V8_Fan

I might be moving out of state to an area that snows occasionally (say, a few inches on the ground at any given time during the winter). My plan would be to run my OEM chrome 18's during the summer-fall and a second set w/ snow tires for the winter. Is it a no-brainer to go w/ the 17's due to more rubber between the car and the road (and ability to run lower pressures, if needed)? The price for wheels is about the same (18" silver wheels are about $30 more each vs. the 17" silver wheels). One disadvantage is if I ran 17's, the spare would be an 18" (and overall tire diameter would be slightly different). Opinions?

Kansas

By all means buy 17" wheels and snow tires or even 16" wheels like were on the 01-02 LS430. Besides the extra cushioning of smaller wheels on rough winter roads, 16" or 17" snow tires should last substantially longer.

I just had a set of the new model Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 snow tires installed on my winter wheels last saturday -- $70 off a set at Costco for a few more days. The directional WS70 became available on July 1. The Blizzak WS50 tires I replaced lasted 25,000 miles and seven winters. I use 225/60-16 on 16" wheels. 225/55-17 on 17" wheels probably wouldn't have lasted nearly as long.

My chrome summer wheels stay in the garage during the winter.

RomanTPA

but, if you cant get that...

* 18 < 17 < 16
* taller tire > low profile
* chrome will be damaged in the winter time
* skinny tire can cut through snow, but can also be diflated for more traction when needed

caddyowner

^^^
Wow, you got a pic of my proposed Subie winter setup.

As for the LS, I bought a set of 2001 stock 17" silver wheels. I plan on using Michelin X-ice 2 tires. They are only T rated, but that isn't a concern for my winter tires.

AlexusAnja

I run 16" snows on OEM 2001 wheels and they've been fine (the one time I used it on snow). I would not worry about the slight variance in diameter of the spare. It's suppose to be a temp anyway, and so you won't be running for like 100's of miles. Also, you won't want all-season together with snow too long anyway.

V8_Fan

Am I going to regret getting 18's? Sewell has the 18's including center caps for $1890, the same price for the silver 17's ($455/ea) plus center caps (extra $20 ea).

GLIDESUL

Try craiglist atleast for some used 16s or 17s oem for way cheaper then that doubt you'll find in 18s thoo. I got my 18s for 450 like a year ago off craigs.

caddyowner

I bought my 01 17" silver wheels for $400. Search CL for a few weeks.