Winter Rims and Tires

[rbrott]

For a 2007 S-2000, are there recommendations for winter rims and tires; e.g. 16" vs 17" rims, steel vs alloy rims, preferred tire size and manufacturer. Thanks.

[Java Junky]

If you like the stock rims, keep 'em with the stock rubber for non-winter use. If you don't particularly care for the stock rims, use 'em for the winter rubber n' pick up an extra set'a rims that you can live with.
Like all my posts've said, I'm usin' Dunlop WinterSport3s, but there may be somethin' even better. Call the TireRack n' see what's cookin'.
You won't get any better info than that.
Be well.
Java

[spa01s2k]

A lot of AP2 owners with 17's like to buy the AP1 16 inch rims for winter tires. They are fairly cheap and easy to come by. As far as winter tires, I've heard good things about Blizzaks.

[desmo4]

If you use 16" wheels you can use Bridgestone Blizzacks.

Jonathan

[oinge]

Hey all,

First time poster here. I just purchased an 05 s2k last week and am interested in winter tires as well. The car came with 17" Potenza 050 front and rear.

My question is, if I install the 16" blizzaks, how much will my speedo be off?

Lastly, does anyone know the "practical" low temp limit for Potenza 050's? With granny-like driving, not aggressive? Just trying to determine exactly when I should install the winter tires.

Thanks,

oInGe

[Java Junky]

Welcome aboard oin.
As for "Granny-like" drivin', your intentions r' noble, but when the fit hits the shan n' you're tryin' to put your brake pedal through the floor . . . the surprises r' whudd'll ge'cha.
If I'm rememberin' correctly, most of your summer/fair weather tires start losin' some'a their ability as high as 45 degrees n' when you're down aroun freezin' your grip'z somewhere aroun' 75% 'r so. (If somebody remembers the stats more accurately than I do, please feel free to chime in)
With somethin' as touchy as Stewie, that kind'a grip deterioration could have some real ungood results if you've the least bit'a tendency towards not bein' able to keep a real short leash on yourself in the cold.
As for the speedo bein' off: well, the whole idea is to match the outer diameter of the replacement wheel/tire combination as closely to your stock units as possible. As long'z the outer diameter's the same ('R, at least close) everything with big numbers on the screen should be fine.
With me, once it starts gettin' consistantly below 50 Stewie's got 'er boots on.
Get thee to the introduction forum oin. Tell us who y'are.
Be well.
Java

[kgf3076]

I have a friend in Quebec City, PQ who swears by Blizzaks. He drives his S year round. He also has two sets of wheels so he merely swaps wheels when the seasons change.

[Java Junky]

When you've the call for it, (Havin' a real winter bein' the gauge) a second set'a rims with winter shoes'z the way'da go.
When I went lookin' for winter shoes for Stewie, I called to order 'em with the guys at the 'Rack. I wanted Blizzak 'cause I'd had such good performance on a few different rides in winter conditions.
I was advised that the Dunlop WinterSport was available in Stewie'z shoe size n' that it had a good rep. As you already know, that's the way I chose to go, n', while I won't say that they're better, 'r, worse than the Blizzaks, they're definitely an equal performer.
From past experience with Blizzaks and from my recent playtimes with the Dunlop WinterSports . . they're both the best winter rubber that you can put on a performance ride.
be well.
Java

[jagg]

I've been running blizzaks for the last 5 years or so, with lots of poor conditions travelling involved. they work great.

this year, I wasn't springing for the bridgestones for the beater, so I bought a set of cooper snow tires. (non-performance diggers, with very deep tread) $300.00 installed w/ a state inspection.
I'm looking forward to giving them a run in the deep stuff.

regards,
jagg

[Java Junky]

With the added benefit'a bein' able ta hook it up ta the tines n' plow the north 40.