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11-27-2011, 11:52 AM | #1 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 294642
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: North Vancouver, BC
Vehicle:06 WRX Black |
Help Me (and others) Build The Ultimate Winter Machine!
Hey Vancouverites!
I recently bought an 06 WRX this fall. I live in Kelowna, but I work in Fort Nelson (and farther up north) for the oil & gas industry. Temperatures up there can get as low as -50C, making for a less-than-perfect environment for (any) vehicle. I did some searching and didn't find a thread covering the temperature extremes I will be facing, so I figured I would try to compile a list of mods/parts/tricks to making the north more bearable to drive in. I think the main factors are Reliability, Handling, and Visibility (Yes, those snow storms in the previous COD *ARE* real!) Here's what I have so far: * = New addition. RELIABILITY: - *High Temperature Thermostat - Block Heater (Mine doesn't have one, anyone with experience?) - Battery Upgrade (Optimax *Blue Top) - De-Icing solutions (I know there is acidic windshield wash out there. How well does it work? Add vinegar? I have the heated seats to defrost my ass and the heated wipers.) - Extreme Temperature Fluids (Oil, Coolant, Trans fluid, etc.) - Getting Stuck (It happens. Collapsible shovel, sand/salt, tow straps, I hear of grippy plates you can slide under/behind the wheels to give you something other than ice to get some momentum on. Any experience with these? I would laugh if someone had a Winch!) - *Chains - to lay down instead of plates. - *Survival Kit (already covered) HANDLING: - Proper winter tires (When the snow isn't 2 feet of powder, you are driving on an ice rink. Since the majority of the highway up until Prince George is well-kept/sanded, I want to avoid studs. Tire recommendations? *Yokohama A034* Is there something lighter-duty than chains that I can add if things get rough?) - Subtle lift (Benefits in deep ass snow? Don't think the front end would like having a Plow attached!) *Foz setup* - Weight Distribution? (Added trunk weight beneficial?) VISIBILITY: - HID conversion. *May reflect. - Light bar (I don't see too many for the 06 WRX. Anyone use one?) *Rocket Rally/Rally Innovations* - High-contrast Fog Lights (I hear amber/yellow tint increases contrast? Experience?) * - Heavy Duty Wipers (Any experience with the PIAA wipers?) - Mud Flaps (for the people following!) *Rally Armour - goes without saying! That's all I have for now! Chime in! Any other factors to be considered? Additional equipment?
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Last edited by StealthScooBC; 11-27-2011 at 04:22 PM. |
11-27-2011, 02:21 PM | #2 |
Scooby Guru
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Join Date: Dec 1999
Chapter/Region:
VIC
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Vehicle:2003 Lexus IS300 Graphite Gray Pearl |
I found HID in the snow to be a bit distracting truthfully, you're better off with auxiliary lights (fog/driving) for added output. Yellow would be good in the snow, the bright whiteness of HID lights just reflect too much I think.
Of course, I've only ever experienced HID and snow in the city here, but driven through the Hope/Princeton to Penticton through a snowstorm (or what I consider one, remember, I'm from the city) in my wife's Protege5 and her regular halogen and fog lights worked well. |
11-27-2011, 02:25 PM | #3 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 66985
Join Date: Jul 2004
Chapter/Region:
VIC
Location: Quick Wet Lamb, BC Canada
Vehicle:2001 SRP 2.5RS sold 2017 WRB WRX |
you might have better luck asking a section that actually gets the winter you describe. maybe post in the alaska section.
Off the top of my head, for a light bar you could get something like this If you're worried about really cold weather, the optima blue top has more CCA than the red or yellow top. |
11-27-2011, 02:42 PM | #4 |
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Member#: 125450
Join Date: Sep 2006
Chapter/Region:
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Location: Tricities, B.C.
Vehicle:Gone 07 SWP STi LTD 07 Nissan Nismo 4x4 |
For Tires Rocket would have some extreme choices for you.
