Can you drive a ZL1 in Winter

5150777 · 10-25-2019, 07:25 AM

I currently have a 2016 2ss that I drive in winter (snow tires). Never an issue. Have a deposit down on a 2020 Corvette, but just found out at 50 years old I am going to be a 1st time Dad. Corvette is out of the picture now

I like to drive my car year round, would in be possible in a ZL1, and do they make proper winter tires.

THANKS VERY MUCH IN ADVANCE!

IneedAZ · 10-25-2019, 07:29 AM

Well, tire change is a must and there is a Snow/Ice mode you can drive around in. Of course your winters are far worst than mine here in Florida

Stephen12ZL1 · 10-25-2019, 07:38 AM

you can but winter tires are a must unless you like cheating death

StanZL1 · 10-25-2019, 07:55 AM

From Michigan...
I ran just about all last winter except a few weeks in Jan/Feb. Never a problem.

Ditto on the Snow/Ice mode, real light on the throttle, and must swap the Eagle F1's for at least a tri-season tire that has good wet traction.
I haven't been able to find snow tires yet to fit the OEM 20" rims - I think Conti discontinued theirs a year ago.
May need to drop to a set of 19's to find snow-rated tires.

Open to feedback from anyone who runs snow tires on a ZL1 - what make/size/rim combo?

5150777 · 10-25-2019, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen12ZL1

you can but winter tires are a must unless you like cheating death

Absolutely, just wondering if it can be done. Thank you.

5150777 · 10-25-2019, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StanZL1

From Michigan...
I ran just about all last winter except a few weeks in Jan/Feb. Never a problem.

Ditto on the Snow/Ice mode, real light on the throttle, and must swap the Eagle F1's for at least a tri-season tire that has good wet traction.
I haven't been able to find snow tires yet to fit the OEM 20" rims - I think Conti discontinued theirs a year ago.
May need to drop to a set of 19's to find snow-rated tires.

Open to feedback from anyone who runs snow tires on a ZL1 - what make/size/rim combo?

Following and Thank You!!!

JB'sZL1 · 10-25-2019, 08:08 AM

I don't know. I've been driving for decades in the north. Traction, with the right tires and light on the skinny pedal may assist in the prevention of a pole wraparound. I'd be more concerned with undercarriage damage with the low height of the Z.

TJay74 · 10-25-2019, 08:09 AM

Sure you can drive a ZL1 in the winter. I would suggest leaving the stock wheels and tires alone, buy another set of wheels and put your winter tires on those and use them.

The ZL1 will drive no different in the snow than your 16 SS other than just having more power.

LJS-ZLE · 10-25-2019, 08:16 AM

For any serious winter driving, I would advise against it. I tried driving my 2017 Cadillac CTS-V with snow tires through a New England winter and it was terrible. Since it was my only car, I ended up trading it in to get the ZLE and something to drive as an every day driver with all wheel drive. Even with snow tires, there is just too much torque going to the rear wheels to get traction with such a wide tire.

SteveV · 10-25-2019, 08:18 AM

While I don't have the snow issues you guys do, I do drive mine year round and can tell you that driving in temps below 30 sucks... You get zero traction.

It is doable, but not that much fun...

Oh, and I don't have the stock tires anymore. I have all seasons on mine, I have the Nitto NT555 G2 with the 315/30R22 rears. They are fine until it falls below 40, then traction sucks...

Intimidator · 10-25-2019, 08:20 AM

I DD my fully built Weapon-X Whipple Zl1.
I drove it all last Winter...except in deep snow.
It is PPF covered and I Ceramic coated and sealed everything!
I have Pirelli Sottozero 3's on my stock wheels....they are a Fantastic Cold Weather Performance tire.
I may switch to the Michelin Performance Winter tires this year since they came out with stock ZL1 sizes.
No issues for me at all.
The Pirelli Sottozero 3's allow you to have fun in cold temps that the blower loves!

DaveC113 · 10-25-2019, 08:50 AM

I went with 265/40/19 on all 4 corners, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tires, MRR wheels.

Since offset is different I got 7mm spacers for the front and slightly longer ARP wheel studs with the "nose" cut off so I can switch back to stock without changing wheel studs.

This gives me the exact same spacing on the outer edge of the wheels vs stock.

If you're driving in hilly areas you might want to keep some sort of traction devices (snow socks for the rear wheels or whatever) + a bag of sand in the trunk. Just in case... IME fwd traction isn't awesome but the car handles well and stops well. Previous car was an STi, it's no STi in the snow but it's not bad and is actually fun to drive.

Also, if you have a snow tire setup for your 2SS it will probably work fine on a ZL1 as well.

minn19 · 10-25-2019, 09:29 AM

I still need to make a thread on my set I came up with, but you might have to get creative. I have Apex ARC-8 19X10 up front and 19X12 in the rear. But, I went with Michelin Pilot A/S 3 run flats (285/35/19 front and 325/19/30 rear). I also have a ZLE, but when I was researching snow and A/S setups there were more options IIRC for the regular ZL1. They aren't cheap sets, but it can be done.

