Snow chains on the STi, with pictures...

ORSTi · 03-11-2006, 11:41 AM

Well, I know there has been some question as to whether snow chains will fit the STi. Not that I have ever come close to needing them, sometimes due to local laws and conditions you may be required to show, or install them regardless. I have a set that I test fitted in the garage, and then put away and forgot about. Yesterday, since I was out playing, I decided to put them on and give them a go. They worked great, with no rubbing at all, and the traction was increased dramatically, as you may expect. I have used many different types of tire chains, and this is by far the highest quality tire chain I have come across. This particular model is used on emergency vehicles. What I really like about them is there are no elastic tensioners, which stretch as you speed up. These chains are all steel cable. After installing and tightening, I drove 5 or so miles at speeds up to 40mph with no rubbing. Here is the link to the product:

http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction%20...ac_zchain.html

I installed the chains on an '05 with stock suspension. The tires are 225/45 17 Contiextremecontacts mounted on Rota Boosts 17x8. I just consider chains an essential piece of winter driving equipment. You never know when you may need them just to go a few feet, and not wait for a tow.

Here are some pics of them on the car...

I like the "Aggressive Traction" statement!

The red cable goes inside...

Then you fasten the back with the link. I forgot to mention, nothing makes you hands colder than putting on ice cold, wet, chains. And if you ever do need to chain up, the weather will be bad. I use a pair of PVC dishwasher type gloves. They are thick enough to keep you hands warm, and keep your sleeves dry.

Now you push the red cable back behind, and tighten the front side. There are 2 adjusters on front, top and bottom. One is red so you know where the link on the back is located when it comes time to remove them. I was able to get 3 notches on the top, and with some forcing, 4 on the bottom to make it super snug. After installing chains, it's always a good idea to re-tighten after driving 100ft or so. That way the chain will settle into it's loosest state, and the slack can be taken out.

Installed. I forgot to use those blue tubes to secure the loose cable ends, but they were short.

Here is the back side. The cable does not slip down far.

And no clearance issues lock to lock.

DARKSTI · 03-11-2006, 11:55 AM

nice. I may need to get a pair just to be safe. Thanks for the write-up!

***wdb*** · 03-11-2006, 03:08 PM

Fantastic information! Great pictures too. Not many people would be willing to climb under a snow- and mud-covered car with their digital camera!

I'm going to Sticky this for a few days to get some responses, and also add it to the Threads of Interest. Thanks again.

Ikon · 03-11-2006, 08:57 PM

good write up...

Flynlow · 03-11-2006, 09:42 PM

how do you wheels look after using the chains? Looks like they contact the rim in a few places?

ORSTi · 03-12-2006, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flynlow

how do you wheels look after using the chains? Looks like they contact the rim in a few places?

They are quite close, but they don't rest on the wheel. This was one of my concerns when I first test fit the chains. They didn't leave any marks on the outside edge. Also, the Boost wheel has a fairly large protruding lip on the outside. I haven't noticed this lip on other wheels.

FeonixSTI · 03-12-2006, 07:03 PM

I posted about putting chains on our cars and got a great responses. I ended up buying a set of cables much like ORSTI from a local pep boys and ended up driving on them for at least 4hrs today getting in and out of Big Bear in SoCal... Helped with traction alot, but probly could have gotten away with taking them off after the check points today. No rubbing whatsoever worked great and i was able to get them on or off in under 5mins for both.... but i will openly admit having those on our cars is a scary thought... its a great laugh when people look at you and say your car shouldnt have chains haha. I only wish the CHP thought that way too=)

DARKSTI · 03-12-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FeonixSTI

I posted about putting chains on our cars and got a great responses. I ended up buying a set of cables much like ORSTI from a local pep boys and ended up driving on them for at least 4hrs today getting in and out of Big Bear in SoCal... Helped with traction alot, but probly could have gotten away with taking them off after the check points today. No rubbing whatsoever worked great and i was able to get them on or off in under 5mins for both.... but i will openly admit having those on our cars is a scary thought... its a great laugh when people look at you and say your car shouldnt have chains haha. I only wish the CHP thought that way too=)

what tires did you have?

