ksattic

iTrader: (5)

Winter is approaching, so I am going to attempt to post my research here, and hopefully we can get some good recommendations on the best way to go for putting winter tires on our Evo 10s.

Here are the facts on the stock X (MR and GSR):

Wheel Size: 18 x 8.5 in.
Tire Type: Yokohama Advan A13C
Tire Size: P245/40R18

The winter options that I can see are the following:

1. Keep stock wheels (or buy a spare set of the same size), and put winter tires on them. Tire Rack only have these winter tires in this size:

- Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
- Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3
- Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25

2. Buy 17" wheels, put winter tires on them. The pro here is that in general, narrower wheels provide better grip in ice and snow due to increased pressure on the surface below the wheel. Also, there is a wider selection of 17" winter tires. The con is that although we have had reports that people have seen 17" BBS MR wheels on an Evo X, we don't have hard proof that any 17" wheel fits on the X yet. Bear in mind also that the front brakes on the MR are of a different design to the GSR.

- Report of TE37 with Neova AD07 235/45R17 for the X:
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=358639

- Report of using 25mm spacers to fit Evo VIII wheels:
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=368901

3. Buy narrower 18" wheels, put winter tyres on them. I have not found any threads on this, and I am not a wheel expert. Is this advisable?

Practically, I like option 2 the best because narrower, higher profile tires are better for carving through snow. Also, many of us still have a set of 17" winter wheels and tires in the basement.

Nsomniac

iTrader: (3)

I've been looking really hard for answers to this question too. I've had pirelli winter carving tires on my TT for 3 seasons and loved them, but they don't come in 18" sizes. Overall, Nokian is probably the most renowned winter tire producer, with the WR being the standby studless for AWD cars. You can get the Nokian WR in 245/40/18's, but they are spendy. When you really think about it though, the tires should last you at least 3 seasons, probably more, so the investment is minimal for road safety of your $40k evo.

Anyway, I'm going with Nokian's in the 18" variety. Good luck with your search.

Robevo RS

iTrader: (16)

i'm looking for winter tires for cheap, too. I got a nice offer from wheel dude with the T1R toyos, but i don't think they are really good for winter.
I'm just a head to buy a wheels and tires combo too.

midwestX

iTrader: (4)

I want to know some good winter tires as well.

raytrix

iTrader: (12)

Michelin Pilot Plus A/S are good tires. Their all season and 4 1/2 star rating on tirerack.com

ksattic

iTrader: (5)

The Tire Rack's search must be broken... previously it listed only 3 winter tires in 245/40R18, but the Pilot Alpin PA3 is available in that size. I have the Pilot Alpin 2 in 17", and it is an excellent tire.

Also, thanks for the Nokian recommendation. Here is a good comparison against the tire I just mentioned:

http://tsx.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=663067

I would like to pursue the 17" option if possible - any insights are welcome.

Turbo Ghost

iTrader: (2)

I bought Hankook Icebears W300 (245/40R18) for $191 each with free shipping.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...58&rd=18&ar=40

Fourdoor

iTrader: (11)

I just placed the following order with the tire rack:

--------------------------------------------

315MHZ TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR
for 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR In Stock 4 $52.00 $208.00

18x9.5 Kazera KZ-A Flat Black w/Mach Lip
for 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR In Stock 4 $129.00 $516.00
See specific installation hardware included at no charge.

235/40R18 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25
for 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR In Stock 4 $198.00 $792.00
These tires and wheels will be mounted and balanced at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.

--------------------------------------------

I thought seriously about the new "Nokian Hakkapeliitta R" tires, but we don't really get that much snow here, and they were $165 more for the set of 4 than the Blizzak's... plus the place selling the Hakka's didn't have any cheap wheels on clearance. I don't use expensive wheels on salty roads if I can avoid it. Can't beat 18 x 9.5's for $129 each! I am betting these are some heavy bastards

Keith

Fourdoor

iTrader: (11)

Just for my own sake I checked my 2005 EVO set of winter wheels / tires (stock EVO VIII NONE MR rims) on the front of my new X MR.... even with spacers it would not work. The caliper hits on the rim itself, not on the spokes. Even if the 17" BBS rims fit, there would be so little clearance that the tinniest pebble getting kicked up in there would reak havock by getting caught between the caliper and rim. We are talking a pebble smaller than a pea would cause damage to the caliper or rim.

Keith

Red Dragon

iTrader: (17)

Just bought the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D in 235/45R18. Using the stock rims as winter rims.

KGHtheII

iTrader: (2)

So I dont know a whole lot about tires, but why are you guys buying 235s if the stock size is 245?

ksattic

iTrader: (5)

That's what I thought - I was going to look myself this weekend but you've saved me the trouble. I didn't see how a spacer would help because the calliper fits inside the wheel itself.

The first number indicates how wide the tire is. You can get away with a narrower tire on a wider rim because the sidewall will bend slightly. Narrower tires are arguably better in the snow/ice.

ksattic

iTrader: (5)

Fourdoor - on another thread you said you ordered wheel spacers - are these the ones you tried or did you cancel the order because you couldn't see them working?

Man, I really wanted Blizzak WS-60 tires this winter but they are not available in 18"...

strife

iTrader: (1)

I had a set of Blizzak LM-25 on a old 2G eclipse and they were worth there weight in gold on snow and ice. I live in Pa and we get lots of snow in the winter.

Fourdoor

iTrader: (11)

For actual snow driving a narow tire works better than a wide tire, and since I will not be pushing the limits of cornering power on snow tires anyway and the 235's being slightly less expensive it was the logical choice to make.

Keith