Block heater maybe also higher temp thermo stat so car heats up faster, also block front of rad you don't need all the cold air going through it. Suspension maybe some forester struts or camber plates with a rise. Lighting I had a Rigid LED 20" light bar mounted on my 07 sti using the licence plate wholes with the Rigid U bracket. On my truck now I have Rigid fog dully with amber LED with the 20" White LED bar. Have it set up so on low beam amber fog is on and when I hit the highbeams the 20" bar lights up. Best of both worlds, amber LED for fog/snow/dust and white for dark roads or off roading. |
11-27-2011, 03:40 PM | #5 | |
the cone killer
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Vehicle:02 swapped bugeye anthricite |
Quote:
Biggest thing I can recommend is a good kit to help keep alive if you do get stuck. Good snow brush Park with your wipers up at night (lift them off the windshield) to keep them from freezing. get lock de-icer, or keyless entry & a remote start, so it is toasty warm when you get in All weather mats, help when you have snowy feet |
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11-27-2011, 03:57 PM | #6 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 294642
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: North Vancouver, BC
Vehicle:06 WRX Black |
Good input guys! Should have thought to post this in Alaska, I'll copy it and see what I get there.
The rally innovations light bar looks like exactly what I need. Some long-beam PIAAs on the top for distance and some wider beams for the lower. Interesting input on the HID's in the snow - never thought of the reflection. I'll have to do more research. Another addition to this could be a skidplate... As for the fogs, I know PIAA sells some called GTX or something that are yellow. Don't think I should go with a film over the lenses since they are so low - probably would wear off. Battery - just checked out the blue top, sounds like a good choice. I would be interested to know about the higher temp thermostat and how it would react back home, as I'm 3 weeks on/1 week off or 2 on/2 off. Checked out Rocket Rally's tire selection - Yokohama A034s look beefy as hell. Emailing them to check out price/fitment on stock wheels. Anyone have any experience with these? Keep 'em coming! |
11-27-2011, 04:07 PM | #7 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 294642
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: North Vancouver, BC
Vehicle:06 WRX Black |
Quote:
As for the survival kit, I'm a Paramedic and that was the first thing I thought of! Tons of first aid stuff in there along with some food/water, hypo blanket, like 3 flashlights and a headlamp, vis-vests...need some legit road flares still. |
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11-27-2011, 04:07 PM | #8 | |
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Member#: 169096
Join Date: Jan 2008
Chapter/Region:
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Location: Langley BC Canada
Vehicle:2009 DGM STi Hatch 2000 2.5RS *Gone* |
http://www.rs25.com/forums/f105/8103...install-3.html
Quote:
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11-27-2011, 09:32 PM | #9 |
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Location: Coquitlam, BC, Canada
Vehicle:1979 BRAT / 01 RSTI 99 2.5TS (DEAD) |
a few things. I have never actually had to deal with those temps but I have played around in the snow enough to know that if you're stuck in a wrx with snow tires things like sand, chains, planks, whatever, is not going to help.
Get a real shovel. Collapsible works ok in a pinch but if you're high centered on something (only reason you should every be stuck) a long shovel that can get under the entire car is the best. For the TSD events i've gone to, my 'recovery kit' consisted of a large bin full of different length tow straps (100 feet total i'd say), a come along (yes it's a manual winch), and a shovel. A piece of plywood is also nice. In case you need to jack up the car to get snow out, you can do it without the jack sinking. Second, the A034 is a competition tire. They will not last very long under normal driving conditions. Second, they are only available in 15" and under wheel sizes. So they won't fit on stock wheels... There are some 15" wheels that fit your car but expect to spend about $200 each minimum. And the A034 isn't exactly a cheap tire either. For a set, with wheels, expect to spend close to $2000. Or you can get the next best thing (arguably better depending on conditions) the IG20. At around 200 locally for a 17" tire that will fit on your stock wheels is a much better option. Amazing ice tire so this should probably be the one to go for. I would also recommend a matching full size spare. The donut tire has practically no traction. If your commute is not that long it's not super important. lastly, I saw that you mentioned putting lights on top. I'm assuming you mean on the roof? Do not do this. They will reflect off your hood making it worse with them on compared to off. Even if they are pencil beams... And if it is snowing, all you will see with them on is the snow directly in front of your windshield. If they are on the front of the car you should at least get a little bit of road visibility in a snowstorm. |
11-27-2011, 11:10 PM | #10 |
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Vehicle:2006 WRX Wagon Obsidian Black |
HID is actually really bad for driving in/when it is snowing... You are better off with some aftermarket foglights.
