Showcase your winter set-ups please

[5-4-fighting]

Folks I need pics and reviews of your current winter set-ups, preferably 17" combos. I'm ready to buy a set and am torn between dedicated studless snows or performance winters. Don't care much about the wheels, but at the same time don't want garbage. Post up pics if you have them.

I found a 17 inch wheel from Kosei with a weight of 13.7 lbs.!

[byau]

pic from last year of my blizzaks on 17s

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss80/byau/wintersetup.jpg

[5-4-fighting]

Since your in Boston, I'm assuming those tires are WS-50 or 60's? Wheel specs? For me I'll probably go with performance winter. Thanks for posting.

[byau]

they're 225/45 lm-25 on 17x8.5

[bigdaddy]

damn, those wheels look great, regardless of winter or summer. what are they?

[Nliiitend1]

I already posted a pic in your other thread, but here are a couple more from the first winter I had the car, right after I bought it:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d116/Nliiitend1/MS3%20Pics/ALEXKeil030.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d116/Nliiitend1/MS3%20Pics/ALEXKeil001.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d116/Nliiitend1/MS3%20Pics/P_00103.jpg

...and the pic I posted in the other thread:
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d116/Nliiitend1/MS3%20Pics/P_00107.jpg


As I said before, they're 17"x7" et44 Ford Fusion alloys with 215/50R17 Dunlop Wintersport M3 tires.

I actually got a screaming deal on ebay from a former MS6 owner that had used the setup for one season (the previous winter). I paid him $400 and met him halfway between Detroit and Chicago in order to get them from him without having to deal with shipping.

They strike a very good balance between dry grip and snow/ice traction. Definitely adequate for Chicago winters, anyway. :)

[pdqgp]

Pics from last year: 17" O.Z. Superleggera & Blizzak LM-25, Bridgestone's


http://www.pbase.com/timothylauro/image/108675244.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/timothylauro/image/105667393/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/timothylauro/image/105669550/original.jpg

[Rudeboy3]

Pics from last year: 17" O.Z. Superleggera & Blizzak LM-25, Bridgestone's

OZs for winter = ballin: Beautiful Set-up!

[SiM]

This will be my 2nd winter with 17" DAI Nebula and 205/50/17 Michelin X-Ice.

[mndsm]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v480/mndsm/Mobile%20Uploads/utf-8BSU1HMDAwNTEuanBn.jpg

Shitty cell pic, but you get the idea. Tires are 205/60R Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3's, steelies were black. Bought em used for 450$ and got a set of allseason floormats for it for another 40$ from another MN mbr who had wrecked his CB MS3 (I'm tellin you, the Cosmic curse is REAL.) and these only had one season on them. Was going to paint the steelies pink, but another MN mbr was asking for winter rim color opinions, and we all told him to paint them purple. He was a wuss and went with a relatively unoffensive orange, so I painted these steelies purple with about 10$ in rattle from HD, just to call him out. Even when it's dry and warm, these feel solid. This will be the first winter that the car will be driven... (wife's finally had enough of me taking the Mini all the time and doing shenanigans out in front of her employer) so I had to saddle up and drive it.

[DanSpeed6]

Bridgeston blizzak WS-50 215-50-17 on mazda3 wheels

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v243/mrdouble99/P1020666.jpg

[08BlkMS3]

odd question, how well do these cars do in the snow, high power, fwd.. dosent seem like too controllable to me seems like it would spin and spin even without gettin into boost.. forgive the ignorance i live in texas...no snow ;) i had an 04 GTO and took a trip to Oklahoma and it snowed while i was there and it was a beast to handle, TC on and decent tires.. id even touch the brakes and ABS would instantly click in and start sliding.. braking felt like it went from 40 ft to 4 miles before id stop...

[pdqgp]

odd question, how well do these cars do in the snow, high power, fwd.. dosent seem like too controllable to me seems like it would spin and spin even without gettin into boost.. forgive the ignorance i live in texas...no snow ;) i had an 04 GTO and took a trip to Oklahoma and it snowed while i was there and it was a beast to handle, TC on and decent tires.. id even touch the brakes and ABS would instantly click in and start sliding.. braking felt like it went from 40 ft to 4 miles before id stop...

