WInter time...Does this belong here?

[pvtschultz]

Okay, I have had my firebird for about a year and a half, put 30K miles on it, but now this year I don't have a winter car (it croked). I do have a heated underground parking space with a water hose, but I am still affraid that I am going to "hurt" my car driving it during the winter. I'm not affraid of RWD, my first car was a '79 Impala and that had an open diff. I just don't want my car to get any major rust before I get my chance to gut it out (in about 3-4 yrs, I get my degree in 2). Anyone have extensive driving experience with their Camaro/Firebird in winter climates. I am in Wisconsin.

[sped214]

I live in Colorado, and have had my car for over 2 years. Don't have a bit of rust. The only problem I have in the winter is keeping the rear-end straight on the snow and ice. Make sure your tires are good, and use the SGS button (alot). [img]smile.gif[/img] Lots of states have switched to liquid de-icer and chemicals other than salt to help protect cars in the winter due to drivers' complaints. Call your DOT and ask what they use to melt the ice/snow if you're really concerned about it...

[ravenp]

Get a really good oil spray... keep in mind your car is mostly poly... not much metal on the actually car body [img]smile.gif[/img]

I have driven mine through a couple winters already. Blizzaks are a good idea if snow is heavy. Weigh down the back hatch with at least 100lbs of sand/salt, up to 200lbs.

It's not that bad...

It won't affect the car's ability to race much... but regardless it will age the car. You can't get around that. So if you want this car for 20 more years, you might want to reconsider [img]smile.gif[/img]

[pvtschultz]

Yeah, WI uses straight salt! No sand just SALT! BUt that is good too because I won't get the sandblasting effect. I drove it in snow a little last year because I thought spring came early, and SGS worked alright, and I thought that it was fun going up an on ramp sideways the whole way..."winter driving skills training :rolleyes: ". Thanx though.

[Transbird3.4v6]

SGS button? that on the 93s? [img]tongue.gif[/img] , This is my first winter in a RWD car..so I'm a bit worried about traction :\

[ October 31, 2002: Message edited by: Transbird3.4v6 ]</p>

[pvtschultz]

I don't think so. There would be a botton next to the shifter that says Second Gear Start.

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by pvtschultz:
Okay, I have had my firebird for about a year and a half, put 30K miles on it, but now this year I don't have a winter car (it croked). I do have a heated underground parking space with a water hose, but I am still affraid that I am going to "hurt" my car driving it during the winter. I'm not affraid of RWD, my first car was a '79 Impala and that had an open diff. I just don't want my car to get any major rust before I get my chance to gut it out (in about 3-4 yrs, I get my degree in 2). Anyone have extensive driving experience with their Camaro/Firebird in winter climates. I am in Wisconsin.<hr></blockquote>


Since we're in the same city - I put my 215/16 Blizzaks with black steel rims on yesterday. During the last two winters that I have been in WI I run it thorough the car wash every week, the best wash with under spray.

[Backfire]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Transbird3.4v6:
SGS button? that on the 93s? [img]tongue.gif[/img] , This is my first winter in a RWD car..so I'm a bit worried about traction :\

[ October 31, 2002: Message edited by: Transbird3.4v6 ]<hr></blockquote>

Actually, it is in the PCM, there just isn't any switch for it. I found that out a while ago when I was trying to wire up the performance shift mode that is in some of the V8 models. It requires wiring in a momentary switch to activate the system. Wasn't too hard. This was on a 94 3.4L mind you, so your results may vary.

[Kidinthehall2001]

I put sandbags in the back, and drive slow.

If someone in their "mighty 4x4" is on your *** , let them pass. You can laugh at them later when they are in the ditch.

It's funny, i would go down the hwy and see many trucks in the ditch...all 4x4's.

Just drive your RWD sports car real slow by them, honk your horn and give them a [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[ November 01, 2002: Message edited by: Kidinthehall2001 ]</p>

[Steve Caroccia]

Well, if it make syou feel any better, my winter car also did not pass inspection yesterday, but there is ZERO way I am driving my car (look in sig) in Buffalo NY. The snow doesn;t even bother me, but the roads are like a freakin dirt bike track. Hopefully $2000 will save the day

P.S. I am parting out a 1989 pontiac 6000. Brand new fuel pump 3 months ago, and new alternator. Water pump 3 yr old, relatively new exhaust

[mr_man]

i would use skinny tire's as well. I've had mine for two winter's and used my regular tires first 225's then 245's, now i have some 215's on. Limited slip also helps a lot, much easier then the open differential.

[V6Bob]

Good snow tires have a snowflake molded into the sidewall. Four of these are a good investment for anyone who drives much in snow. www.tirerack.com has a good selection and some discussion about these.

[Bob P.]

A friend of mine has a 95 Bird with a 3.4 that he bought new. He's driven it here in CNY every winter since he bought it with no problems. And it still looks great.

Drive slow, be careful. It's when you are not paying attention that you will get bit.

[Chrisz24]

I just got new Dunlop 245/50/16's all around, they are as wide as a steam roller, I am also buying sand bags probibly 200lbs or so, Hopefuly mine will make it this year, If I have major problems I guess I will find 2 extra wheels and get some snows :(

[Mister_Johnny99]

I've been running my '84 for almost 20 years now.
Never had any trouble I couldn't handle.
It's a 2.8L A4, so I don't have much trouble keeping the wheels from spinning :D
Posi rear, of course.
In the winter I pull the big summer tires, and run 205/70R14 studded snows in back, and plain snows in front.
I also put 8 1-gallon water jugs filled with sand in the rear well.
We don't get "alot" of snow around here, but I hate to get caught unprepared.

[ November 07, 2002: Message edited by: Mister_Johnny99 ]

[ November 07, 2002: Message edited by: Mister_Johnny99 ]</p>