falken ziex 512s in the snow?

[T.Dot_E30]

I've always felt safe driving my automatic 2wd open diff e30 with a good set of winter tires.

It was better in the snow than my previous fwd cars.

A good set of winters is all an e30 needs.

I have my 512s on currently, with my winters patiently waiting to be slapped on. . . . but i hate the look of the bottle caps.


This winter im driving a 5spd e30 open diff, i want an lsd but too lazy and dont wanna spend money on this beater, only driving it cus the 4dr is slammed.

[Mystikal]

This thread is pretty sad. Anyone who thinks AWD is any type of substitute for tires needs a better understanding of physics.

In any case, the ZE-512s are just okay in the winter. I have some test data here, the H rated Ziex are rated as "Good" in snow traction and ice braking, and the V rated are listed as "Fair" for the same categories. Looks like the different tread compound really makes a difference in the cold. Both ratings are very competitive with every other "all-season" tire in each respective speed category.

That said, I would never, EVER drive any E30 with ZE-512's or any other all-season in the snow/ice. Light weight and RWD make proper winter tires an absolute necessity. And once you factor in the fact that you're not wearing out your nice-weather tires, they don't even cost extra (stock rims are basically free). There is not a single good excuse for not running real winter tires.

[Mystikal]

how about getting them siped? I've always been a bit leary of that service, since the tire places push it so hard and charge money for it. wouldn't it make them wear faster though?

I also have some test data for siping. It makes small but measurable improvements in snow/ice braking, but equally lengthens dry/wet braking distances.

I say don't bother trying to make a magical (and impossible) tire that is good at all things and keep multiple sets. It's unfortunately the only successful formula.

[nando]

thanks for the feedback. glad to know that siping is a waste of money.. it's funny because they advertise it as *improving* wet braking!

I still might get a set of the falkens for my 4th set of wheels, but it looks like I'm best off just keeping my shitty snow tires. bottlecaps FTL! :(

[MikesJo]

They don't work in the snow. I've tried it. 5-10cm snow.

[tonytony]

They don't work in the snow. I've tried it. 5-10cm snow.

what doesn't work? the tires or the siping? i had the old ziexs and they're decent in the snow

[KenC]

well... you probably have an open diff..

Edit: 1 single open diff..

The lock up is 25%... it's not like it's doing that much for you.

[Axxe]

The lock up is 25%... it's not like it's doing that much for you.

Huge difference on snow bro. HUGE. It's about consistency, put it in gear, let the clutch out, and go, you know he car will go, with an open diff you're praying both tires have equal grip, or you're stuck/moving very slow. LSD makes a huge difference, people with 1 leggers preach that they do just as well, but instantly change their mind after driving an LSD equipped car.

[tonytony]

from personal experience, i could always spin both my tires in the snow with an open diff. Unless one tire is in gravel and the other is in snow then yeah you're screwed and wish you had lsd.

[moatilliatta]

thats for sure....

[UNHCLL]

This thread is fucking pathetic.

I count 2 people who have any comprehension posting in this thread, and you all choose to ignore them.

Lets start taking bets on the "R3V Count" this winter...


-Chris
5+ winters in a 2wd e30 w/ REAL snows

[2002maniac]

As a southern californian living in utah, I would be dead a few times if it werent for good snow tires.

[dude8383]

I drove in New York with falken 512's up front and conti extreme contact's in the rear.

I gotta say that it was pretty decent, but I bought winter tires for this season because I would rather not test those tires.

Stopping on ice wasn't that great and in snow about 4 inches high was no good either.

[MikesJo]

They don't work in the snow. I've tried it. 5-10cm snow.

The tires blow in the snow imo. Again this is in 5-10 cm of snow. The back end just kept slipping. Needless to say, I stayed home the rest of the day.

[tonytony]

i guess they work better in deeper snow, i drove through 6inches of snow in the ski resort up and down hill:)