C6 on snow
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Wyckoff NJ
C6 on snow
I'm going to have to drive my vette in the winter. I was wondering what would the best wheel tire combination be for snow. I was hoping to pick up some cheap wheels and normal all weather tires for it. I really don't care what it will look like, I just want it to be able to go in snow.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: North Liberty Iowa
I've decided to do the same thing, going to try the Vette on the fairly light snow days etc, obviously ground clearance will prevent much beyond that. I found a set of Pirelli Psottozero 240 tires that come in C6 sizes - Tire Rack may still have some left, they were on closeout when I got them. I'd say that's your best option if you have a second set of wheels to put them on. Several C6 owners had reviewed them and gave them good marks on Tire Rack as well, and said traction was reasonable with them in light snow.
And before anyone flames on this, your choice is yours, and ours is ours... I bought the car to drive it, and parking it for 5 months a year (yay Iowa) aggravates the hell out of me. If I have the chance to drive the Vette instead of the crap box Corolla beater for most of those 5 months, that seems like a no brainer to me as long as it can be done safely - besides, it seems like a shame to never test the heated seats heh.
Dan
And before anyone flames on this, your choice is yours, and ours is ours... I bought the car to drive it, and parking it for 5 months a year (yay Iowa) aggravates the hell out of me. If I have the chance to drive the Vette instead of the crap box Corolla beater for most of those 5 months, that seems like a no brainer to me as long as it can be done safely - besides, it seems like a shame to never test the heated seats heh.
Dan
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 29,085
Likes: 14
From: Cary IL and Parrish FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Yeah dont listen to flamers here... drive it - but get some good tires. Luke at tirerack.com is your guy... he will give you a great deal
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Wyckoff NJ
Thanks for the responses
I'll check with tire rack. I bought my 2003 as a daily driver and it was okay in snow (my wife had it on the really bad days). It was MUCH better than the 97 mustang GT before it. I am concerned with the 2008 as the rear tires are wider and that is what will cause the issue. I want to go narrower I just dont know what size limitation I have. Can I go down to 18 on the back with a higher profile tire that is narrower. Hopefully Tire Rack will be able to assist. Thanks again. Oh, and in my opinion while it is a Corvette, its still a car. Okay now you can blast away!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 20,318
Likes: 1,905
From: Huntingdon Valley Pa/ Town of Webb NY
You can go, it's just watching so others are not bouncing off you, they don't stop good or turn good in the snow, but if you live in a flat area of the country you can at least get around
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 4
From: Palm Beach County, Florida
I got caught last November in an early snow in my 09 C6 coupe with the OE Goodyear tires.
White knuckles all the way. Just plain scary and not in a fun way.
Find some very aggressive winter tires and maybe mount them on standard painted wheels which you can pick up inexpensively. Bolt on bolt off, and good luck!
White knuckles all the way. Just plain scary and not in a fun way.
Find some very aggressive winter tires and maybe mount them on standard painted wheels which you can pick up inexpensively. Bolt on bolt off, and good luck!
No SNOW!!!!! NOOOOOO!!!!
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Kingwood TX
We've driven vettes in the snow for years. It is the nasty ice coatings we get in Oklahoma that really are a pain for ANY car that we don't drive on. We've never changed the tires out...just maybe drive a little slower. This is on C5's and C4's...I seriously doubt the GT1 will ever see the snow...but we will see.
Good luck on your coming fun!!
Good luck on your coming fun!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 50
From: Somerville New Jersey
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 392
Likes: 41
From: Burlington, Ontario
I've never driven the beast in the snow. It usually stays garaged using all storing procedures until the harsh weather is over. I'm usually driving my SUV or the sedan in the snowy season. Around here, I've never seen vettes out in the midst of winter. But go for it, as long as you can run through snow and ice safely, your good! Why not get all season tires and keep your rims on?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,025
Likes: 1,656
From: Toronto, Canada
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
I have driven mine 3 Winters with the stock tires but don't take it out on days when I know it will snow. The slightest incline has the rear end going sideways.
The best solution is to buy some stock rims from someone on the Forum and install the snow tires available in the C6 sizes.
I hope someone will chime in and address the question of whether narrower tires can be installed in the back.
The best solution is to buy some stock rims from someone on the Forum and install the snow tires available in the C6 sizes.
I hope someone will chime in and address the question of whether narrower tires can be installed in the back.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,504
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
why don't you put your location in your profile for a better answer . . .
It's one thing if you live in the snowbelt of upstate New York . . quite another if you're an occasional snow . . .
Regardless, it may try your patience in the snow and cold - -good luck!
It's one thing if you live in the snowbelt of upstate New York . . quite another if you're an occasional snow . . .
Regardless, it may try your patience in the snow and cold - -good luck!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Wyckoff NJ
I'm in northern NJ about 20 miles north west of NYC. I don't think it will be all that bad. I really was just wondering if anyone else has gone the cheap rims narrow tire route and if so what did they do.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton ALberta
I drove mine one day on stock tires in the snow (the car doesnt go away till it snows) it was a nightmare. the car wanted to go sideways with even the slightest touch of the throttle. Winter tires will help with traction but not ground clearance. If you have heavy snowfall i would advise getting a beater. I had a 2003 sentra for last winter and im getting a bmw x5 for this winter. If not ask your state officials for a paycheck as you will be acting as a snowplow driver.
NCM Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,833
Likes: 2
From: Dumont NJ
I live real close to you. I can barely get out of my driveway when there is snow on the ground. I really can't image any tires are going to make a big diferance. But people tell me I'm crazy just to park in the driveway all year round. Hell a couple of weeks ago some poor gay simply asked what kind of cover to buy because he lived in an apartment comlex and had no driveway. Numerous posts appeared saying"Sell your Vette if you don't have a gargage you shouldn't have a Vette. Anyway goos luck with the snow and take it slow.