I am trying to decide wheter snow tires are necessary for my 05 that will be driven every day through a new england winter. I have done my homework, and searched around for info on the stock pirellis in snow, but I'm looking for votes to justify the expense to my fiancee, if you catch my "drift".

Here's the plan, I buy these GT500 wheels , put my stock pirellis on them, and mount some decent snow tires on the stock bullitts.

So what are your opinions, can my stock setup keep me safe in a winter of commuting in and out of boston or should I go with this setup?

(for those unfamiliar with the climate here, 2-3 big snow storms per year plus generally slushy to icy conditions throughout)

 

The first winter I had my 05, it was my daily driver. I kept the stock Pirellis, and was fine, with only one exception... I tried to drive after it snowed 7 inches (through my unplowed subdivision). That did not go well (but I seriously doubt any snow tires would have helped in that situation).

Other than that, the stock tires were fine for me.

 

Snow tires can't hurt, especially in New England, but the stock Pirelli's are impressive. I had BFG Comp T/A's on my '96 and they were useless in snow or even in the wet. On dry pavement, they were excellent.

Last winter was my first in the '05 with the Pirellis. I had to get to jury duty during a run of snow and freezing rain (my worst nightmare). But, I started my auto in 2nd and kept it there. Did not have a bit of trouble. I like those Pirellis.

 

Since moving to Nebraska in 95 I've bought snow tires for all my cars regardless of what the stock tires are. Bottom line is the snow tires are engineered for snow and ice where the stock tires are designed for "overall" performance. I bought chrome bullitts for summer and put the snow's on the stock rims.

As soon as the stock tires need replacing I'll be going with a high perf summer tire.

Snow tires just make sense to me.

 

Good quality snow tires at all 4 corners is the best bet. But to go one better would be to swap on a set of "cheap" wheel of a smaller diameter and width that will still fit over your calipers. This does a few things.

1st, the smaller width wheel/tire allows you to cut throuhh the snow to the pavement easier and not get caught in as many snow ruts on the road.
2nd, the smaller diameter wheel (and smaller width) typically mean a less expensive tire (more money for other mods). I think 16's will fit an 05/06 GT but I could be wrong.

We did this on my wife's 94 GT and it worked well for the 7 winter seasons we had it before she sold the car. Used a set of 15 stock black steel wheels that came standard on the v-6 94 Mustangs and the current Blizzak tire of the appropriate size for the wheels. Kept the summer only 17 rims and tires (back then, no-one made an all-season 17 inch tire) out away until the end of the winter.

 

I looked up sizing on tirerack, and they don't have any wheels smaller than 17" or any steelies. The GT brakes are pretty big up front and don't leave room for smaller wheels than stock. I figure it makes more sense to buy wheels I want on sale for a little more than the cheap ricer alloys they have and do the summers on the new ones, and winter tires on the stock wheels.

 

I personally love the Pirelli's, I think they are great bang for your buck in all conditions. I've driven some in snow, and must say I've been pretty impressed with the traction and braking. Snow tires will get the best traction in snow, but on dry or wet pavement I've found they are worthless. I'd stick to the stock tires and save some $$.

 

Thanks for all the input guys, I've thought about it and decided to get the new rims I want, and leave myself with the option to buy a set of snow tires when the time comes.

I just can't bring myself to pass up on the mustang tuning sale

 

Sure it would not be cheaper to just get a beater 4x4? That is what I did.

Not because of how the Mustang would be in the snow, but rather how other drivers are in the snow.

Mustang Tuning sale... uh-oh.

 

I am looking for some winter rims and tires also. Cheapest new rims I found were 75 a piece. Has any one ran across any thing cheaper than that. I don't really care what they look like or if they are used or new.

 

You can always watch for them on www.stangparts.com

I have gotten rims and other goods from them over the years.

 

I like the Blizzak stedless snow tires on on 4. They're are other compareable brands. Made for snow & ice.

 

From what I've been hearing, I think I will go with the blizzaks or the x-ice, they both get great reviews and have a good reputation.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....place=0#Survey

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....place=6#Survey


Oh yeah... and I got my summer wheels on for now

 

I think this is the way to go. They are what I used on my winter truck (Lightning) last year. I need them for my Stang now. Thanks for the links. And nice car and wheels.

 

Winter tires make a big difference. Especially when the temps start to fall.
I don't think the GT's can fit a 16" wheel, but mot250 is exactly right tho.

I picked up a set of 17" takeoffs for cheap and mounted up some Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3's.
If its an everyday driver I would definitely go with some winter tires