I know it's only August, but I'm gathering information on winter/snow tires for my '03 S2000. I've searched the forums here on this topic and while there is a lot of good information, I'm wondering what may have changed technology-wise for the coming season.

I live in the Chicago area, my car is a daily diver, my winter driving is mainly on secondary roads and I am not usually on expressways at high speed in the winter. I'm more concerend about snow grip as opposed to ice. I'm experienced at driving a RWD sportscar (85 RX-7) in the winter.

I'm leaning right now towards Blizzaks, but I'm undecided between the LM-22s and the WS-50s. In addition there may be other, better choices I'm unaware of. I plan to mount the tires on a second set of OEM wheels I have coming.

I could use suggestions on what the best tire choice would be; I'm more concerned about grip and wear as opposed to price.

TIA

Tom

 

The Blizzaks are a good choice.

Personally I ended up going with the Toyo Garit HT's and they've been AWESOME tires. They can even handle a bit of spirited driving if you ever get one of those winter days where the roads are nice and clear.

They do quite well on snow and on ice.

<edit>I should mention... I've heard most of the Blizzak tires wear very quickly as well. My Toyo's have been used for 8,000 miles already, and you can't even tell that they've been driven on.

 

The LM22's don't wear quickly. They have excellent dry grip (for a dedicated snow tire) and very good snow traction. I have them.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Woodson
[B]The LM22's don't wear quickly.

 

Yeah, there are softer ones which are better on ice which wear quickly. Might be the ones xviper has.

 

Guys what are some of the prices that we are looking at?? For the LM22 or the Garit ones that koala mentioned. From what koala posted the Garits sound nice. How much? I also live in the chicago land area. Maybe we can get this done together tommcatt, get a deal or somethin.

 

I'm not so sure you can get good snow grip and good tire wear in the same tire. You usually sacrifice one to get the other.
I have the Blizzak MZ-01 (discontinued but the WS-50 should be close). These are very good snow tires and for some reason, after 3 seasons, they are still looking good in terms of wear. And I've even clutch dropped with those a few times in the dry, so go figure.
We Canadians can't help you much with pricing. You should go get one of last winter's car mags. They have all the snow tires listed with prices (Tire Rack).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by xviper
[B]I'm not so sure you can get good snow grip and good tire wear in the same tire.

 

Toyo Garit HT's

http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?tirebran...emodel=Garit+HT

$129.99 per front
$139.99 per rear

$539.96 + shipping... personally I paid about $520 US installed at a local dealership last winter for them.

I have an extra set of fronts in 205/55/16 as well (used for 1,500 miles)... they were on my RSX Type S before I traded it in... so I'm looking to sell them... so if you want a pair of almost new fronts, let me know.

 

tomcatt: You need to decide if you want an all out snow tire (Garit & WS-50) or a performance winter tire (LM-22 and the Pirelli 210s)

The LM-22 and Pirelli 210 (along with a dunlop I can't remember) will provide Good dry traction/handling, decent snow/ice traction, great wet traction. The Garit and WS-50 will provide you Great snow traction but not so great dry traction/handling.

They are all great tires, just decide what you want.