Oil/lube up the door/trunk seals so it the door doesn't freeze shut. I carry a bottle of de-icer/wiper fluid and just squirt it on the windshield while warming up the car after scraping off the ice. |
11-27-2011, 11:47 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
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VIC
Location: Van City, BC
Vehicle:1997 Impreza OBS Blue - "Mishka" |
Wow, lots of great points here... More than I ever considered necessary, but then again I'm not heading out into crazy winter conditions.
I think there's three things you really need to consider to be safe in the snow on long trips like that: A way to reduce your chances of getting stuck, a way to get your car unstuck if it happens, and a way to keep yourself safe if there's no way out. You seem to have them all pretty much down... Only thing I would add is a decent rainjacket (like a PVC one) and a wool sweater. The jacket will keep the snow off you should you need to dig out the car in a snowstorm, and the wool will keep you warm even if you're wet. A pair of gloves is also a good thing to have in case you have to dig yourself out. Other than that... some red emergency strobe lights, in case you break down. You could get flares, but I think they'd only work if the road was relatively clear of snow. If you tried sticking them in the snow, they might melt the snow and sink, making them invisible to other cars. At least lights should be light enough to sit on top of fresh snow, or they won't burn your car if you have to put them on your roof. Do you have LED taillights? I'd want to be as visible as possible from behind, so a rear foglight might be nice. If you don't have/can't get one, you might be able to wire a simple trailer brake light to your taillights (not your brake lights though) and set it up in your rear window. That way, when your taillights are on, you will have an additional (hopefully brighter) light in your rear window. Boom, instant foglight. It might look funny, but again, more visibility. I don't know what else... Check to make sure your skidplate/engine cover is on properly? You probably don't want snow getting caught up there if you drive through a snowdrift. I would suggest personal protection if you're going to be driving through the woods, but I don't think there's any bears around at this time of year. I'm not sure what other wildlife lives up in those parts though, so you may need something to keep by your side if you get stuck on the side of the road. The full-sized shovel is a good idea... if you don't have room for a full sized shovel, then I'd suggest doing the following: Get a shovel with a wooden shaft, and cut the shaft in half. Get a two-foot piece of pipe that'll fit over the cut section, slide one foot of it over the cut end of the upper part of the shaft (the end opposite the shovel head), and secure it with several screws. Then, slide the remaining foot of pipe (and attached shaft) over the lower half of the shaft (with the shovel), and drill at least two holes right through the pipe and lower part of the shaft. The shaft of some shovels is thinner in that portion though, so I wouldn't go over 1/4" in diameter for the holes. Then, grab a couple of long bolts, put them through the pipe and handle, and use wingnuts or something to secure the other end. They don't have to be tight... you just need to hold the bolt in the hole, not clamp it together. Cotter pins might work better, as they'd be quicker and easier to install and remove with gloves on, but you'd just have to find some long, skinny ones. To store it in your car, just pull the pins and separate the handle. If you need to get it out, just put the two ends of the handle together and use the pins to secure them. And finally, common sense? I'm sure you've already got that though, seeing as you started this thread... Last edited by pope_face; 11-28-2011 at 12:49 AM. |
11-28-2011, 12:03 AM | #12 |
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I really want to get one of these. Maybe time to change the direction with my foz...
