Winter Tires

[2003DOHC]

I know winter is over but I live in Wisconsin so I have to start thinking about next winter now. Bridgestone has a 235/55/18 blizzak winter tire. I have used blizzaks on 2 Crown Victorias with excellent results. 235/50/18 dia. 27.3 inches,245/55/18 dia. 28.6 inches and 235/55/18 blizzak dia 28.3 inches. I will mount them on a set of OEM Marauder wheels. My new 2003 Marauder is a 300A so no traction control but these tires are very close in diameter.

[gpfarrell]

I've had great results with Blizzaks on our old SHO and on our BMW. In fact, in anything but a straight vertical climb those vehicles would out-perform our Explorer on all-seasons in the snow.

Have you thought about using 16" wheels instead? The wide Marauder footprint would really tend to float on snow... if you're willing to sacrifice looks and dry handling for ultimate snow-go, a taller, skinnier tire work much better... and keep your MM wheels nicer too.

Tires are always a compromise... if you want to run your MM wheels all year I think you've picked a good path. If you want an easier change-over (and can store the other 4 wheels/tires all year) I'd get a dedicated set of 16"s.

[nslatin]

I know it isn't exactly what you are looking for but I have a set of Michlein Artic Alpines for sale, mounted and ready to go. See Winter tires for sale (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=9156)

I've had great results with Blizzaks on our old SHO and on our BMW. In fact, in anything but a straight vertical climb those vehicles would out-perform our Explorer on all-seasons in the snow.

Have you thought about using 16" wheels instead? The wide Marauder footprint would really tend to float on snow... if you're willing to sacrifice looks and dry handling for ultimate snow-go, a taller, skinnier tire work much better... and keep your MM wheels nicer too.

Tires are always a compromise... if you want to run your MM wheels all year I think you've picked a good path. If you want an easier change-over (and can store the other 4 wheels/tires all year) I'd get a dedicated set of 16"s.

[2003DOHC]

I have an extra set of OEM wheels so I will most likely go with the 18 inch tires. I had a 97CV that I used the 16 steel wheels for winter just did not like the look. The 16 and 17 inch wheels are a good alternative also.

[MMM2003]

I know winter is over but I live in Wisconsin so I have to start thinking about next winter now. Bridgestone has a 235/55/18 blizzak winter tire. I have used blizzaks on 2 Crown Victorias with excellent results. 235/50/18 dia. 27.3 inches,245/55/18 dia. 28.6 inches and 235/55/18 blizzak dia 28.3 inches. I will mount them on a set of OEM Marauder wheels. My new 2003 Marauder is a 300A so no traction control but these tires are very close in diameter.

If you have another set of OEM rims available, go for it. Blizzaks are great tires. Had them on my wifes car.
Your speedo will be 1 mph off (faster than you actually travel). I choose to go with 16" Winter set up, since I didn't want to rn the OEM wheels in the snow.
What's the price on those tires, I couldn't find them listed on Tirerack.com.

BTW,

GO PACKERS !!

[2003DOHC]

It is to late in the season for tirerack to have them in stock. My local dealer is checking into prices should know next week. Will be expensive but they are excellent tires. I do have an extra set of OEM MM wheels.

[dansenander]

I know winter is over but I live in Wisconsin so I have to start thinking about next winter now. Bridgestone has a 235/55/18 blizzak winter tire. I have used blizzaks on 2 Crown Victorias with excellent results. 235/50/18 dia. 27.3 inches,245/55/18 dia. 28.6 inches and 235/55/18 blizzak dia 28.3 inches. I will mount them on a set of OEM Marauder wheels. My new 2003 Marauder is a 300A so no traction control but these tires are very close in diameter.
Have you been using Blizzaks on the rears only or all four corners?
Is there really any advantage to Blizzak fronts?
The factory tires are M/S rated. Seems to me, all they have to do is track.

Thanks
Dan S

[2003DOHC]

Have you been using Blizzaks on the rears only or all four corners?
Is there really any advantage to Blizzak fronts?
The factory tires are M/S rated. Seems to me, all they have to do is track.

Thanks
Dan S

Yes blizzaks all around remember the front tires do most of braking winter and summer.

[ts-pa]

I use Nokian Hakkapeliitta 1 snow tires on all four of the 16" BBS lacy spoke rims. (Sorry, these rims will not fit on a Marauder due to the offset & brake clearances) The drivability in snow is great, better than many front wheel drive cars. They have very aggressive directional tread, which makes them quiet on dry roads. I would highly recommend all four tires being all weather.:up:
My only complaint has been the softness of the tires sidewalls.
It is most noticed on dry roads. Feels like a slight delay from turning the steering wheel to the car responding. I don't mind since the car was absolutely lousy in snow with the "all season" Goodyears that were original tires.
By having a full spare set for the winter months, the Marauder tires would last a little longer.

[CRUZTAKER]

I used to use 16" Blizzacks on the front, and 16" Kelly wintermark fully studded tires on the rear. I could actually race in 11" of snow!!!

Now I use a car cover and a trickle charger....:baaa: