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Old 11-30-2003, 04:22 AM   #26
AK_2002_WRX
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hey luke@tirerack, how come the dunlop M3s are no longer avaialble?

hey everyone, would the M2s be a good choice for alaska?
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Old 11-30-2003, 02:14 PM   #27
SweetBaboo777
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i can't seem to get steel wheels either for my WRX wagon on tirerack anymore
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Old 12-01-2003, 11:33 PM   #28
That Guy
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Subaru model: 2002 Impreza RS

Mods: 22mm RSB (set to 20 for winter), enlinks, & HD mounts

tire size:205/55R16

tire model: Bridgestone LM-22

total cost: $600-ish installed a Firestone dealer

personal comments:
Mileage: 5 - Got them installed tonight so I have to break them in yet. Swung the back end wide on the way home (on purpose, sorta), but only 5 miles on them yet. It's supposed to rain/snow this week in Brew-Town, so more to come...

Mileage: 140 - They're sufficiently broken in now and I've had a chance to zip around in them. So far no snow, or rain, so I can't comment on wet weather performance yet. In the dry I'm pleased so far. No squirm at 80 mph. Haven't done any hard braking. And they've also been suprisingly quiet.

Mileage: 220 - Got a chance to run around in the rain. Excellent wet weather performance, although the ABS kicked in during hard braking more than I expected. Still solid at 80 on a water covered freeway. And quick recovery during "emergency" snap turning. Still no snow yet.

Mileage: 873 - Got some light snow over the past couple of weeks and had a chance to play a little. Grip was really good, but not amazing. I was impressed with the grip from standing starts. The best part was how quickly the tires regained grip after sliding. I've also noticed a little more noise from the tires when it's wet out, but none when it's dry.

Mileage: 2450 - So I've had them on now for several big midwestern snow days. I've been very pleased with them. They're not the best tires in snow I've ever had, but as good as the best all season. They're also much better in the dry than the RE92's were on their best day. They also did develop some overnight flat spots on nights colder than +10, but rounded out again in a couple of miles. As snow tires, they're at their best in 3 inches of snow or more. They recover from slides very nicely and hook up quick. They hold fast snow covered turns and sweepers really well. I had several comments from friends that my car's snow performance was the best they'd ever seen. In the dry, these tires rock. The hold a corner longer than I expect them to and break away very predictable. This has probably been the best part, that I haven't had to change my driving style just because I have winter tires on. I can still push these tires and it doesn't seem to phase them.

Last edited by That Guy; 02-16-2004 at 06:53 PM.
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Old 12-02-2003, 06:45 PM   #29
Yankee Hoser
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Subaru model: WRX SW

Mods: None

tire size: 205/55-R16

tire model: Dunlop Winter Sport M3

total cost: $404 from the Rack + shipping

personal comments: Will update when they get here (end of the month) and we get some snow.
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Old 12-02-2003, 06:47 PM   #30
Yankee Hoser
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Quote:
Originally posted by SweetBaboo777
i can't seem to get steel wheels either for my WRX wagon on tirerack anymore
Eric@ the Rack says a new shipment is coming in on the 20th. New Dunlop M3s are coming in on the 12th. I have ordered both. Now I just have to wait.
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Old 12-02-2003, 08:45 PM   #31
SweetBaboo777
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price difference between M2's and M3's? i remember they used to be both listed at $92 but now it's not listed anymore
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Old 12-02-2003, 10:57 PM   #32
evo2rex
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Subaru model: 1997 Outback Sport

Mods: Ram Air Intake, front strut bar, and disabled ABS

tire size: 205/60QR15

tire model: Michelin Arctic-Alpin

total cost: ~$340 ($75 each at tire rack)

personal comments: Stops MUCH better than my WRX (Nitto 450's on 18" rims) on snowy steep grades. Slides are much more controlable than the WRX as well. Dissableing the ABS might have improved stoping power in snowy conditions somewhat.
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Old 12-03-2003, 02:22 PM   #33
Yankee Hoser
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Quote:
Originally posted by Yankee Hoser
Eric@ the Rack says a new shipment is coming in on the 20th. New Dunlop M3s are coming in on the 12th. I have ordered both. Now I just have to wait.
The M2s were $92. The M3s were $101. Not bad considering the Rack ratings seem better for the M3s than the Blizzak LM22.

