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I recently bought my first vette, a 97 and I live in New Jersey and will be using this as a daily driver. Jersey obviously gets snow and rain and I wanted to know what type of tires other daily drivers use on their vettes. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.
I have the Continental Extreme Contact DW (Dry/Wet) tires. So far they have been AWESOME, especially in the rain, these tires have given me full confidence in the rain, something my old Nitto 555's didn't do (but to be fair, they weren't really designed for rain anyways.) My FRC is a daily driver (20-50 miles a day depending on what day it is) and these tires have suited me well. They also have a version out called the DWS (Dry/Wet/Snow) that incorporate the winter season in them. They also didn't break the bank either through TireRack!!
The suspension was higher in this first pic because I had had it jacked up right before this picture, I promise it isn't this high
Compared to my old Nitto's. These went on wider, OEM Z06 wheels. I used to have factory size reproduction 5-spokes with the Nitto's.
I think more of the challenge of winter driving is that the Vette is so low, you will be beating up your rockers and nose on the small piles of ice and snow. I just couldn't see driving it during snow storms.....
Non- runflat--look at Nitto 555s . . . to learn more about what members think- you can also use the search function on the upper right side of the C5 general page . . .type in the tire brand and you'll get more good info too.
I would get a beater for those days when the weather wont let you get to work. A C5 is Not a winter in the North East type of car. Tires are too wide, car is too low and too much HP to the rear wheels is a formula for disaster. While NJ is a very flat state, there is much black ice to contend with on those flat NJ roads with little run off.
Bill
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I've driven a previous C5 in the snow and while it will get you around in a light snowfall, it is not the most pleasant experience. I have Hankook Ventus V12 EVOs on my car and have not had any problems in the rain or on dry pavement. Have not driven this car in the snow and have no plans to.