FWD even with the MS3 is perfectly fine. It helps that it's a 6spd. Manuals are so much more controllable in snow. The car isn't as stable as my previous much larger sedans, but that's mainly because it's lighter and has a shorter wheelbase. With a set of winter rubber, the car handles excellent. Stops well and is hard to rotate. Far cry from your GTO :)

[AutoEuphoria]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/AutoEuphoria/Cars/Mazdaspeed3/IMG_0035AF0JPGRetouchedsmall.jpg

[Cannondale]

Conti ExtremeWinterContact 205/50R17s on 17x7 Borbet LV5 Anthracite wheels. Since it's still generally above 45 degrees in Maryland, I'm running the OE tires and wheels, so I can't comment on how well these will work.

Patrick.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/Cannondale/DSC_0008PSEsmall.jpg

[Nliiitend1]

odd question, how well do these cars do in the snow, high power, fwd.. dosent seem like too controllable to me seems like it would spin and spin even without gettin into boost.. forgive the ignorance i live in texas...no snow ;) i had an 04 GTO and took a trip to Oklahoma and it snowed while i was there and it was a beast to handle, TC on and decent tires.. id even touch the brakes and ABS would instantly click in and start sliding.. braking felt like it went from 40 ft to 4 miles before id stop...

This thing's crappy F/R weight distribution also actually helps in the white stuff... :lol:

With the DSC on and a good set of winter tires, this car performs quite admirably in the snow if you keep your foot out of it. ;) The LSD helps quite a bit too.

[AutoEuphoria]

Yeah, it's not bad. It is, however, HORRIBLY UNSAFE on stock tires. I slid through a red light intersection with less than an 1/8" of snow on the road. With the Blizzacks I didn't get stuck once, nor did I have a repeat of that "incident"

[stx195]

Blizzak LM25 225/45/17 and ASA JH3 ( Tire Rack ) - left over from the last Subaru - just had the hub bore taken out a bit... and she's good to go.

[5-4-fighting]

I found a set of winter wheels/tires, however the tires are 235/45/17 and the wheels are Kosei K1 TS 17" with an offset of 35!! Yikes! Probably won't work without a fender roll I assume?? These wheels are money and could also serve as my track wheels. What do you guys think?

[Saskatchewan17]

I found a set of winter wheels/tires, however the tires are 235/45/17 and the wheels are Kosei K1 TS 17" with an offset of 35!! Yikes! Probably won't work without a fender roll I assume?? These wheels are money and could also serve as my track wheels. What do you guys think?

Offset isn't horribly low... you shouldn't rub on stock suspension.

But... that tire is too wide for winter... it could work, but I would just pass.

[5-4-fighting]

Yea I noticed it was rather wide, however it's a used set with maybe two seasons worth of tread left. and it's not a daily driver and may only see occasional snow and usage. Also a smokin deal as the wheels alone are $200.00 apiece new and the tires are $170.00 each new. Wheels are in good shape and I'm able to get them (wheels and tires) as a set for $500.00. Question: If the wheels are 17 by 8 how narrow a tire could I fit on these? The wheels are only 14 lbs. each and I want to use them as track wheels in the spring and summer with as wide a tire as possible, and in the winter when the other ones wear out, as narrow as possible.

Thanks, Gerry

[Saskatchewan17]

You could do a slight stretch on a 215... why would you want narrow track tires though? You only want narrow tires for the snow so they cut through it and don't tread over it.

[abovie3]

http://i633.photobucket.com/albums/uu51/abovie3/IMG_2696.jpg

http://i633.photobucket.com/albums/uu51/abovie3/IMG_2713.jpg

Mazda3 stockers painted black with continental viking snow-tech tires, 205/50/17

[5-4-fighting]

Yea I noticed it was rather wide, however it's a used set with maybe two seasons worth of tread left. and it's not a daily driver and may only see occasional snow and usage. Also a smokin deal as the wheels alone are $200.00 apiece new and the tires are $170.00 each new. Wheels are in good shape and I'm able to get them (wheels and tires) as a set for $500.00. Question: If the wheels are 17 by 8 how narrow a tire could I fit on these? The wheels are only 14 lbs. each and I want to use them as track wheels in the spring and summer with as wide a tire as possible, and in the winter when the other ones wear out, as narrow as possible.
Thanks, Gerry

Sask, may want to read this again. I'm looking for a wheel that would serve both needs so I don't have to buy two sets, one for winter and one for track. Tirerack tells me to go no wider than 7.5" with max offset not below 40. I'm torn right now. I want a light track wheel that can also serve as my winter rims. How wide a tire could I fit on a 7.5" rim for track season??

