GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Snow tire size

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Old 12-02-07, 09:54 PM
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newgsman
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Default Snow tire size

Has anyone here used 215/60/16 snow tires on their GS400. If so, what brand of tire do you use and how do you like using 215's instead of 225/55/16. My summer tires are 235/45/17 and I have a set of 235/45/17 Blizzaks but I find the Blizzaks are not very good for traction. I am thinking the 16" tires will provide better snow and ice performance.

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Old 12-02-07, 10:19 PM
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SorrGwa
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im using the blizzaks ws50s (cuz they were on sale and cuz vancouver gets 2 weeks of snow, well possibly more this year)

so far, i notice its a bit more "floaty". the steering is a tad lighter, and in turns, it feels like the rear is a little unstable, not loose, but unstable. other than that, i cant complain, they have had pretty good traction so far in the 4inches of snow we saw in the past 2 days.
Old 12-03-07, 07:02 AM
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nytoy
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I went with 225/55/16 dunlop wintersport 3D's and they handle as good as my all-season performance tires, really amazing.
Old 12-04-07, 01:45 PM
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newgsman
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Has anyone put 215/60/16 snows on stock 16" wheels?
Old 12-04-07, 10:47 PM
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Spyder78
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they should fit but 60s are big my father rav4 come with 60s. If you are not lowered you shouldn't have any problems.
Old 12-05-07, 12:25 PM
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narfy
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i run 225/55R16" michelin pilot alpin II

in the wet and dry, they feel like a decent all season tire... in the slush, they don't hydroplane very much... in the hard pack snow, they're really good, and on ice, they're surprisingly sticky...

imo, the best all 'round winter tire...
Old 12-05-07, 12:43 PM
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GSteg
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215/60/16 should be fine.

215/60/16 is only 0.8inches bigger (overall tire) in diameter compared to the 235/45/17. You should be fine as long as you're not lowered a whole lot.
Old 12-05-07, 07:47 PM
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IAGS400
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I have 225/60R16 for snow tires.
Old 12-05-07, 09:30 PM
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e-man
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I believe 215/60/16 was the stock size for the GS300 tire from around 1998-2000. Somewhere around 2001, the stock tire on the GS300 became 225/55/16 (which is what the stock tire on the GS400/430 has always been).
Old 12-06-07, 01:19 AM
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UberNoob
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i thought from 2001 and on its 215/60/16
my 2001 GS300 has 215/60/16 stock
Old 12-06-07, 05:42 AM
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e-man
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Originally Posted by UberNoob
i thought from 2001 and on its 215/60/16
my 2001 GS300 has 215/60/16 stock
Hmm, well, then maybe 215/60/16 has always been standard on the GS300 and 225/55/16 was an option. I know that 225/55/16 was always standard on the GS4.
Old 12-09-07, 11:19 AM
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LexusPia
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Yes, I recently mounted a new set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 215/60-16 snow tires on my GS4 OEM rims replacing my standard all seasons 225/55-16. I went one size narrower (from 225 to 215) and higher profile (from 55 to 60) to give me more bite and better traction in snow and wintery mix condition. This was also the size that was recommended to me by Tire Rack. So far I'm extremely happy with them. These WS60s are awesome for winter driving!
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