Need some advice from any East Coast Z owners. I know the stock Potenzas won't last a minute under snowy or icy conditions and I want to upgrade to a decent all weather tire before the fall hits. Can any of you recommend something that will hold up under winter driving conditions?

Thanks and sorry if this has been addressed previously...

 

Honestly, I wouldn't even attempt to drive the Z in the winter. I'm on the east coast too, right outside of Boston, and ended up buying a winter beater for like $700.

 

I agree with mirage2130, Bridestone Blizzaks run 250 a pop, your better off buying a beater for a grand. Also my friend has a 94 TT Supra and he put some Blizzaks on and he still was slippin and sliding.

 

Not from the East Coast, but I get a whack of snow. My opinions based on my experience:

1) Don't compromise with all-seasons. Have dedicated summer and winter wheels/tires. You pay a little more upfront, but over the long run it's negligible. Plus the extra traction in each season can be a life-saver.

2) I like Blizzaks. If you are driving mostly on dry pavement with snow/ice patches, get the LM22s. If you are driving steadily on snow/ice, get the WS50s. The WS50s don't have the dry pavement performance, but the bite in the snow/ice is superior. WS50s with 17" ASA rims cost me $1250USD.

3) It's a low car, so try to stick to plowed streets and don't drive in ruts.

4) Make sure you have TCS and VDC, otherwise it can be difficult even with the snow tires.

Good luck. There's a whack of other threads on this that can provide more opinions.

 

Here are some M&S rated tires which you might consider is your are very…umm…adventurous.

 

also remember that new tires will probably be less expensive than fixing your car after you crash it with all seasons on there.

 

350Z + snow = Here comes a telephone pole!

 

I've seen a bunch of folks praise Blizzaks on here.

 

I kept my original rims in case I decided I really needed winter tires. In 2 years of year-round driving on Michelin PS A/S, I've yet to wish I'd had snow tires. They're as sticky as most summer tires on a hot day, and better in the wet. If I lived in Minnesota, I'd probably think differently, but northern VA isn't that bad. Just don't make the mistake of thinking that any tire will save you from yourself or the usual army of suvidiots, winter or summer, and exercise appropriate caution.