UrQ Posted July 5, 2004 Posted July 5, 2004 I've always put H rated snow tires (like Vredstein) on my Audis. The H rating seems to offer a firmer compound that still provides some performance driving in dry conditions. A set of 16" usually run $600+. Has anyone priced or bought some 17" snows for the Legacy GT yet? Will the bolt pattern on the GT take 16" wheels from other Subie models? It's still warm in CO but I'm hoping to get them cheap before the winter driving madness hits the masses.
gtguy Posted July 5, 2004 Posted July 5, 2004 For just the tires, price will be about the same, $600+ per set for something nice. The 17" size limits matters. For example, my preferred WS-series Blizzaks aren't available in the Legacy's size. And Nokian devotees will have to use 225-45-17, Nokian's available size. Kevin
UrQ Posted July 5, 2004 Author Posted July 5, 2004 I didn't realize that limitation was in place. I'll have to start shopping early. Does Blizzak make an H rated now? Todd
gtguy Posted July 5, 2004 Posted July 5, 2004 [quote name='UrQ']I didn't realize that limitation was in place. I'll have to start shopping early. Does Blizzak make an H rated now? Todd[/quote] The LM-series Blizzak is the available tire in the GT's size. And remember, you can't go minus-1 because of the size of the brakes. Kevin
IwannaSportSedan Posted July 6, 2004 Posted July 6, 2004 In the other tire update thread, I mentioned that the LM series snows, in stock size for the legacy, are $143 per tire, at tirerack.com That is if you are going to put them on stock wheels. If you are going to get other 17" wheels, then that will, of course, add cost. Incidentally, LM22 Blizzaks are within a couple of dollars of the Bridgestone RE730 summer tires that I would also want for a legacy GT.
outahere Posted July 6, 2004 Posted July 6, 2004 [quote name='gtguy']The LM-series Blizzak is the available tire in the GT's size. And remember, you can't go minus-1 because of the size of the brakes. Kevin[/quote] IIRC, the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 is also available in 215/45x17.
scubie02 Posted July 6, 2004 Posted July 6, 2004 the only thing showing up at tirerack that fits are the lm-22's, which are pretty pricey. I was disappointed to see that nokian and the dunlops don't seem to come in that size. I'm assuing my 16'ers from my wrx won't fit because of the larger brakes on the GT? Just my luck--had a brand new set of nokians on a complete extra set of stock wrx wheels that I just got last year...*sigh*...anybody need winter's for their wrx...?
outahere Posted July 6, 2004 Posted July 6, 2004 Just checked the Dunlop web site, and they do manufacture a V rated Winter Sport M3 in 215/45x17.
UrQ Posted July 6, 2004 Author Posted July 6, 2004 16 inches don't fit, they tell me at discount tire. As posted above, it seems the rotors are too large. Sounds like snows this year are going to cost me. :cry:
gtguy Posted July 6, 2004 Posted July 6, 2004 Hey, looky what I found. A press release from Bridgestone, announcing a selection of new sizes added to the WS-series Blizzak line, including...ta daaaa! 215-45-17. Woot! For anyone who hasn't experienced the wonder of the WS-series Blizzak in the snow, it's some kind of party. You can do 4,000 rpm launches in your turbo Subaru, in 6" of snow, and the car just takes off. They're an amazing tire. In the dry, they're kind of squirmy, but upping the tire pressure takes care of some of that. You will, however, of necessity, have to bring your speed down. But if you want a snow tire, like I do, and don't want to fart around, get a SNOW tire. The Nokian Hakka 2s are available in 225-45-17, for people who might find their way to an inexpensive 7.5" set of winter wheels for the Leggy. Kevin
DrGT Posted July 6, 2004 Posted July 6, 2004 The new Nokian RSI is also available in 205-50-17, which is almost the right size (+ 1.8%) and is better in snow (narrower and taller).
scubie02 Posted July 6, 2004 Posted July 6, 2004 [quote name='outahere']Just checked the Dunlop web site, and they do manufacture a V rated Winter Sport M3 in 215/45x17.[/quote] Hmm, you should email this to tirerack, so they carry it before winter rolls around!
outahere Posted July 6, 2004 Posted July 6, 2004 Pirelli also manufactures at least two winter tires in 215/45x17, the SnowSport-240 (V rated) and the IceSport (Q rated). In this same size, Michelin manufactures the H rated Pilot Alpin. All these tires are over $100 each.
outahere Posted July 6, 2004 Posted July 6, 2004 [quote name='gtguy'].....For anyone who hasn't experienced the wonder of the WS-series Blizzak in the snow, it's some kind of party. You can do 4,000 rpm launches in your turbo Subaru, in 6" of snow, and the car just takes off. They're an amazing tire. Kevin[/quote] How many miles can you put on the Blizzak WS50 tires before the multicell layer is gone,and the fantastic ice traction disappears?
