GameGuy369

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys. I have a dilemma. I'm trying not to go spending crazy, but I have already decided to get new rims/tires in the spring for show. However, for winter, I have to make a decision, because this is my only car, and I will be doing some travelling through ice/snow at times.

I can either keep the stock rims and get the Blizzak LM-25's, or get new 17" rims with the WS-60's since they dont make those in 18".

My question is, is there a significant enough of a difference to warrant spending an additional $600-$1000 on 17" wheels so I can get the WS-60's?

I think I'd be OK with the LM-25's, but I dont want to take any chances after experiecing this past winter on stock tires (where I learned the art of bumming a buddy's car). Thanks ahead of time!

troutfisher73

I had LM25s on the stock 18" wheels last winter. They were fine in the NJ snow and ice, and handled reasonably well in the dry as well. I never unintentionally spun them in the snow/ice.

The WS60s are apparently a better ice and snow tire, but not as good in the dry. I think you're more likely to run into clearance issues with the RX8 before you exceed the capabilities of the LM25s, though.

GameGuy369

iTrader: (1)

Did you ever feel out of control when driving on ice/snow? Only reason I ask is my whole life prior to this baby I drove a Cirrus FWD car and never had issues in snow. I thought the RWD issues were overrated. I was incorrect, haha.

SpIcEz

I bought this car in Mid January in the worst snow winter since 1972 in Montreal, Quebec. ----> 12 foot snow banks.

Had 225/45/18 LM25's on the RX8 GT (with DSC/TCS)

Its also my first RWD, though I have heavy driving experience and track experience, but still RWD was new to me.

Never felt out of control, never felt scared even in the worst blizzards (test drove it in a blizzard, hehe)

On ice or snow, I felt fine. TCS/DSC did come on many times, but it works great and isnt scary, just brings you back where you need to be, thats it.

I wouldnt bother if its a money issue for you.

However, Im going to use my LM25's one more winter, then the next get 17" steelies (cheap) with some other winter tire 205/55/17.

Narrower means more grip and stability in snow and ice. Its basicaly to have more fun when going joy riding in the snow.

I wouldnt go 17" because of the difference between WS60's or LM25's, but I would do it to get narrower tires in the winter.

If your RX8 doesnt have DSC/TCS then get 17" with narrower tires like 205's.

CTrx8

iTrader: (2)

i have gone two CT winters on blizzaks over my OEM wheels and they have worked well for me.

troutfisher73

No, the RX8 on LM25s did at least as well on ice and snow as my wife's RAV4 on all-season M+S tires. You still have to be smooth with accelerations and turns, but it's very drivable.

BTW, I think the OEM tire compound is more of a problem in the snow than the RWD. A v- or higher-speed rated summer tire will turn into a rock at cold temperature and get you stuck, even in a FWD car. Put your OEM tires on the Cirrus and it'd probably get stuck too....