My 370Z in the Snow - Blizzak LM-60

EazyD

Part 1: Video

35-40 mph on fresh snow, moderate curves, with intentional wheel spin to turn into entrance


(I'm using YouTube's video stabilization. If it's crappy let me know and I'll turn it off.)


Part 2: Winter set-up description

Running 225/50R-18 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 mounted on black 18x8 Sport Edition A7 winter wheels, all ordered from Alex @ TireRack. (19" RAYS are for summer).

I got a square setup (all the same size) so they can be rotated. The rears are sunken in quite a bit with no spacers. I feel like it helps keep the rear fenders cleaner But looks silly if you care about that stuff.

Part 3: A picture of the set-up

This is how it looks with this winter set on:



Part 4: Thoughts

I had good expectations going into this with all the positive comments on Blizzaks from people here in the Z forums. The other [cheaper] option for tire was the Michelin X-Ice 2 or something. Reviews basically told me it was best for icy roads, Blizzaks being better in the snow, so that's why I went with Blizzaks for my geographical location.

They perform very nicely! I rarely get wheel spin - usually only when I really want it or expect it. Keep the VDC on, though, because it will prevent any unexpected spinouts, probably. (no VDC debates here, please. Most of us aren't good enough to do better than VDC. HEY, I said no VDC debates!)

The tire tread mark is deep and nice - and you can tell it's doing a good job of rolling over the snow instead of sledding through it.

This morning... stupid, fat glove in the way.



Be careful out there! Don't let anyone give you crap for driving this car in the winter if you're properly set up for it. Some guy in a Jeep didn't come in to the office today, but I did.

__________________

Pearl White 2010 370Z Sport, Stillen CBE, tint, K&N drop-in filters, GT-R start button, Kenwood DNX-6980 with backup cam, LED bulbs, Raceseng shift knob.

kenchan

cool. i too am running LM60's but on my G35C. this season was the first time in 8 yrs of ownership i drove her through deep snow, salt, and ice. it was kind of a test of deciding whether to keep her or sell her when spring comes around.

my 04 weighs about 3600lbs+ and gearing is taller in 1st and 2nd, and power is rated 280hp at the crank vs 330+ so, much easier to handle vs the Z in slippery conditions.

anyway, i felt so confident driving the G in the snow with LM60's i think i will end up keeping my G longer.

nmjaxx9

Nice might have to invest in some Blizzaks in the future when I decide to actually drive the Z in the winter/snow. Good to know they hold up well.

m4a1mustang

Snow driving is lots of fun with the right tires and RWD! Just don't get too confident because that's when you end up putting the car off in a ditch.

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EazyD

I could see myself getting too confident. Listen to the 'stang!

__________________

Pearl White 2010 370Z Sport, Stillen CBE, tint, K&N drop-in filters, GT-R start button, Kenwood DNX-6980 with backup cam, LED bulbs, Raceseng shift knob.

kenchan

fixed.

gbrettin

Thank You EazyD. I was considering making a video today of my Z going through the snow to put the neigh sayers to bed.

EazyD

You still should. Recommend mounting the camera though. Will be better quality and safer than what I did

__________________

Pearl White 2010 370Z Sport, Stillen CBE, tint, K&N drop-in filters, GT-R start button, Kenwood DNX-6980 with backup cam, LED bulbs, Raceseng shift knob.

Tazicon

Do you guys understand that its not that you can't do it, there are just much better suited vehicles for doing it. Period. Some video of a guy driving in snow doesn't change that fact. Holding a camera doing a video while driving isn't the smartest thing either.

__________________
Porsche, it's a 2 syllable word

gbrettin

I wasn't holding the camera if you were referring to my video. My phone was mounted to the windscreen taking video. The quality was terrible, I know.

People are not disputing the fact that there are better cars to drive in the snow such as a WRX Impreza. The point is that you can drive your car if you choose to in the snow. However, there are factors that should be taken into account if you choose to do so. This thread addresses many of them.

If driving in winter, snow, or rain makes you uncomfortable then don't do it. Ultimately there are options and this thread specifically outlines one of them.

--Edit--
I don't want to drive anything other than my Z.

DLSTR

You wouldnt like living here in Germany where people buy all kinds of RWD BMW, Mercedes etc and actually drive them year round. Even when the suns out

Its a car. It gets driven. Just like my neighbor and his 2012 GT3RS-4.0

m4a1mustang

Now would be a good time to slap an "SUV Recovery Vehicle" sticker on your Z.

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EazyD

LOL where can I get one. Take my wallet!!

__________________

Pearl White 2010 370Z Sport, Stillen CBE, tint, K&N drop-in filters, GT-R start button, Kenwood DNX-6980 with backup cam, LED bulbs, Raceseng shift knob.

TreeSemdyZee

That is the best idea that I've heard today. I'm kinda ticked that we haven't had any snow here (except for a dusting that slowed everyone to 40 on the highway . Frickin' Kentucky drivers.) We ought to get some stickers made up.

m4a1mustang

In my defense, I was 16, I had all-seasons, and I was intentionally ice drifting.

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