Snow Tires/Rims
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Teching In
Joined: Nov 2005
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Snow Tires/Rims After four years of winter storing my 2002 WS6 T/A, I'm finally going to take the plunge and drive her thru the Toronto winter.
I have a few questions regarding winter tires and rims and am hoping someone will be able to help.
I've researched and found that the best size/fit of winter tire for my car is a 225 55 16, but was also told that a 225 60 16 would do. I'd prefer to go with the 60 series because of cost, but will it really fit and if so what other disadvantages would I be facing?
I was told by my local Active Green & Ross that I would need an OEM rim, these are almost double what the regular blackout rims cost. Is this true? What kind of rim, specifications, do I need if I'm going for 16" to fit those tires above?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Dave
2002 WS6 Trans Am
I have a few questions regarding winter tires and rims and am hoping someone will be able to help.
I've researched and found that the best size/fit of winter tire for my car is a 225 55 16, but was also told that a 225 60 16 would do. I'd prefer to go with the 60 series because of cost, but will it really fit and if so what other disadvantages would I be facing?
I was told by my local Active Green & Ross that I would need an OEM rim, these are almost double what the regular blackout rims cost. Is this true? What kind of rim, specifications, do I need if I'm going for 16" to fit those tires above?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Dave
2002 WS6 Trans Am
Any 16" rim that works on an F body will work. There is no requirement for an OE Rim for snow tires. They are feeding you crap. Stock 16" sizes are 235/55/16 and a 225/60/16 will be a little bit taller. I had snows on my base model Camaro and went with 215/60/16's. You can buy complete wheel/tire pacakges from Tire Rack that have either OE takeoffs or other cheap aftermarket wheels and your choice of snow tires. Blizzaks are one of the best but are expensive and have a super soft tread compound that wears quickly. I have been using Firestone Winterforce tires on my truck. This is the 3rd winter with them on and they're barely worn. They don't have quite as good ice traction as Blizzaks but make up for it in cheaper cost and longer wear.
Pick up used 16x8 rims. Salad shooters, twisties, 5 spokes... all those go for barely $100 a set all day long. eBay or for sale here are probably cheapest.
I had 235/55/16 Blizzaks on my Formula for 3 Indiana winters... drove 100 miles a day. Traction isn't an issue but ground clearance is still a problem. Being in Canada it should stay colder so wear shouldn't be as bad. I think most of the problem with US winters is we see some odd 50-60 degree days and that heats up snow tires too much.
215's are pretty skinny - that is probably near the minimum width for a 8" rim. For those you might need to use one of the base cast firebird rims that was a goofy gray five hole pattern or steel camaro rims that were 16x7.5".
I had 235/55/16 Blizzaks on my Formula for 3 Indiana winters... drove 100 miles a day. Traction isn't an issue but ground clearance is still a problem. Being in Canada it should stay colder so wear shouldn't be as bad. I think most of the problem with US winters is we see some odd 50-60 degree days and that heats up snow tires too much.
215's are pretty skinny - that is probably near the minimum width for a 8" rim. For those you might need to use one of the base cast firebird rims that was a goofy gray five hole pattern or steel camaro rims that were 16x7.5".
12 Second Club
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Bucks County, Pa.
Actually 215/60s are too narrow for a 16x8 wheel. If I were you, being where you are, I would go radical on the setup, i.e.; 16x7.5 steel wheels (4) with 215/60 16 Nokian RSi tires. This should get you through anything lower than your door sill, as well as being very good on black ice and slush.
