Featured Snows are on

[GogglesPizano]

By Murray's BG production schedule it looks as though my HTC will be built on Friday Nov6th.
With that in mind I had conceded that I would not be driving this year.
However, the winter driving /tires convo became of interest in that it might provide a great way to break in the engine and with some ideal winter conditions be a plausible, safe way to enjoy the C8. I just didn't think it was a viable option until reading this thread.
But by the looks of the comments, it's a toss up as to whether it is a plausible and practical application of the vehicle, no matter how good the winter conditions are.

 

[Murray20c8]

Congrats SEBRING C8, you will enjoy winter driving in your new C8. The C8 should have improved snow traction with the 40/60 weight distribution.

When I questioned the instructors at Spring Mountain in 2018, they told our class that winter driving was only for 'real men' when using summer Michelins . However they said any owner with the motivation can drive their Vette all year round with a set of Michelin Alpins. They went into stories about how the C8 was tested extensively in winter conditions and that corrosion is not a significant issue on these cars.

I drove my 2017 coupe through 1 1/2 winters and just installed winter wheels/tires on my 2019 Grand Sport vert. Looking forward to another winter driving season. I don't drive on fresh snow more than 3" deep, but here in the Ottawa area the roads are plowed within a day of any snowfall. The Michelin Alpins provide exceptional traction in snow and slush but I have not attempted to drive on clear ice after freezing rain. Driving with Weather mode selected also adds additional controls.

The downside I foresee with the GS vert is the inability to go through a brushless car wash like I did with the coupe. I will have to go to the high pressure manual wash booth for a regular clean up. Picture below of the 2017 coupe in winter clothing!View attachment 45260

I like the wheels you chose!
I had Michelin Alpins on the Camaro I rolled. Black ice isn't fun with any tire.

 

[Murray20c8]

By Murray's BG production schedule it looks as though my HTC will be built on Friday Nov6th.
With that in mind I had conceded that I would not be driving this year.
However, the winter driving /tires convo became of interest in that it might provide a great way to break in the engine and with some ideal winter conditions be a plausible, safe way to enjoy the C8. I just didn't think it was a viable option until reading this thread.
But by the looks of the comments, it's a toss up as to whether it is a plausible and practical application of the vehicle, no matter how good the winter conditions are.

Dry roads on nice days should be no issue for any car with any tire suitably warmed up.

 

[Murray20c8]

The key there being year long time frame. Makes no difference if you are driving only in summer and on the same tires 6 out of 12 months. I am pushing the season to the bitter end and will take it out as soon as the warm weather comes again in spring. I hope I can have an 8 month season. Will likely put it away after this final warm spell. Planning a drive on Saturday if any of you die hards are interested. I think a meet up in Orangeville and not sure of route from there.

I might be up for the drive.

 

[Murray20c8]

I drove a lowered 2000 Camaro with 485 hp all winter long for 20 years with ice radials and I only flipped the car once! lol

Speaking of which. It was 10 years ago today I rolled it on black ice. What a difference in weather!!

 

[dssking]

Just my two cents and logic, but wouldn't it make sense by not running a $90K car through a Canadian winter and save the $3000 on rims and rubber and put that $3k into a winter beater?

 

[Jack Raccoon!]

I enjoy having a car that I know will start everyday. I don't need or want to have a POS car. I also have an image to maintain...

 

[PapaSmurf]

Just my two cents and logic, but wouldn't it make sense by not running a $90K car through a Canadian winter and save the $3000 on rims and rubber and put that $3k into a winter beater?

This might make sense to some people but not to me. I worked my butt off for almost 50 years to be in the position to finally buy a Corvette. Now that I have it I want to drive it everyday 365 days a year. Life is too short not to enjoy every day.

 

[PapaSmurf]

Just my two cents and logic, but wouldn't it make sense by not running a $90K car through a Canadian winter and save the $3000 on rims and rubber and put that $3k into a winter beater?

I enjoy having a car that I know will start everyday. I don't need or want to have a POS car. I also have an image to maintain...

Unfortunately Jack your image went south a long time ago.

 

[Murray20c8]

I've "saved" a car for someone else already. Not willing to do it again. Drive it while you can.

 

[GogglesPizano]

Just my two cents and logic, but wouldn't it make sense by not running a $90K car through a Canadian winter and save the $3000 on rims and rubber and put that $3k into a winter beater?

You'd have to ask the same of anyone who drives a Porsche, Landrover, Mercedes , BMW, Audi RS5/7 , F-350 platinum/limited GMC2500 Denali... The list goes on.

 

[Vanguard2001]

I can't speak for the C8 but I do know that the C7 and possibly the earlier cars, are not designed nor intended for fair weather only. Those who chose not to drive the Corvette in winter do so because they want to take special care of their baby. Additionally, there are some Corvette owners who are not comfortable driving a high powered, low slung performance car is winter conditions. It is important that we all do as we each feel is the right thing for ourselves and our very special cars. My 1979 MGB does not even know that snow exists on planet earth, although it has absorbed lots of rain while driving with the top down - it's a Brit - what can I say.

My comfort level is very high and the Vette inspires confidence in slippery conditions with the proper rubber. I have not had a summer or winter accident in more than 50 years however that is not to say an accident could not occur but we buy insurance for that reason - just in case. Let me tell you that an empty shopping centre parking lot with 2 inches of fresh powder makes for some great entertainment - just take it easy until you feel the reactions.

No winter vacations down south this year, so spend the $$$ on a set of wheels and Michelin Alpins and go forth into the winter day.

 

[Jack Raccoon!]

I've "saved" a car for someone else already. Not willing to do it again. Drive it while you can.

Apparently you didn't save your Camaro for someone else...

 

[Gilles27]

Apparently you didn't save your Camaro for someone else...

For the wreckers, wonder if it was shiny clean!

 

[CamsC8]

Just my two cents and logic, but wouldn't it make sense by not running a $90K car through a Canadian winter and save the $3000 on rims and rubber and put that $3k into a winter beater?

Yup, that's why I bought a Mini Cooper S for $2500. Came with winters too... LoL.

Plus I tow it behind the RV

 

[Murray20c8]

Apparently you didn't save your Camaro for someone else...

I've had three. The 98 went to the Misses when I bought a used 2000. The 98 was never winter driven or modified and was sold to a young fellow for 11k. when the C8 was announced. We saved it for him.
The first 2000, that I rolled, went to my backyard for 10 years for parts and when the C8's were announced it went to the wrecker. The second 2000 Camaro SS which was fairly heavily modded was sold for 8K and had, like the first, been winter driven. It really doesn't pay to park a car over the winter.

 

[Murray20c8]

For the wreckers, wonder if it was shiny clean!

It was shiny clean until November 4th 2010. Then nothing about it was clean. lol

 

[Jack Raccoon!]

BTW, my snows are on...

 

[Vanguard2001]

Lookin good Jack. What wheels did you use?

 

[Jack Raccoon!]

Stock base wheels. Looking for summer wheels. Hope the dollar goes up to 90.356...
Tires are Michelin Alpin PA4...