The M2s are only available from the Reno warehouse for some reason. So you would have to have them mounted locally.

Jim
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Old 12-04-2003, 07:52 PM   #34
SweetBaboo777
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so if i order M2s and steel wheels, tirerack will not mount and balance them for me?
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Old 12-05-2003, 03:45 PM   #35
Jon Bogert
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Subaru model: 2000 2.5RS

Mods: (snow tire relevent) Prodrive WR suspension, 20mm rear sway bar, whiteline droplinks and anti-lift kit.

tire size: Stock 205/55-16

tire model: Bridgestone LM-22

total cost: Whatever Tirerack was charging in Fall 2000

personal comments: These tires are now entering their fourth winter and are getting pretty worn. They have about 12k miles on them now and are more like all-seasons than snows. Tread depth is 6-7/32nds. They were superb through the first two winters, but struggled a bit in the awful conditions last year. I plan on dumping them after this winter.

This morning there was 3" of dense, wet snow on the roads--the kind than compacts to ice in the tire ruts. The LM-22s handled the conditions OK, but nothing like when they were brand new.

Their big strength has always been dry (but cold) road handling. Now that the tread has word down a bit, that's more true than ever. These are genuinely good handling tires by any standard. Switching from stock sized Bridgestone S-02s last week I was amazed how close in road feel the two tires are.
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Old 12-06-2003, 03:33 AM   #36
SweetBaboo777
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um...my order on dunlop M2s with steel wheels has been pushed from 12/20/03 to 1/10/04
what happened?
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Old 12-07-2003, 11:07 AM   #37
BIGSKYWRX
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02 WRX sedan

STi RA suspension (springs/struts/control arms/bushings galore)

205/55/16

Nokina NRW

~ $500

This is my second winter on these tires. For those unfamiliar w/ Montana winters- sets in around mid October and if the gods are good ends in April. These tires are amazing, relatively stiff walled for a snow tire (H-rated), excellent on ice and snow, good on dry/wet pavement. Prety good on gravel. These tires wear like iron! You would be hard pressed to tell I already have a long winter w/ them.

Combined w/ AWD, people look amazed as you pass them w/ confidence on less than ideal road conditions.

I'm a little saddened they no longer make this tire (they are still available and I might just buy an extra set). The WR while a nice looking tire, appears to be shifted towards an all season tire vs purpose built snow tire.

Big Sky
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Old 12-14-2003, 07:52 AM   #38
LisaPhish
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Subaru model: '02 Legacy GT Wagon

Mods:

tire size: 205-55-16

tire model: Nokian Hakka 2's

total cost: $539

personal comments: Have yet to drive them in the snow, but like the tech said when he brought the car out to me, it's a BEAST! A bit squirly thus far, but am told this will last for 300miles at most. Supposed to snow tonight, and I feel ready!

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Old 12-16-2003, 04:28 PM   #39
Speedwagon
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Default Michelin Arctic Alpins

Subaru model: 1998 Legacy GT wagon

Mods: Fujitsubo catback exhaust, and one kickin stereo

tire size: 205/55R16

tire model: Michelin Arctic Alpin

total cost: $406 shipped(minus $40 Michelin rebate)

personal comments:
Overall, I was fairly impressed with the tires. I haven't had any other snow tires, so I can't compare there. But these tires did hold onto the snow, and the car went where I told it to go. When I tried to break it loose, which it did, the tires were constantly fighting to get their traction back. The car went wherever it was told.

Kind of soft sidewalls, so if you are into high cornering G's in the winter, I wouldn't recommend these(maybe the Pilot Alpins instead?). They felt a bit mushy on those dry days going down the interstate ramps. But they did hold the road nicely.

Last edited by Speedwagon; 03-01-2004 at 05:33 PM.
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Old 12-16-2003, 05:51 PM   #40
Yankee Hoser
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Quote:
Originally posted by SweetBaboo777
so if i order M2s and steel wheels, tirerack will not mount and balance them for me?
Nope. The M2s would, according to Eric, come directly from Nevada and the wheels would come from Indiana.
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Old 12-28-2003, 10:02 PM   #41
HomerJay
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Chapter/Region: BAIC
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2005 WRX WAGON
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Model: 2000 Impreza RS2.5

MODS: Prodrive Exhaust + custom midpipe, cobb intake, sti V5 springs and struts, whiteline 18-22mm swaybar, front rear cusco strut brace bars.

tire: stock 16x7 rims w/ 205/55 Dunlop Wintersport M2's

cost: Can't remember, got them at Tirerack though.

