hi guys. im lookling for anything that can give me better traction and handling during the snow season. what do u guys recommend? ive got a 97 ss convt a4 with a stock suspension.
thanx.

 

Not really a AutoX/RR question...but sure

Call tirerack and get a set of cheap steel wheels and some snow tires.

I've jacked around with sand bags and everything else....trust me, just get a spare set of wheels and tires should be like $600 and you'll be set. Won't be pretty but hey it works. Not like you want salt and snow on a good set of alum wheels anyway.



But the best thing....get something with 4wd and park the Z

 

The only thing that I needed to do was put Bridgestone Blizzaks on the car. If you are sensible, the car drives as good as, or better, than other cars with all-season tires on them.

 

... a few seasons ago I bought a set of the 5spoke Firebird take-offs from SLP for 50 bux apiece and ran the factory Goodyear RSA tires. They're a M&S rated tire and since we don't get 'that' much, they work fine.

 

I use Michelin Arctic Alpins in 225/55-16. They work great. It's important not to overinflate the rears - I use 35f/28r and get even wear. This winter will be the third on the same set. You do have to be gentle on the gas - winter tires do not have the same dry grip as a set of hot summer tires, and they'll shred if you abuse them. The Alpins handle better than most, but you still have to shift your brain into "winter mode".

I have a set of V6 steel 16x7.5 rims and wheel covers I'll sell CHEAP. I used to use them for winter tires myself and had to use spacers to clear the front LS1 calipers. Now I've moved the Alpins onto Firebird takeoffs. Since you have an LT1 I'm pretty sure you won't need the spacers.

I don't check my messages too often here, so if you're interested send me email.

 

my bad yeah i know its not really ant ax question but just wanted some insight on what u guys use when the snow starts 2 hit. the rims ive got ar 18' and have on them all season tires from aurora.. the rims themselves r scuffed up but not 2 bad. i was planning on getting a used set of rims and tires but ive got no room 2 place the others. besides tires are there any suspension items that can help also? thanx.

 

I don't mean to **** you off but there's no trick available. No suspension mod will do even 10% of what good snow tires will do.

Get a set of wheels and good snow tires. Stack the others in a corner. Find a friend with space. Rent a storage locker.

 

The worst thing for traction are the wide 275/40/17's.
Even a "snow"tire wouldn't help much. I ran KDWS last
year and still couldn't go much. I also added about 250
lbs in the hatch. I would have been better
off putting the money into a beater which is what I'm
doing this year plus I wouldn't have to worry about salt
and accidents.
I'm looking into a R titled POS that runs=cheaper than tires.

 

damn!! i guess im gonna have 2 try and find some room 4 my rims and tires. oh well. hey thank u guys foe all your info. very appreciated. peace. R.C

 

Just stack them two high, put a round piece of glass on top of them....viola..end tables. Simple storage solution.

 

Better traction, hmmmmmmm. If getting a winter beater is out, after getting some good snow tires, add a few big bags of kitty litter in the "trunk". When you do get stuck, sprinkle some under your tires. I also keep rock salt in my cars.

 

watch out what kind of kitty litter you get.. most kinds now adays should not be used as a traction aid.. When it gets staturated with water, turns into an icky muddy paste. (yuk!)

In fact the kind I use for my cats litter box explicitly states not to use it in that application.

EDIT: I just realized I"m takling about kitty litter in the autox/rr forum.. the world has ended...

 

Dedicated winter tires are THE ticket. Kitty litter won't help you stop

However, for a little extra help to get out of a slick parking lot, what you want is the old fashioned clay kitty litter - except it's now called Oil Dry

Sand also works.

But tires are the essential first step, and there's no such thing as a good 18" low profile winter tire. This is one situation where you want as much sidewall as possible. Unless you have oversize brakes, go with 16" rims.

 

Yup, that stuff's awesome... plus it's only $4 for a 50 lb bag!

Fred

 

Got just the thing... I had this problem last year so I went out and bought a set of Blizzaks, and they were attached to an AWD Legacy GT... now my car goes like crazy in the snow.

Seriously... if you're in an area with a lot of snow, do your car a favor and get a winter beater, you don't have to pay a heck of a lot more than a good set of tires costs unless you want, and it'll keep your baby out of the elements.