Thanks

[AutoEuphoria]

Side note/semi hijack...do '10 MS3 wheels fit onto the 07-09 MS3s without issue?

[Saskatchewan17]

Side note/semi hijack...do '10 MS3 wheels fit onto the 07-09 MS3s without issue?

Yup. I'm 99.9% sure.

[abovie3]

How wide a tire could I fit on a 7.5" rim for track season??

On my 7.5" summer wheels I run a 225, not sure if or how much bigger you can go then that.

[zoomdoom]

This is the set up you need... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTDNLUzjkpg

[screaminMS]

geezz texas dont get crap in the winter lol. well south texas atleast my winter tires are a set of nitto nt05 245/40/18s on stock wheels lol

[Saskatchewan17]

Here's mine (excuse the dirty car and iPhone pics):

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa148/Saskatchewan17/IMG_0475.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa148/Saskatchewan17/IMG_0474.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa148/Saskatchewan17/IMG_0476.jpg

Stock size Michelin X-Ice on the stockers.

[5-4-fighting]

Sask, are you using the OEM wheels as dedicated winter wheels, or are you breaking down and reinstalling the summers on the OEM's? If dedicated, what are your summer wheels?

[Saskatchewan17]

Dedicated. Don't have 'em yet. I used the stockers with the OEM potenzas and just had the Potenzas pulled off for the X-ices. So I'm putting the potenzas on new wheels in spring.

[mr_mazda329]

Meh... you people and your super cool winter setups. I guess i should post mine up.

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee297/mr_mazda329/Speed%203/100_2749.jpg

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee297/mr_mazda329/Speed%203/100_3697.jpg

[5-4-fighting]

Ultraleggeras in the winter?? Ballin and Balsy I must say.

[GoFast]

Ultraleggeras in the winter?? Ballin and Balsy I must say.
Not when you live in vegas

[zoomdoom]

I bought these last week to replace my steelies. Stripped (best I could) sanded and primed them today. Shooting them with some color tomorrow but still not decided on color. I can run out (15-20 min away) to summit racing and get some bronze or go around the corner and get like gunmetal/graphite (duplicolor wheel paints). Let me know what you guys think would look best I really am undecided will prolly be lazy and go to autozone. I have to paint tom. though because temps are really going to drop after then.
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww3/zoooomdoooom/wheels.jpg

[zoomdoom]

Look at the grime on the bottom left wheel god it sucked cleaning and the backs where just as bad on all. I should have had them blasted but Im over buget I was going to just get hubcaps for my steelies lol. I think I got a decent deal though. 180 for the set they are motegi mr8 16 inch think this was decent price. (dunno)

[zoomdoom]

Conti ExtremeWinterContact 205/50R17s on 17x7 Borbet LV5 Anthracite wheels. Since it's still generally above 45 degrees in Maryland, I'm running the OE tires and wheels, so I can't comment on how well these will work.

Patrick.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/Cannondale/DSC_0008PSEsmall.jpg

This is the bronze type color I was thinkin of. I have black mica BTW.

[5-4-fighting]

This is the bronze type color I was thinkin of. I have black mica BTW.

Those Borbets are money. They look great.

I'm putting my Kosei wheels on in the next 30 minutes. Will have pics soon.

[zoomdoom]

I have fail I am a dumbass. I bought these wheels off local mazda 3 guy to replace my winter steelies. They dont clear the front calipers (mazdaspeed3) They are 16x7 42 offset but I guess its how the spokes are designed. I still dont understand my steelies fit and they are 16x6.5 42 offset. I guess I should have put them on but I thought if anything being wider it would be ok . I cleaned them up and primed them really was hoping to use them Im bummed (gah)

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww3/zoooomdoooom/DSC00558.jpg

Selling them now :(

[Nliiitend1]

Yeah, certain spoke designs can be a bitch...

Also, you have to remember that those steelies have a much thinner face than the spoke of an alloy wheel.

Regardless, it sucks they don't fit. :(

[SSMS3]

RX8's with oe sized 215/45/18 Michelin X ice
AND they are for sale (shameless plug)
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123760705

[badgerspeed3]

just wanted to double check, because I know I've seen some comments about steelies fitting or not, but if I go with the steelies from tire rack for my winter set-up, the clearances will be tight but I'll be good to go right?