Here is a set that can be delivered to you ready to bolt on from Tire Rack

https://www.tirerack.com/cart/HoldingArea.jsp?ask=no

I've driven on PA4s the last couple of years and I love them for cold wet/dry traction. They are also great when it warms up a bit and they don't get squishy as fast a "real" winter tire. But, they had problems on glare ice, packed/deep snow where an Xice 3 type tire does much better. I never got stuck in my M3/4 with them, but it was really close sometimes. Plus clearance is an issue and your splitter will snowplow real quick throwing it up over the windshield. If you can find a set with an Xice 3 type tire I think that would suit you better up in Winterppeg.

Boo · 10-25-2019, 10:46 AM

[QUOTE=5150777;10647301]I currently have a 2016 2ss that I drive in winter (snow tires). Never an issue. Have a deposit down on a 2020 Corvette, but just found out at 50 years old I am going to be a 1st time Dad. Corvette is out of the picture now

I like to drive my car year round, would in be possible in a ZL1, and do they make proper winter tires.

Hey...CONGRATULATIONS! What ever you decide (ZL1...Vette) please keep your car if it is a dream car for you! My father sold his brand new 1963 split window after 2 years when my mother got pregnant with my oldest sister....he regretted selling his dream...make it work brother! Snow tires...chains....or just lock her up for the winter....but keep the dream!

10-25-2019, 07:25 AM	#1
5150777 Drives: 2019 Satin Steel Metallic ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Winnipeg Canada Posts: 206	Can you drive a ZL1 in Winter I currently have a 2016 2ss that I drive in winter (snow tires). Never an issue. Have a deposit down on a 2020 Corvette, but just found out at 50 years old I am going to be a 1st time Dad. Corvette is out of the picture now I like to drive my car year round, would in be possible in a ZL1, and do they make proper winter tires. THANKS VERY MUCH IN ADVANCE!

10-25-2019, 07:29 AM	#2
IneedAZ Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 & 2021 BMW M340i x Dr Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tampa Posts: 5,110 View My Garage	Well, tire change is a must and there is a Snow/Ice mode you can drive around in. Of course your winters are far worst than mine here in Florida __________________ Sold 2012 2LT RS 12.3@112 old setup Sold 1967 Camaro Pro Street. Ran 10's mild BB on NOS. 2017 HyperBlue ZL1 A10 Born 3/17/17Delivered 4/08/17 2020 Build: Mag2650, BTR Stage2, NW103, BG, 14% lower, 90mm upper, ARH 2" Long system w/no cats, SW Legend mufflers. 807hp/762tq on 93 gas and 848hp/792tq on e47 Sold 2018 (Go Mango) Dodge Charger Daytona 392 Daily Driver Daily Driver 2021 BMW M340i Xdrive Last edited by IneedAZ; 10-25-2019 at 07:55 AM.

10-25-2019, 07:38 AM	#3
Stephen12ZL1 Drives: '21 ZLE A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mechanicsville, VA Posts: 6,809	you can but winter tires are a must unless you like cheating death __________________ '21 ZLE A10 Wild Cherry PDR 2:00.78 VIR Full 10.68@131.69 1.68 60' '17 ZL1 A10 Mosaic Black PDR/Nav 2:03.08 VIR Full 11.003@129.2 1.75 (sold) '15 Z/28 #325 Black a/c & stereo. 2:10.1 VIR Full (sold) '12 ZL1 A6 Black 10.52@131 1.55 60' 2:13 VIR Full (sold)

10-25-2019, 08:09 AM	#8
TJay74 Drives: 17 Camaro SS 1LE & 16 Sierra AT CC Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Norman, OK Posts: 2,424	Sure you can drive a ZL1 in the winter. I would suggest leaving the stock wheels and tires alone, buy another set of wheels and put your winter tires on those and use them. The ZL1 will drive no different in the snow than your 16 SS other than just having more power. __________________ 2019 Corvette Z06 2LZ A8 - Halltech CAI, AWE non-catted X-pipe, Mamo V2 ported TB 592rwhp, bone stock 566rwhp 2017 Camaro SS 1LE - Procharger D1SC w/ Tial 2" BOV & Race intercooler / ARH full length catless headers / Alky meth injection system - 650rwhp on conservative tune SOLD

10-25-2019, 08:18 AM	#10
SteveV Drives: 2018 ZL1 Camaro 6M Red Hot Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 1,137 View My Garage	While I don't have the snow issues you guys do, I do drive mine year round and can tell you that driving in temps below 30 sucks... You get zero traction. It is doable, but not that much fun... Oh, and I don't have the stock tires anymore. I have all seasons on mine, I have the Nitto NT555 G2 with the 315/30R22 rears. They are fine until it falls below 40, then traction sucks... __________________ People are a lot like slinky's: not very helpful most of the time, but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs...

