pooch15

For those who will be driving in the snow, the Blizzaks are really worth the wait.

The rears arrived in Canada on Friday and a pair were shipped to me in Quebec Monday. I’ve only tried them on dry pavement so far but the forecast is for snow on Friday. On a dry surface, they are surprisingly quiet and smooth. BTW they are V rated.

The Blizzaks are the only brand which are available in both the front and rear size (18") for the Z. You will probably have to contact Bridgestone-Firestone directly to get the 245s though because production just started so most dealers are not aware of them.

bobbyz

iTrader: (1)

Mine are here also, but the shop cant do them until Friday. Funny, I know other shops that could do it today or tomorrow, but Bridgestone would only send special order tires to a Firestone/Bridgestone Center. To pick them up and then pay extra to get them put on somewhere else is just too much of a hassle.
Is it just the rears that are V rated and the fronts H rated? Or are all V rated? Not like it will make or break my decission, but it would be nice to have the same speed rating.
Good to hear everything worked out for you.

spikez513

Fill us in on how it handles with snowtires ASAP...

ziscoming

I ordered my Lm22's yesterday with Moda R6 tires..cool wheels btw. i will let the board know how they are next week. I BARELY got thru my alley last night with snow and ice...The 17 OEMs are awful and dangerous.

I may even use my Moda's in the summer with Pilot A/S ....

ZZZZZbrrrrrr

pooch15

Sorry, tires are not V rated they are R rated. Must have glanced too quickly last night when I pick up the car.

Front read 225/45-18R V91

Rear read 245/45-18R V96

pooch15

Now I've made myself curious.

After checking on tirerack.com I guess they really are both V rated.

Good thing I don't see tires for a living.

bobbyz

iTrader: (1)

Wonderful news...now lets just hope that I make it to the tire shop on Friday to get them put on...we are expecting snow or rain on Friday.

Punjabi

Hey Pooch I had a horrible time findin a company that makes the rears and the fronts. THanks to your info I will definately get my hands on those Blizzaks. How much did you pay for the tires including everything. I called my local dealer and he said he can't get me any untill next winter season...any sugestions.

Thanks

bobbyz

iTrader: (1)

You need to get them from a Bridgestone Firestone Authorized Auto Center...not just any tire guy. The first shipment into Canada saw only 10 units that I'm sure have been gobbled up by now. I dont think the next shipment is due in for a while, but call bridgestone/firestone customer service and ask.

pooch15

Punjabi:

When my Nissan dealer became aware that I found some tires they referred one of their G35 coupe customers to me. I’ve spoken to this guy a few of times and during our last conversation he said he was told that Bridgestone-Firestone Canada would be importing 30 more 245s this week. As for the 225s, I know there are very few available.

I would suggest you contact Bridgestone-Firestone directly to see what they can do.

http://www.bridgestone-firestone.ca/.../directory.asp

They were really outstanding in my dealings with them.

As for the price, I have to keep that confidential but they list as follows:

225/45-18 = $ 415.00
245/45-18 = $ 505.00

I’m sure you can get at least a 25% discount.


P.S. On my way to lunch today I took it up to 210 Km/h and they are very stable. I also took a couple of fast curves and so far they are very impressive for winter tires.

Punjabi

Hey Pooch I had a horrible time findin a company that makes the rears and the fronts. THanks to your info I will definately get my hands on those Blizzaks. How much did you pay for the tires including everything. I called my local dealer and he said he can't get me any untill next winter season...any sugestions.

Thanks

pooch15

Drove around during lunch time in 10 cm ( 4") of borderline wet snow (temp is just under freezing) and things went very well.

I followed a few pickups who were having a hell of a time getting around and looked pissed when I smoothly drove by them.

The ABS kick in quite easily but nothing exaggerated. I don’t foresee having to leave the Z home too often this Winter.

S2kRob

No, they are V rated. They have changed the way they post the speed rating on new tires.

bobbyz

iTrader: (1)

Wow, guys get this. I ordered directly form Bridgestone and they said that I must have the tires sent to a Bridgestone/Firestone center. So I agreed. Dropped the car off this morning and got a call this afternoon saying that they are scared to try to do the change over. They said they would most likely scratch the rim. So, lets just say I am quite happy with the price I got them for, but they are not on my car right now. I woudl say that by judging by my discount that the tire shop gets at least 50% off list. Maybe more. So do not settle for paying list. Hell, for list, I will get them here and ship them to you. I'll charge 1800 taxes included and still make a great buck.

Now on to my problem. Where in Toronto do I go to get these installed. If the Bridgestone center was scared to do it, should I go to the dealer and if they screw up the wheel or pressure sensor, they can get me a new one?
Thanks.

pooch15

I wouldn’t think twice about going to the dealer because if they screw something up they’ll replace under warranty.

You should call your local Goodyear dealers and find one equipped to handle “Run Flat” tires. They have the special equipment needed to do the job right.

Good luck.

BTW came home in heavy traffic (its been snowing all day) and had an easier time than a lot of front wheel drive cars with all season tires.

bobbyz

iTrader: (1)

Yah, I'll most likely take it to the dealer. There are many great tire shops in Toronto, but I would just hate to be their first 350. There is juts too much money at stake since each corner has an 18" rim that I'm sure is big bucks to replace, plus the tire pressure sensors which are far from cheap. I think any shop would sweat changing these tires over because if they mess up, it could cost them a fortune.

captj3

iTrader: (1)

YOU GUYS ARE LUCKY I CALLED BRIDGESTONE HERE IN THE U.S.
AND THEY TOLD ME THEY DON'T HAVE ANY MORE TIRES FOR THE REAR 245/45/18.ALSO THEY WON'T BE MAKING ANY MORE THIS YEAR.ANY HELP WOULD BE NICE.

Ohio350z

I got my Lm-22 from Tirerack for about $750 delivered to my door within 1 day. A local shop mounted and balanced them for an additional $50 bucks. They are great in the snow and Ice, forget those stock tires, I would rather have these year round. I think they grip better, no wheel hop, and a much smoother ride while still offereing excellent performance.

belkmike

Tire Depot on Doncaster has special equipment to deal with expensive rims. They put the S-02's on my M3 when I replaced the Pilots. My M3 had the very expensive forged M3 rims and they did no damage. Getting the old Pilots off was huge effort.

I will go back to them when I get S-03's for my Z in the spring.