Can anyone tell me if they put snows on their 8 and does it make a significant difference in getting around in the snow?
Peter

Ps: Where can snows be bought?

You don't say where you will be using your car. If it is anything but subtropical, you need snow tires. As Bridgestone will confirm, the stock tires get slippery just from the cold. Use the search to find many threads that go into snow tire issues --- separate wheels, wheel size, brands, dealers, etc.

I'm up in the Albany, NY area.

Peter, please do a search for 'winter tire' - you'll find dozens of threads about this, with very specific details on suitable wheels, sizes, make/model of tires, etc. There is a sticky thread at the top of the RX-8 Discussion forum about this, there are sticky threads at the top of the Canada regional forum about this, and much more. The topic has been extensively covered.

After reading those threads, please feel free to ask any questions you've got left!

Quick answer, though - the OEM summer performance tires are completely useless in snow. With real winter tires, the RX-8 is transformed. I've had winter tires on my 8 for over 3 months now, and the car is great. I can go anywhere, and have taken it to the mountains skiing on several occasions.

Do the search, read the threads! ;)

Regards,
Gordon

Hi Gordon

I put a deposit down Saturday on my new RX-8. :D

I wanted your opinion on something. I am looking at the LM-22 and the M3. I think I read that you are not a fan of the Dunlop, but I'm not sure if you meant a particular tire or all Dunlops.

Kristen

Originally posted by kristymac
I wanted your opinion on something. I am looking at the LM-22 and the M3. I think I read that you are not a fan of the Dunlop, but I'm not sure if you meant a particular tire or all Dunlops.

I meant the SP8000 and SP9000 in that context, if I recall correctly. I'm also not big on the A2 all-season tire, but then I don't like all-seasons of any sort! ;) I've heard great things about the M3 winter tire, and think it would be a great choice - I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if it were available in a size I wanted. Both the M3 and the LM-22 would be fine.

Regards,
Gordon

I have read much, but not all there is on the Winter tires that one can choose for the RX8.

As I live on Long Island and occasionally face some snow/slush conditiions but mostly just dry pavement during the cold winter months.

I am not clear on which 17" tire to consider for this situation as I understand that some tires do not last as long when they are used mostly on dry pavement.

Which would be more durable: M3's or LM22's or another?

As I will need new rims and I do not want to spend too much on them, will 17" ASA KA3's in Chrome alloy wear well?

Tirerack is where I will probably buy these.

Thanks for any input here.

Claude H.

Originally posted by peterx8
I'm up in the Albany, NY area.
I'm in Rochester, NY and, yes, we need winter tires in upstate NY. They do make a significant difference in getting around in the snow - like, with the OEM tires you can't.

You can get winter tires from several sources, and I believe it's preferable to have them on a separate set of wheels for winter.

Originally posted by claude4
Which would be more durable: M3's or LM22's or another?

As I will need new rims and I do not want to spend too much on them, will 17" ASA KA3's in Chrome alloy wear well?


Both the M3s and LM22s should last about the same. They'll be better than the Blizzak LM-50 and a few others, so should be a good choice. The 17" ASA wheels are good, but why chrome? You're paying extra for the chrome plating, which typically isn't as durable as the regular painted finish, and makes the wheels heavier (chroming also weakens the underlying metal, but for wheels that's not a significant factor). If you really like the chrome look, then that's enough reason there, but otherwise stick to the regular painted alloys!

Regards,
Gordon

Gordon or anyone, Do you know the hole specs for a 17 x 7 wheel?

Also, is it the same as the later rx 7's

Peter

I'm in Germany, and yes, the stock potenzas SUCK when it's cold. It's like they're made of Glass! I put on the Dunlop Winter Sport M3s (225/45/HR18) and they are truly incredible. I believe you can get them in a V rating as well, but I have no intention of going over 210k (130MPH) in this weather. Had a nice snowy monday and I drove over 100 Kilometers with no problem.

Thanks guys, M3's or LM22's it is then.

Jury, forme, is still out on wheither I will get chrome 17" rims or not.

BTW: Are the OEM tires on the 8 not to be used in cold weather when there is no snow? DO I do harm to them or myself if I do?

Sorry for the lame question but I really am not clear if they loose durability or much gripping power when it is 30f or lower.

Thanks,

Claude H.

The Potenzas (from what I've experienced) are dangerous when the temp is under 40. They get hard and slippery.

As far as debating the 17" wheel issue, well that's up to you. I wanted to keep the stock wheels, and use the Volks in the Summer so it would be no use having 3 sets of wheels and tires. You may however, find a cheaper deal buying a 17" wheel package.

Originally posted by peterx8
Gordon or anyone, Do you know the hole specs for a 17 x 7 wheel?

Also, is it the same as the later rx 7's

Peter

5x114/.3

Yes, I believe it is the same as the last gen rx-7 wheel bolt pattern.

Thanks iamcanadian,

They couldn't even tell me that at the dealership.
I've been watching some good deals on ebay go by.

Peter

I can get a set of Ikan 17" wheels delivered to NY for $399.
What does anyone know about this wheel? Sounds to me like a good deal. ??
I'll still have to locate some snowtires though.
Not the easiest thing to do.

I went with the least expensive 17 inch wheel I could find and 100 a piece is about as cheap as they get. IMHO, between the M3 and LM-22, let price be your guide, there both good. I have the LM-22s and have no regrets.