10-25-2019, 07:55 AM	#4
StanZL1 Drives: 2022 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 26	From Michigan... I ran just about all last winter except a few weeks in Jan/Feb. Never a problem. Ditto on the Snow/Ice mode, real light on the throttle, and must swap the Eagle F1's for at least a tri-season tire that has good wet traction. I haven't been able to find snow tires yet to fit the OEM 20" rims - I think Conti discontinued theirs a year ago. May need to drop to a set of 19's to find snow-rated tires. Open to feedback from anyone who runs snow tires on a ZL1 - what make/size/rim combo?

10-25-2019, 08:08 AM	#7
JB'sZL1 Drives: 2013 ZL1 and 2019 Ram Laramie Join Date: May 2017 Location: Milwaukee Posts: 1,259	I don't know. I've been driving for decades in the north. Traction, with the right tires and light on the skinny pedal may assist in the prevention of a pole wraparound. I'd be more concerned with undercarriage damage with the low height of the Z.

10-25-2019, 08:16 AM	#9
LJS-ZLE Drives: 2019 Camaro ZL1 1LE Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Needham, MA Posts: 35	For any serious winter driving, I would advise against it. I tried driving my 2017 Cadillac CTS-V with snow tires through a New England winter and it was terrible. Since it was my only car, I ended up trading it in to get the ZLE and something to drive as an every day driver with all wheel drive. Even with snow tires, there is just too much torque going to the rear wheels to get traction with such a wide tire.

10-25-2019, 08:20 AM	#11
Intimidator Drives: 69 GTO, 05 GTO, 2018 Silver ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Springfield, OH Posts: 847	I DD my fully built Weapon-X Whipple Zl1. I drove it all last Winter...except in deep snow. It is PPF covered and I Ceramic coated and sealed everything! I have Pirelli Sottozero 3's on my stock wheels....they are a Fantastic Cold Weather Performance tire. I may switch to the Michelin Performance Winter tires this year since they came out with stock ZL1 sizes. No issues for me at all. The Pirelli Sottozero 3's allow you to have fun in cold temps that the blower loves!

10-25-2019, 08:50 AM	#12
DaveC113 Drives: 2018 Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Front Range, CO Posts: 1,868	I went with 265/40/19 on all 4 corners, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tires, MRR wheels. Since offset is different I got 7mm spacers for the front and slightly longer ARP wheel studs with the "nose" cut off so I can switch back to stock without changing wheel studs. This gives me the exact same spacing on the outer edge of the wheels vs stock. If you're driving in hilly areas you might want to keep some sort of traction devices (snow socks for the rear wheels or whatever) + a bag of sand in the trunk. Just in case... IME fwd traction isn't awesome but the car handles well and stops well. Previous car was an STi, it's no STi in the snow but it's not bad and is actually fun to drive. Also, if you have a snow tire setup for your 2SS it will probably work fine on a ZL1 as well. __________________

10-25-2019, 09:29 AM	#13
minn19 Drives: 22 ZL1, 20 Taco, 20 Cayenne S Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: MN Posts: 624	I still need to make a thread on my set I came up with, but you might have to get creative. I have Apex ARC-8 19X10 up front and 19X12 in the rear. But, I went with Michelin Pilot A/S 3 run flats (285/35/19 front and 325/19/30 rear). I also have a ZLE, but when I was researching snow and A/S setups there were more options IIRC for the regular ZL1. They aren't cheap sets, but it can be done. Here is a set that can be delivered to you ready to bolt on from Tire Rack https://www.tirerack.com/cart/HoldingArea.jsp?ask=no I've driven on PA4s the last couple of years and I love them for cold wet/dry traction. They are also great when it warms up a bit and they don't get squishy as fast a "real" winter tire. But, they had problems on glare ice, packed/deep snow where an Xice 3 type tire does much better. I never got stuck in my M3/4 with them, but it was really close sometimes. Plus clearance is an issue and your splitter will snowplow real quick throwing it up over the windshield. If you can find a set with an Xice 3 type tire I think that would suit you better up in Winterppeg.

10-25-2019, 10:46 AM	#14
Boo Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 Nightfall Grey Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Tampa Posts: 315	[QUOTE=5150777;10647301]I currently have a 2016 2ss that I drive in winter (snow tires). Never an issue. Have a deposit down on a 2020 Corvette, but just found out at 50 years old I am going to be a 1st time Dad. Corvette is out of the picture now I like to drive my car year round, would in be possible in a ZL1, and do they make proper winter tires. Hey...CONGRATULATIONS! What ever you decide (ZL1...Vette) please keep your car if it is a dream car for you! My father sold his brand new 1963 split window after 2 years when my mother got pregnant with my oldest sister....he regretted selling his dream...make it work brother! Snow tires...chains....or just lock her up for the winter....but keep the dream!

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