FeonixSTI · 03-13-2006, 09:01 AM

Sumitomo HTRs .... anyone have any suggestions on a set of snow tires i could buy that would withstand a 2hr highway drive ... looking at Dunlop Winter Sport M3 DSST or Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2

ORSTi · 03-14-2006, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FeonixSTI

Sumitomo HTRs .... anyone have any suggestions on a set of snow tires i could buy that would withstand a 2hr highway drive ... looking at Dunlop Winter Sport M3 DSST or Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2

Are you talking about the drive up to Big Bear? I used to do that drive all the time, and this was in a 4x4 Toyota with snow rated (snowflake/mountian symbol on sidewall) tires and I was still made to chain a couple times. I think for down there, you are best off with a good set of all seasons. If it's snowing in the AM, it's usually mostly melted by days end, and the hot streets at the base of the hill will probably eat snow tires up fast.

***wdb*** · 03-14-2006, 03:20 PM

High performance winter tires such as Bridgestone LM-22 and -25 or the Dunlop M3 are going to last a long, long time on pavement. 20K or 30K miles, maybe more, depending on your driving style. They are not soft mushy winter tires.

DARKSTI · 03-14-2006, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdb

High performance winter tires such as Bridgestone LM-22 and -25 or the Dunlop M3 are going to last a long, long time on pavement. 20K or 30K miles, maybe more, depending on your driving style. They are not soft mushy winter tires.

I agree, I have the LM-25's and dont feel much difference in handling and the rides fine.

***Pyro*** · 03-14-2006, 03:45 PM

I also agree.
I'm running the M3's. I had a big road trip over the X-mas holidays...700 miles each way, and traffic was moving 85mph the whole time. No problem whatsoever.

I also spent a lot of time being an asshat on dry mountain backroads. That caused chafing along the outer edge of the tread. But that'll happen to any tire under those conditions.

After the road trip + asshattery, I had my tires rotated. All 4 corners had 7/16" tread depth, which seems to indicate no measurable wear at all.

ORSTi · 03-14-2006, 09:27 PM

^^^Good to know. I was under the impression that winter tires would wear very quickly on warm dry pavement.

Big Cam · 04-10-2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ORSTi

^^^Good to know. I was under the impression that winter tires would wear very quickly on warm dry pavement.

I agree, it's a good thread to sticky, and winter tires wear down fast in hotter temperatures, not just dry pavement.

03-11-2006, 11:41 AM	#1
ORSTi Professional STI Driver Posts: 429 Join Date: Dec 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Snow chains on the STi, with pictures... Well, I know there has been some question as to whether snow chains will fit the STi. Not that I have ever come close to needing them, sometimes due to local laws and conditions you may be required to show, or install them regardless. I have a set that I test fitted in the garage, and then put away and forgot about. Yesterday, since I was out playing, I decided to put them on and give them a go. They worked great, with no rubbing at all, and the traction was increased dramatically, as you may expect. I have used many different types of tire chains, and this is by far the highest quality tire chain I have come across. This particular model is used on emergency vehicles. What I really like about them is there are no elastic tensioners, which stretch as you speed up. These chains are all steel cable. After installing and tightening, I drove 5 or so miles at speeds up to 40mph with no rubbing. Here is the link to the product: http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction%20...ac_zchain.html I installed the chains on an '05 with stock suspension. The tires are 225/45 17 Contiextremecontacts mounted on Rota Boosts 17x8. I just consider chains an essential piece of winter driving equipment. You never know when you may need them just to go a few feet, and not wait for a tow. Here are some pics of them on the car... I like the "Aggressive Traction" statement! The red cable goes inside... Then you fasten the back with the link. I forgot to mention, nothing makes you hands colder than putting on ice cold, wet, chains. And if you ever do need to chain up, the weather will be bad. I use a pair of PVC dishwasher type gloves. They are thick enough to keep you hands warm, and keep your sleeves dry. Now you push the red cable back behind, and tighten the front side. There are 2 adjusters on front, top and bottom. One is red so you know where the link on the back is located when it comes time to remove them. I was able to get 3 notches on the top, and with some forcing, 4 on the bottom to make it super snug. After installing chains, it's always a good idea to re-tighten after driving 100ft or so. That way the chain will settle into it's loosest state, and the slack can be taken out. Installed. I forgot to use those blue tubes to secure the loose cable ends, but they were short. Here is the back side. The cable does not slip down far. And no clearance issues lock to lock. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by ORSTi : 03-11-2006 at 11:45 AM.

