I'm going to need new tires soon, and was wondering if anybody with experience has an opinion on getting a set of winter tires. Does it make more sense to mount them on my current (stock) rims, and get new wheels (maybe 18inch?) for spring-fall? I live in Northern Indiana, so we do get a fair amount of snow.

How's the traction with these cars, S197's in the snow anyway? I've had two SN95's, and they both were understandably poor. I know we didn't buy these cars to go offroading, even though a few posts I've read say otherwise.

 

Getting another set of rims and having snow tires on them is a great idea. The all season tires on our cars become much less effective at temperatures below 40 degrees. If you drive year round and do have a heavy annual snow fall, its a great investment from a safety standpoint. You will be able to stop, turn, and go with greater ease compared to the stock Pirelli's.
Yearsback I was in the same position. Needed tires before winter and also wanted to add to the bling factor. So I bought a set of Dunlop winter tires for about $55 each to put on the factory rims. Then after I got my income tax refund, and bought a new set of rims and tires for summer.

 

Thanks. Any suggestions? - Winter Tires? Nice upgrade rim size for the non-winter tires?

 

I have had great experience driving with Dunlop M3s on my other car, should come in Mustang sizes, and they are great for handling as well as snow

 

I put Pirelli Sotto tires (winter tires in 235/55R17) on a set of Bullitt take-off rims, and kept the stock P-Zeros for future use. Had no trouble getting through the snow last winter (with ABS/TCS). Weight in the trunk helps too...

 

I put Pirelli Snowsport 210's on the stock wheels & bought aftermarket 18's for the nice weather. The Snowsports are very good! Never skidded or slipped at all. I recommend them highly.

 

Not to hijack this, but the same concept has been on my mind. I have a set of 17in stock 05 GT rims and my set of stock 18in 07 GT rims. I am putting the 18in rims/Pirellis on the 05 and will then have the 17in rims available.

As far as a winter rim goes, does handling or traction differ on the 17 or 18 in rims? Is one size better in the rain/snow/slush? I live in northern TN so if it does snow it is mostly slush on the roads.

I am planning on using the 17's with a winter tire since this is my daily driver and I go about 90 miles a day.