steelies or go with all seasons on the stock? Im leaning more towards the all seasons for the all around niceness (and not having to store/switch out winters) but reading some of the threads about people having "OH SH*T" moments is making me think snows... I only put about 5k miles on my car per year and I work about a mile from my apartment 10 days a month. I rarely drove any of my cars in the snow/winter to begin with but this is my first RWD car. I know some extra weight in the trunk will help (sand, cat litter, whatever). And even if it is SNOWMAGEDDON like a few years ago, I just left my car at home and took the bus to work lol. No plan on getting aftermarket wheels/suspension upgrades for at least a few years. Any input would be appreciated.

I drove last winter on stock wheels and tires. It's no joke. This season i'm getting winter rubber put on my stocks.

P.s. do you have smoked tails? If so i think i saw you driving west on willow near 294 the other day.

[propulsion1]

Bought a set of 205/55R16 Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D mounted on black steelies from Tire Rack in December for my BRZ. Around $800 after shipping. No TPMS, don't need them either. The dash TPMS light comes on after a while but u learn to ignore it if you check your pressure with a gage. Had a fair amount of snow last season in Chicago, got around no problems.

Will most likely get a winter beater this year as a 2-door and a toddler and winter driving just isn't convenient.

I will sell the entire set of 4 installed on the steelies for $450 (used less than 2000 miles) for local pick up if anyone is interested. PM if interested.

[BRZBlack]

Originally Posted by Hawaiian

I drove last winter on stock wheels and tires. It's no joke. This season i'm getting winter rubber put on my stocks.

P.s. do you have smoked tails? If so i think i saw you driving west on willow near 294 the other day.

Nah that wasn't me. No mods as of yet.... besides the k&n drop in. Window tints on sept 6th though!

[Ganthrithor]

Get a nice set of wheels for not-winter, buy a set of Blizzaks for your stockers for winter.

[yberther]

Originally Posted by Obsidiank

what's the diff between blizzak ws70 and lm-60, which do people think I should get?

http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/steves...0-and-the-lm60

[5TLTH]

Originally Posted by Ganthrithor

Get a nice set of wheels for not-winter, buy a set of Blizzaks for your stockers for winter.

+1. If you can afford it. That's exactly my plan. Nothing beats winter tires. I had winter tires on a previous Mustang and it was like a completely different vehicle. I'm more worried about how light this car is. But from what I hear, people have no problems with just the winter tires on the twins. I'm in NY (LI) and winter is really a hit or miss. We usually don't get snow too often over the winter months but usually when we get it we get a lot. Or it feels that way anyway.. But I still say winters are a good investment. Better safe then sorry!

[tomt5078]

Originally Posted by propulsion1

Bought a set of 205/55R16 Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D mounted on black steelies from Tire Rack in December for my BRZ. Around $800 after shipping. No TPMS, don't need them either. The dash TPMS light comes on after a while but u learn to ignore it if you check your pressure with a gage. Had a fair amount of snow last season in Chicago, got around no problems.

Will most likely get a winter beater this year as a 2-door and a toddler and winter driving just isn't convenient.

I will sell the entire set of 4 installed on the steelies for $450 (used less than 2000 miles) for local pick up if anyone is interested. PM if interested.

I sent you a PM, asking about your location!

[Kfresh23]

Winter tires for SURE! Drove in a Canadian winter last year and it was still a little sketchy at times!!! Also, fill the trunk with snadbags or some weight of some sort that won't roll around etc. The back end is way too light and needs some extra weight!
Here is what my 16" winter rim package looks like (from the dealer) with Michelin X-ice winters. (Blizzak are even better!)