[JamesCH]

I got some 16X7s from a 2002 hyundai tiburon, stripped and did a shaker can job and mounted 215-55-16 dunlop M3s. Winters here in NH are brutal on wheels with road salt and sand, so I didn't want to invest in performance wheels... $100 on craigslist FTW!

[Nliiitend1]

just wanted to double check, because I know I've seen some comments about steelies fitting or not, but if I go with the steelies from tire rack for my winter set-up, the clearances will be tight but I'll be good to go right?

Yes.

[MS3JamOnIt]

I'm running Blizzaks WS-60 on 17" rims. Got the whole package from Tire Warehouse a couple of years ago. I also use the rims for my RE-01's. I drive my old Ford Expedition during bad weather in the Winter. I always bought Blizzaks for my cars, my wife's car has Blizzaks. It's like adding 4 wheel drive to a front wheel drive car. Great tires, but they do wear quicker than regular tires.

159550

07 Silver MS3, Mazdaspeed CAI, Mazdaspeed CBE, Mazdaspeed coilovers, TWM short shifter and bushings, SU rear engine mount, Hotchkins RS, Cobb shifter weight, Cobb turbo intake, Goodridge stainless steel brake lines, Motul RBF600 brake fluid, Hawk plus pads (track only), RE-01's (track only), Dashhawk, Fuel-Filler door.

[typeshluder]

I put my winter wheels on last night in the dark and woke up to a slushy mess this morning.
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/975/wheelu.jpg
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/9754/wheel2d.jpg

16x8 RX-7 FD powder coated gloss black with white rim tape
205/60 Hankook Icebear W300

[rmgedon69]

previously...

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7300/004hfw.jpg

currently...

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/1446/064si.jpg

both rims wrapped w/ dunlop wintersport m3

[5-4-fighting]

Out and about today and nary a hiccup in performance and grip with about 6+ inches on the ground. Wouldn't venture beyond that with this car, even with the Wintersports on. They are grrrrrreat!

[spoolin_05]

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv167/brianwollberg/DSC01623.jpg
http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv167/brianwollberg/DSC01625.jpg
http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv167/brianwollberg/DSC01626.jpg

[Marmugmot]

Here is my set up. I have the Blizzak LM 60 on 2009 Mazdaspeed wheels159988

[Saskatchewan17]

Hm. Actually pulls off the 07-09 MS3 wheels rather well.

[acidbbg]

My Winter Setup although my car is garage kept right now.

205/45R17 XL Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport tires

[Saskatchewan17]

Some better pics of mine:

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa148/Saskatchewan17/20091220_0393.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa148/Saskatchewan17/20091220_0392.jpg

[Darth Vader]

Awesomely good looking Mazda steels and 205/16 top of the line Michelin Primacy Alpin snow tires. (wiggle)

The amount of power you can put down with these in the snow is amazing. On top of that, the reduced unsprung weight gets the shitty stock dampers back into a useable range, lol

[BLk98xC]

running 17's snowflakes on conti snow-techs

http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae180/blk98cx/SNOWMODE1.jpg

[goob_os101]

I have no choice but to mount 215/55/16 General Altimax Arctic tires on the FD wheels, since my REO50's are slicks right now. I was going to buy these http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/wheels/mb_wheels/product/submitProductSize.do?pc=71590&typ=Car%2FMinivan&tmn=Five+X or MB Wheels Competition custom rims (http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/wheels/mb_wheels/product/submitProductSize.do?pc=59989&typ=Car%2FMinivan&tmn=Competition) , but I am not positive either will clear the MS3's brakes. Anyone know? I really wanted to use the FD wheels for summer use.

[pdqgp]

It's that time of year again. Only I'll likely not be needing my winter set up anymore as I have a DD'er company car and will be parking the MS3 with All Seasons on her now. 17" O.Z. Superleggera & Blizzak LM-25's with about 10K if that on them.

http://www.pbase.com/timothylauro/image/121707455/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/timothylauro/image/105669550/original.jpg

[goob_os101]

So happy I bought a set of General Atlimax Artics(215/55/16). Car handled great on the ice, snow, slush we got today. I need some mud flaps :drool:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/goob_os101/IMAG0229.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/goob_os101/IMAG0230.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/goob_os101/IMAG0233.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/goob_os101/IMAG0234.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/goob_os101/IMAG0231.jpg

[Domino81]

Everyone on the eastern seaboard is getting fucking hammered with snow. :(

[schlepperock]

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc404/Schlepperock/2c6144d0.jpg