Personal Comments: After a couple of seasons on crappy Re92's, I broke down and bought a set of winter tires. I don't live in snow so a lot of my driving on these tires are on dry surface and they hold up as well as RE92's on dry. They tires do get into snow about every other week when I hit the slopes in Tahoe. They did very well last season through a few blizzards. Great snow traction and pretty good on icy roads also. I recommend them for anyone who wants good dry traction and good snow traction.
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Old 12-29-2003, 05:02 PM   #42
AK_2002_WRX
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Model: 2002 WRX

Mods: Bosal DP, Tanabe SRM, TXS intake, TXS MBC.

Tire: Nokian Hakkepelita 1s on 15 inch Raclines

Cost: $300, bought em off a local member.

Comments: Night and day difference. i can actually stop on ice without the ABS kicking in. great traction on ice and not so deep snow. Only thing i dont like is the sound from the studs, but other than that, these tires are great
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Old 12-31-2003, 12:12 AM   #43
bosti
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does anyone have experience with the pirelli snow/all season tires?
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Old 12-31-2003, 09:12 AM   #44
coyote73176
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I had a set of pirelli all seasons on my last car. Good on the dry and wet, but horrible in the snow. Of course that was on a FWD.
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Old 12-31-2003, 03:37 PM   #45
AcquaCow
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Subaru model: 2000 2.5RS Sedan

Mods: CAI, 17mm RSB

tire size: 205/55-16

tire model: Dunlop Winter Sport M3

total cost: $480 (shipped from tire-rack and mounted locally)

personal comments:
Excellent in our VA slush. They throw a tremendous amount of slush/snow up into the wheel wells, so they are definately gripping as best a tire can grip. Stopping is pretty easy once you get used to it and get used to the ABS's wanting to play too. You can threshold brake up to the point of the ABS and push some snow infront of you for a little more stopping power.

On the dry, the tires are very soft for the first 300mi, then they start to stiffen. The first 1000mi they are pretty quiet. Unlike most tires where the tread width is constant and any road noise is constant, the M3's have a dynamic-width tread that gets wider and shorter the whole way around the tire which causes the noise to oscillate. Kinda neet to listen to between 30-50mph, but only for the first few days, then it starts to get annoying when you are trying to talk to people. At highway speeds they are very nice, but still loud. At about 80 the wind noise overtakes the wheel noise.

The best way to defeat this noise (and I have tested this) is to go to an auto parts store and buy 4 cans of spray-on truck bed liner. Empty one can in each wheel well. I did the front in the summer, but now all I can hear is road noise from the rear of the car, even over my music. It definately works.
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Old 01-02-2004, 07:26 PM   #46
ShawnRS
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Vehicle:
MY06 WRX Wagon
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Subaru Make: MY 2002RS

MODS: 20mm rear sway bar, Ganz CAI/ K&N filter, STI eng/ Tranny mounts, TWE Headers (Full exhaust in the works)

Tire size: 205/60/15

Tire Make: Nokian WR's

Total cost: 15" steel rims $54 each
205/60/15 Nokian WR's $150 each

Comments: These "All weather" tires handel every condition better then the RE 92's that came stock. Yes the side walls flex more (Longer side wall) than my 55 series stocks. But the overal feel is much better. Not the greatest ice tire going but it is not supposed to be. You will feel safer driving these tires over the stock setup for sure. Plus you have a 80- 100K tread life warrenty depending on were you shop.

Grip= stopping ablity

Dry: More grip than stock. Quieter too!
Wet: A little better than RE92 in the dry. No more hydro planing. I suggest good fenders to make it easier for other to see. Huge rooster tail even with OEM fenders.
Snow: Excellent.
Ice: Common sence prevails here. If you don't have studs, take it easy. But still really good.

