These cars are WORTHLESS in snow...geesh
12-29-2010, 11:29 AM
#41
Race Director
My DD wouldn't start so I drove the 'vette and it did fine in the snow. I was thinking that the race slicks would do terrible on my road which is snow covered, but they really weren't that bad. I'm a decent driver though. For people not used to the snow or deep snow, there will be problems.
v710's, only slid when I wanted to.
v710's, only slid when I wanted to.
12-29-2010, 11:48 AM
#42
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2003
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St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
We are also a spoiled society. Or is it just me? The only ones I recall growing up with 4 wheel drive were some farmers and they were far and few. I really do not recall anyone having a car they could park for the winter. Am I the only one who rembers bias ply tires ? and putting on recap snow tires in the winter? or studs? We just got used to front wheel drive, 4 wheel drive, and roads that are expected to be cleaned on the first snow flake. I don't think these are any worse than most rear wheel drive cars. And age has a lot to do with it. I used to love to get out when it snowed it was fun esp in parking lots. But now I don't even care if I get out. Is this just me or what?
12-29-2010, 12:35 PM
#43
Instructor
Drove mine daily for three winters, and the '97 Trans Am for 4 or 5 as well.
Snow tires
The plow drivers at work last winter offered to put a plow blade on the Vette
Snow tires
The plow drivers at work last winter offered to put a plow blade on the Vette
12-29-2010, 01:43 PM
#44
Race Director
I think if you live in cold climates, you should have a second vehicle like a 4x4 truck, so you don't have to drive your Corvette in the snow. Personally, I would never drive my Corvette in the snow. It wasn't intended to be a snow plow. It's a sports car. They stay in alot better shape when they aren't driven in those kind of conditions.
I wouldn't try to pull my fifth wheel with my Corvette, and I wouldn't autocross my F250. If I lived in snow country, I'm thinking an old Subaru Outback for the bad days.
12-29-2010, 02:11 PM
#45
Le Mans Master
All cars are worthless in snow. It's just some are more worthless than others.
This is my fifth winter driving the Vette. The only times I've had any trouble was having to start on an incline. Needed the help of some good samaritans a couple of times.
Now, I argue that the Vette is actually a better car than most in the snow. It's only real downfall is torque management, and of course, ground clearance. But here's why I think it's better than most...
1) Low center of gravity This prevents weight momentum from taking side to side.
2) Balanced weight distribution Also preventing weight momentum from pulling the rear out or causing front weight understeer.
3) Tighter suspension This allows for a more intimate feeling of the road. If the Vette even thinks about slipping I know about it immediately and can take action. In most other cars, and 4X4's as well, by the time you feel it slipping, it's already gone.
Simple I things I do during snow...
1) Only drive when I must
2) Put about 300lbs of sand bags directly over the rear wheels
3) Plan the flattest route from point A to B using major roads
4) Know that speed is not my friend
5) Do not taunt the spun out FWD's and 4x4's that honked at me a mile back because I was driving slow, as I putter on my merry way past them. Kahrma and overconfidence will get you every time.
Driving in snow flat sucks. I don't care what you're driving, it sucks. Yes, a FWD and a 4x4 are better, but really only for starting and stopping. They still get stuck, slip and slide. I find myself being really amused by the overconfidence of 4x4 drivers that think they can still go 65 on a snow covered highway.
This is my fifth winter driving the Vette. The only times I've had any trouble was having to start on an incline. Needed the help of some good samaritans a couple of times.
Now, I argue that the Vette is actually a better car than most in the snow. It's only real downfall is torque management, and of course, ground clearance. But here's why I think it's better than most...
1) Low center of gravity This prevents weight momentum from taking side to side.
2) Balanced weight distribution Also preventing weight momentum from pulling the rear out or causing front weight understeer.
3) Tighter suspension This allows for a more intimate feeling of the road. If the Vette even thinks about slipping I know about it immediately and can take action. In most other cars, and 4X4's as well, by the time you feel it slipping, it's already gone.
Simple I things I do during snow...
1) Only drive when I must
2) Put about 300lbs of sand bags directly over the rear wheels
3) Plan the flattest route from point A to B using major roads
4) Know that speed is not my friend
5) Do not taunt the spun out FWD's and 4x4's that honked at me a mile back because I was driving slow, as I putter on my merry way past them. Kahrma and overconfidence will get you every time.
Driving in snow flat sucks. I don't care what you're driving, it sucks. Yes, a FWD and a 4x4 are better, but really only for starting and stopping. They still get stuck, slip and slide. I find myself being really amused by the overconfidence of 4x4 drivers that think they can still go 65 on a snow covered highway.
12-29-2010, 04:15 PM
#46
Safety Car
Member Since: Nov 2004
Location: going faster miles an hour...with the radio on in browns mills new jersey
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My '88 is an automatic. I can get stuck in an inch of snow.
How do you "rock" these things?
As soon as the wheels start spinning I step on the brakes but the ABS won't stop the wheels. I can't manage to get any 'back and forth' happening. What am I missing?
How do you "rock" these things?
As soon as the wheels start spinning I step on the brakes but the ABS won't stop the wheels. I can't manage to get any 'back and forth' happening. What am I missing?
12-29-2010, 09:24 PM
#49
Race Director
12-29-2010, 09:51 PM
#52
Melting Slicks
Back in 1995 my sister was dating a guy who owned a brand new 95 lt1 coupe 6-speed and he drove that all year round even through New England winters even with the stock Goodyear runflats on the stock sawblades. I was in the car a couple rides in the snow and it was quite impressive that the Vette was holding a straighter line in snowy white out conditions then some of the 4x4s on the road. Its not the car its the driver in most cases.
Last edited by Impala Balko; 12-29-2010 at 10:11 PM.
12-30-2010, 12:21 AM
#54
Team Owner
Member Since: Mar 2001
Location: Cincinnati, Oh USA
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I put 4 Blizzaks on my 87 Corvette and drive it through the winter and have been doing so for 21 years. Over the years I have gone around 2 stuck 4WD Jeeps. And yes, on summer tires you can't even get your vette to back out of your garage! 