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11-28-2011, 12:34 AM | #13 |
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Join Date: Sep 2006
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Location: Tricities, B.C.
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Forgot to mention I carry a good collapsible snowboard/avi shovel it even has a 8"saw in the handle to cut wood down tree across the road or ice blocks to make an igloo. And if you can't dig your self out with it might as well call the tow truck. Also I find a good ice scraper makes a big difference I have one with a 6" brush and squeegee one one side and a ice scraper on the other, most used item in the winter in my vehicle. In the winter I also have a nice set of Snowboard pipe gloves thin enough for driving and thick enough to keep warm when clearing snow off car or when digging car out of a snowbank or deep rut.
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11-28-2011, 12:50 AM | #14 | |
Scooby Specialist
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Join Date: Jan 2008
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VIC
Location: Langley BC Canada
Vehicle:2009 DGM STi Hatch 2000 2.5RS *Gone* |
Quote:
-Avi Shovel -Short Scraper -Long scraper with brush -Good thin but insulated gloves Hadn't thought about bringing a saw though... -I also carry an extra wiper blade, just in case one breaks. -An extra toque, and some extra clothes. |
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11-28-2011, 02:58 AM | #15 |
Scooby Specialist
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Join Date: Oct 2006
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Vehicle:2001 Impreza OBP |
as for the HID's, you might be better off with halogens, as people have mentioned.
However, there might be a different solution if you're already running HID's, you may wanna consider 3000k bulbs. 3000k HID d2s bulbs are available at TheRetrofitSource.com - I just purchased a set, but I haven't made the switch yet! |
11-28-2011, 03:06 AM | #16 | |
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11-28-2011, 11:19 AM | #17 |
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Vehicle:2008 Forester AE |
Ft Nelson, have fun..
I've had my share of breakfasts at the blue bell myself.. Worked out of fly in tent camps though so driving wasn't an option I would maybe look into a spot or a sat phone for the drive up, cell coverage up there sucks. Even with a radio you would be able to get a hold of trucks on the highway if you needed help. Other than that a block heater, winter tires, maybe a battery warmer? A good winter kit with snow gear and a shovel. And some driving lights for those damn caribou and moose on the hwy.. |
11-28-2011, 12:02 PM | #18 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 294642
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: North Vancouver, BC
Vehicle:06 WRX Black |
Awesome info guys!
As for the person who thought I'd mount lights on my roof - Hell No! I meant on the higher position on the lightbar. Good idea about the additional rear fog light - would be useful for backing up too. 3000k lights sounds pretty sick. I'm not currently running HIDs. Ill see how they are in town whenever I get around to them and decide then. That red (foz?) looks SICK. If you get stuck in THAT, you shouldnt be driving! Thanks for the input on the tires. The IG20s look pretty good. Keep it coming! Im sure this will help alot of people. |
11-28-2011, 12:14 PM | #19 |
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Not sure how true this is as I haven't tried it out yet. I remember reading somewhere if you're ever stuck in an open diff vehicle (WRX), applying a small amount of breaks while giving it some gas will give traction to all four wheels; applying the breaks lightly sorta 'locks' the diffs.
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11-28-2011, 01:23 PM | #20 | |
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11-28-2011, 01:47 PM | #21 |
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marlon he's not saying try to do a brakestand. lightly applying the brakes will limit wheel spin.
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11-28-2011, 01:58 PM | #22 |
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11-28-2011, 03:46 PM | #23 | |
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Location: Sidney, BC
Vehicle:02 WRX White |
Quote:
Yellow fogs and low temp HID's if you think you need HID's. Given the climate there I think you are on the right track. I'd consider studded Nokians if I were you, and maybe little sand and some folding "ladders" for deeper snow. Also a cheaper light skid plate and diff cover would be worth considering. I know that turbo timers are not the most popular subie thing but most have a timer you can set. When I was in Ontario I'd start my car 5 minutes before I had to leave and set the timer for 9min, that way everything would be warm. I have never had a gearbox feel so terrible as the first minute after starting it in -35 weather. It was like someone filled it with molasses. Other than some deep snow, you will find it easier than you think with some great tires. |
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11-28-2011, 09:23 PM | #24 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 165933
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Location: Kelowna, BC
Vehicle:2007 wrx wagon cgm |
No need to panic and get too much stuff. Mostly good advice so far. I'm from PG and have driven and worked plenty in the winter up north, including Ft Nelson.