ShawnRS

PS ABS does not come on quickly like before.
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Old 01-04-2004, 01:33 AM   #47
fiasco
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Vehicle:
21 Taco Xtrek XR4
sienna

Legacy winter tires

car: 2003 Legacy L SE wagon

mods: bone stock

tires: Nokian WR 205/55 R16 H rated

At 24k miles the stock RE92's went from acceptable in wet, gravel, snow to absolutely undrivable. My wife and I got through last winter fine on the stock tires, but they were down to about 7/32" tread and just couldn't deal with any water, snow, ice or irregular surfaces anymore. Tap the brakes on wet or ice and the ABS lit up like a Christmas tree, and I could drift wet corners like it was a WRX wagon on boost, not a Legacy.

I had planned to get a set of Green Diamond snows for the car this fall, but that secret's out and by the time I had the Visa card in hand, they were all sold out!! I thought I could sneak one more winter out of the RE92's...wrong.

Paid $135.50 each mounted and balanced for the Nokian WR's at Buzz Davies tire in Portsmouth, NH, who mounted all four on 30 minutes notice (in and out in under an hour on a snowy Friday afternoon). MUCH BETTER! Only about 100 miles on the new rubber, but they turn, stop, and grip much better than the RE92s ever did. I was tempted to go with some Hakka 2's as deidcated snows and put the RE92s back on in the spring, but I decided to take a chance and I think I'll just use this all season as the all year tire on the car. It seems to be a great "compromise" tire for the car that can give good performance in most any condition the car will see (one could argue that this might make an excellent OEM choice for the car).

I'll try to keep everyone posted as we get some more winter weather and I get to drive the car a bit more.

--Andrew Steere
Dover, NH
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Old 01-05-2004, 11:18 AM   #48
mbiker97
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Subaru model: 2003 WRX

Mods: Turbo XS Stage 4 with more power than a stock STi, and 24 mm Cusco rear sway bay.

tire size: 205/55-16 H Rated

tire model: Nokian WR

total cost: ~$480 installed

personal comments: Like the previous poster my RE92s went from acceptable to awful. These Nokians are a great all around tire. A large part of my purchase was on dry and wet performance since it doesn't snow all the time here in Detroit. These tires are better than the stock RE92s in all conditions and exponetially better in the snow. At times when other cars are skidding to a stop I am nice and controlled. I can still easily kick the back end out if I want to, but that's only if I really juice the throttle around a corner.

These are great tires for those of you, that like me, need good handling on dry pavement and highways but need to get around in the snow too.
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Old 01-17-2004, 04:18 AM   #49
neverendingmods
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2006 STi
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Thumbs up Dunlop winter sport M3

Car- 02 WRX

Mods- TXS st.4+tmic. Zero2R's, swaybars,alk,frame brace v.2 etc. etc.

tire size- 205-55-16

tire model- Dunlop Wintersport M3

Cost- $480 mounted and balanced.

Comments-
Handle fairly well on dry pavement. Don't like to be pushed real hard in cornering but nearly same as RE92's. Wet,cold roads are worryfree. Provide excellent grip and stopping power. Have only got to drive in like 2 inches of snow so far but it felt like a dry road. No ABS interruptions. Lots of hard accelerating can be done w/these tires in light snow. I'll post back after more treacherous conditions arise. As far as NVH, my car is a rattle trap and heard no difference. Definately a tire that builds confidence in cold, wet weather.

edit- got to drive in 5"+ of snow and sleet. No plows yet as I drove 30mi. home from work. I will feel guilty calling out of work because of snow/ice now. I use to say"more than 3, won't see me". But I will have to come up with something different now. These tires cut right through the icey top layer and dig at snow. I will get these again for winter use.

Last edited by neverendingmods; 02-01-2004 at 04:34 PM.
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Old 01-20-2004, 01:03 PM   #50
Kamen
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Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: Rocky Mountains foothills
Vehicle:
0210 Impreza WRX
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Subaru model: 1998 Legacy L, AWD

Mods: essentially stock

tire size: 185/70-14

tire model: Kumho I'Zen KW-11

total cost: $198.00 out-the-door for a set of 4

personal comments:

I am very happy with those tires. I could not compare them to other snow tires because I have only used all-weather so far (Michelin X-One) but I have had plenty of chances to challenge them by now: even though I have only put a little over 1000 miles on them about half are on snow.

Very good traction on ice and deep snow. Predictable handling, able to recover traction once it is lost. Decent dry road performance - softer sidewall and narrower track make it unsuitable for agressive driving but Winter is not the time to be doing that anyway. Very quite and soft ride. Behaves properly at high speeds (justifies its "T" rating).

Highly recommended.

Kamen
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