gtguy Posted July 6, 2004 Posted July 6, 2004 [quote name='outahere'][quote name='gtguy'].....For anyone who hasn't experienced the wonder of the WS-series Blizzak in the snow, it's some kind of party. You can do 4,000 rpm launches in your turbo Subaru, in 6" of snow, and the car just takes off. They're an amazing tire. Kevin[/quote] How many miles can you put on the Blizzak WS50 tires before the multicell layer is gone,and the fantastic ice traction disappears?[/quote] The magic was going by the fourth season, but it's about tire time at that point, anyhow. Kevin
moriarty Posted August 18, 2004 Posted August 18, 2004 FYI - Nokian WR is available in 215/45-17: [url]http://www.nokian.com/passengercars_product_en?product=610503&name=NOKIAN+WR[/url] And considering the amount of dry roads I also have to drive in the winter, it's where I'm currently leaning. - Dan
racerdave Posted August 18, 2004 Posted August 18, 2004 These are available in 205/50/17 too... [url]http://www.nokian.com/passengercars_product_en?product=610499&name=NOKIAN+HAKKAPELIITTA+RSi#[/url] [img]http://www.nokian.com/files/nkr/ha_talvi/hkplrsi_tuote_iso.jpg[/img] and this: [url]http://www.nokian.com/passengercars_product_en?product=610495&name=NOKIAN+HAKKAPELIITTA+4#[/url] [img]http://www.nokian.com/files/nkr/ha_talvi/hkpl4_tuote_iso.jpg[/img] And, as indicated before, this one's available in both 205/50 and 215/45 [url]http://www.nokian.com/passengercars_product_en?product=610503&name=NOKIAN+WR[/url] [img]http://www.nokian.com/files/nkr/ha_talvi/wr_tuote_iso.jpg[/img]
moriarty Posted August 19, 2004 Posted August 19, 2004 Where does everyone get their Nokian tires? The place I used to go no longer carries them.
bigbadboss101 Posted August 19, 2004 Posted August 19, 2004 GTguy, where do you live? I am in Western Canada and we do need snow for our RWD cars, and some FWD cars. I had Bridgestones RE92 on my 02 Maxima and I cannot stop nor spin on start up. I got a set of LM22, which I think is a bit higher in performance that the WS. I believe I will go with WS cuz of the better snow grip. I have heard good things about the Nokian. Now with the Legacy, do you need snow tires, or would a set of nice M/S be good enough?
gtguy Posted August 19, 2004 Posted August 19, 2004 [quote name='bigbadboss101']GTguy, where do you live? I am in Western Canada and we do need snow for our RWD cars, and some FWD cars. I had Bridgestones RE92 on my 02 Maxima and I cannot stop nor spin on start up. I got a set of LM22, which I think is a bit higher in performance that the WS. I believe I will go with WS cuz of the better snow grip. I have heard good things about the Nokian. Now with the Legacy, do you need snow tires, or would a set of nice M/S be good enough?[/quote] I'm in the Chicago area, and when we get snow, we get snow. Further, I live in Highland Park, a northern suburb, where when they say "scattered lake effect snow," they mean "in Highland Park." :lol: And I'm not one of those shrinking violets when it comes to snow. When it's snowing, I'm not really into slowing down very much. With the WS-series Blizzaks, you don't have to. The LMs are speed-rated, unlike the WS Blizzaks, so keep that in mind. I'm also considering the Nokian WRs, which I didn't realize came in stock Legacy size. Kevin
outahere Posted August 20, 2004 Posted August 20, 2004 [quote name='moriarty']Where does everyone get their Nokian tires? The place I used to go no longer carries them.[/quote] etires.com is a Nokian dealer. I have never dealt with them, so cannot vouch for their service and prices. I wish TireRack would carry Nokian (and Toyo), but they probably don't want to antagonize Bridgestone.
outahere Posted August 26, 2004 Posted August 26, 2004 [quote name='gtguy'].........I'm in the Chicago area, and when we get snow, we get snow. Further, I live in Highland Park, a northern suburb, where when they say "scattered lake effect snow," they mean "in Highland Park." :lol: And I'm not one of those shrinking violets when it comes to snow. When it's snowing, I'm not really into slowing down very much. With the WS-series Blizzaks, you don't have to. The LMs are speed-rated, unlike the WS Blizzaks, so keep that in mind. I'm also considering the Nokian WRs, which I didn't realize came in stock Legacy size. Kevin[/quote] I take it you do not find the lower ground clearance of the GT wagon, relative to the Outback, to be a significant detriment in deep snow?
outahere Posted August 26, 2004 Posted August 26, 2004 [quote name='gtguy'].........The LM-series Blizzak is the available tire in the GT's size. And remember, you can't go minus-1 because of the size of the brakes. Kevin[/quote] Bridgestone announced in June that the Blizzak LM22 is being replaced by the LM25 (V,H, and T speed ratings), and the LM18 is being replaced by the LM20. Both of these new tires are said to benefit from improved computer simulation of snow traction and wet traction.
gtguy Posted August 26, 2004 Posted August 26, 2004 [quote name='outahere'][quote name='gtguy'].........I'm in the Chicago area, and when we get snow, we get snow. Further, I live in Highland Park, a northern suburb, where when they say "scattered lake effect snow," they mean "in Highland Park." :lol: And I'm not one of those shrinking violets when it comes to snow. When it's snowing, I'm not really into slowing down very much. With the WS-series Blizzaks, you don't have to. The LMs are speed-rated, unlike the WS Blizzaks, so keep that in mind. I'm also considering the Nokian WRs, which I didn't realize came in stock Legacy size. Kevin[/quote] I take it you do not find the lower ground clearance of the GT wagon, relative to the Outback, to be a significant detriment in deep snow?[/quote] Naaaah. My Legacy GT wagon on DMS Golds was lower, and with WS Blizzaks it was like a snow plow. I still remember a big storm we had in Evanston one year. I came up the alley, with snow washing over the hood of the car. It was awesome. I stopped, backed into the garage (up a slight incline) and shut the car off. A neighbor who was digging out his Ford Explorer, said incredulously, "What kind of car is that?" :lol: Kevin
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