Block heater will be essential. I've never had an oil pan heater before, but it could be considered. I just use lighter oil. Transmission will feel like sludge for the first while every morning. Just drive and shift it nice and slow until it feels normal (warmed up). +1 for studded Nokians. Seriously best winter tire for deep snow (bumper plowing is no problem) or any glazed ice hwy. The new Hakka 7 looks like it makes pavement driving (S of Cache Creek) more bearable I've since switched to IG20s since moving to Van. Less grip in both deep snow and ice, but still more than adequate and nicer to drive around lower mainland. Really any good winter tire should be fine. If you've got the budget and are heading up to Ft Nelson, just go with Nokian studs. They are that much better and every road surface north of PG is covered in ice (or snow-covered ice) 4-5 months of the year. Don't bother carting sand or chains around. You're only filling your trunk and adding unnecessary weight. Check your coolant! Make sure your antifreeze mix is strong enough. 0Wxx engine oil. I've used Amsoil 0W30. Much less viscous on cold start up. Saves engine wear during cold starts and cranks easier. A quality, fresh battery shouldn't really need a warmer. I've never used one, but with the block heater plugged in, even my old "90 Legacy cranked fine at -40. Unless your car is lowered much, your suspension will be fine. Not until over a foot or so of snow will clearance become an issue. Even then, you will have no problem getting around. The issue is just that your engine compartment can eventually pack up with snow. This is no problem, just methodically dig it out without breaking anything. Survival kit: Yes. Warm stuff, candles, flares, shovel, jumper cables for helping neighbors out. All that stuff that was mentioned above. Take your time when learning how to drive icy roads. They're tons of fun in our cars with good tires, just don't be like (what we northerners would refer to as) the stereotypical lower mainland winter driver. By this I just mean inexperienced or possibly a bit ignorant. Evaluate how road conditions are changing. I quite frequently do brake checks whenever the road surface seems to change. Straight sections of road when nobody is around, reduce your speed a bit, then see what full ABS feels like. Turn a bit under braking and get a feel for how much input and control you have. Just cruising at 100 and not paying attention to changing friction conditions can freak you out when that shadowy black moose appears 100' in front of you in falling snow. Best of luck up there. PS I recently finished PCP licensing and am applying to BCAS, so will be a Paramedic soon as well. Tom |
11-28-2011, 10:03 PM | #25 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 165933
Join Date: Dec 2007
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VIC
Location: Kelowna, BC
Vehicle:2007 wrx wagon cgm |
(as if that wasn't long enough)
Forgot about lights! I haven't got around to adding driving lamps to my '08 because the headlights are quite good and it's lower on my wish list. However, I had some 85W PIAA driving lamps on my old leggy and they were phenomenal. Can't comment from experience on HID, but I hate passing oncoming ones. I like amber fogs in the winter. Really helps you see where you are on the road in total whiteouts. The OE fogs on my impreza are nearly useless. That's another wish list item still. If you only buy one set of auxilliary lights, get driving lamps. Also, look into getting the clear plastic film protectors for headlights. Last ones I got I believe were 3M. Any parts store up north usually has it. It's 3-4 mm thick clear one-sided sticky. Apply it with a heat gun for best results. Protects your pricey new driving lamps and keeps from replacing lenses. Just pull off the film in the spring and get new layer next winter. Get used to replacing your windshield annually too! Damn pea gravel they drop everywhere! |
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