All right, I've got an '05 Mustang GT. Stock tire size is 235/55R17. I currently have 255's on them. I'm looking to get a set of snow tires... will any of the Bridgestone LM-60 Blizzak tires fit my 17 inch rims?? Perhaps the 235/45R17's? If not, what does everyone else use when it comes to Blizzaks?

Thanks for any help you guys can provide!

 

Over in the 2010 section a few of use have been talking winter setups for awhile. Personally, I had the stock all seasons on 19 inch rims and figured that wasn't going to do me any good come the winter. So I moved down to 17 inch and Michelin Xice-Xi2. 1.) because it's a great winter tire and consistently ranked #1. 2.) It's profile works great, for it's the stock setup. And 3.) Judging from the reviews I had liked what I saw. However, I haven't been able to test them just yet for there hasn't been any real snow (it's for the better tho. )

Concerning those Blizzak Lm-60 235/45/17.... I'm going to tell you why it's NOT a good idea. Since you will be using the same rim I take it... that 45 vs 55 profile difference is the deal breaker. The sidewall on the stock/xice = 5.08 inches (so from tire to rim that's how much tire you see thickness if you will.) on the Blizz = 4.16''. So the tread isn't as able to 'dig' into heavier snow- ideally you want a bigger sidewall, for when the rim meets the snow line, it wont dig as much and odds are you'll have a harder time moving... Now, because of this, the overall diameter of the tire is 25.32 in (end to end) while the stock/xice is 27.17 in. So there will be an 1.85 inch extra gap (due to it being shorter) in it's wheel well. This then leads to the whole circumference of the wheel. Stock/xice you amount to 85.35 inches. The blizz = 79.54 inches. So there's a hugeeeee loss in tire to pavement contact by almost a full 6 inches. Finally what this does to the RPM's and speed. For every mile in the stock you turn 765.5 RPM (rotations per mile) the blizz will turn out 821.4 RPM. This results in a false speed output. So 60mph in the stock/xice would be = 64.3 mph in the blizzaks. an increase of 7.302% = no good.

Typically if you're going to change tires an industry standard in max difference allowed in wheel diameter is well within 3% of the diameter of the original tire. Any more you face risking of brake failure. That combo is 6.81%.

Now if we're talking 18'' well... that's a whole other story! Blizzak's 18 inch setup is fine.

But like I said, I'd recommend the 17 inch Michelin Xice-Xi2.

And you can always checkout tirerack.com. Their recommendation for sizes are usually pretty safe.

 

i'm on year 3 of winter driving in my car. i bought a set of 225/55/17 michelin x-ice tires. they have been great. i have them on 5 months of the year and they still show very little wear. albeit my car only has 17k miles on it.

 

I also have the Michelin X-Ice 2's and cannot say enough good things about them. That's coming from New England winters driving this mustang with 4:10 gears and no weight in the trunk with absolutely no problems. Michelin X-Ice 2's were worth EVERY PENNY.

 

I have Blizzak WS-60 225/55/R17 on my Subaru. They're great. The smaller cross section and weight of the car are good in the snow. I would recommend a dedicated snow tire as others have posted. I fortunately have the Mustang tucked away, but the tire size is out there and readily available. The new Blizzak is the LM-60.

 

I am currently running Gislaved Nord Frost 5 on my car and they are simply amazing.
This is my second winter on them and running the stock 235 55 17 size.

Here is the link on them. http://www.conti-online.com/generato...ew_nf5_en.html

 

figure i'd post a link up for reference.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....um=255TR7XI2XL

 

This is what I run, fit on the stock 18" perfectly and work awesome!

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

 

Hey guys . . .. . look at this picture of my Mustang from yesterday in Monterey, California . . .. . . doesn't he look happy . . .. . .with a set of Pirelli PZero racing tires?

Merry Christmas to all!

 

I have a set of Dunlop Winter Sports on 18" Fanblade rims. Very happy with them.

 

nice how are they in the snow

 

I run General ALTIMAX-ARCTICs on my Subaru outback, UNREAL and very inexpensive. They are available in your size as well. Look into them, they are terrific.

 

I'm thinking of running 215/60/17 winter tires, either Blizzak WS-60 or X-Ice Xi2. A little less width than the stock 235/55's plus $26 less per tire.

Anyone run the smaller width?
Any comments on the WS-60 vs. Xi2? Tire rack has two comparisons with these tires and they have swapped positions (i.e. finished 2-1, then 1-2)

 

Hankook Icebears. Awesome tires!
-Jim

 

i've got some 215/60/17 xi2 on order should have them installed in a couple days.. I wanted the 235/55/17s but discount tire said they were out of stock for the rest of the season