03-13-2006, 09:01 AM	#9
FeonixSTI Junior STI Driver Car: 07 Silverado Location: Between T.O and MP , SoCA Posts: 155 Join Date: Apr 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	Sumitomo HTRs .... anyone have any suggestions on a set of snow tires i could buy that would withstand a 2hr highway drive ... looking at Dunlop Winter Sport M3 DSST or Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 Last edited by FeonixSTI : 03-13-2006 at 09:11 AM.

03-11-2006, 11:55 AM	#2
DARKSTI Silver Member Car: 06 OBP STI Fav Mod: Invida G200 Location: Reno,NV Posts: 2,596 Join Date: Nov 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	nice. I may need to get a pair just to be safe. Thanks for the write-up!

03-11-2006, 03:08 PM	#3
*wdb* dances with roads Car: 2005 CGM STi Posts: 5,066 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (8)	Fantastic information! Great pictures too. Not many people would be willing to climb under a snow- and mud-covered car with their digital camera! I'm going to Sticky this for a few days to get some responses, and also add it to the Threads of Interest. Thanks again.

03-11-2006, 08:57 PM	#4
Ikon Welcome to The Board Car: 06 WRB STI Fav Mod: Advan RS Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 6,428 Join Date: Mar 2006 Trader Rating: (12)	good write up...

03-11-2006, 09:42 PM	#5
Flynlow Professional STI Driver Car: 2004 Subaru WRX STi Location: Issaquah, Wa Posts: 416 Join Date: Oct 2003 Trader Rating: (0)	how do you wheels look after using the chains? Looks like they contact the rim in a few places?

03-12-2006, 07:03 PM	#7
FeonixSTI Junior STI Driver Car: 07 Silverado Location: Between T.O and MP , SoCA Posts: 155 Join Date: Apr 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	I posted about putting chains on our cars and got a great responses. I ended up buying a set of cables much like ORSTI from a local pep boys and ended up driving on them for at least 4hrs today getting in and out of Big Bear in SoCal... Helped with traction alot, but probly could have gotten away with taking them off after the check points today. No rubbing whatsoever worked great and i was able to get them on or off in under 5mins for both.... but i will openly admit having those on our cars is a scary thought... its a great laugh when people look at you and say your car shouldnt have chains haha. I only wish the CHP thought that way too=)

03-14-2006, 03:20 PM	#11
*wdb* dances with roads Car: 2005 CGM STi Posts: 5,066 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (8)	High performance winter tires such as Bridgestone LM-22 and -25 or the Dunlop M3 are going to last a long, long time on pavement. 20K or 30K miles, maybe more, depending on your driving style. They are not soft mushy winter tires.

03-14-2006, 03:45 PM	#13
*Pyro* Platinum Member Car: '05 STi Fav Mod: Valentine 1 Location: NC Posts: 581 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	I also agree. I'm running the M3's. I had a big road trip over the X-mas holidays...700 miles each way, and traffic was moving 85mph the whole time. No problem whatsoever. I also spent a lot of time being an asshat on dry mountain backroads. That caused chafing along the outer edge of the tread. But that'll happen to any tire under those conditions. After the road trip + asshattery, I had my tires rotated. All 4 corners had 7/16" tread depth, which seems to indicate no measurable wear at all.

03-14-2006, 09:27 PM	#14
ORSTi Professional STI Driver Posts: 429 Join Date: Dec 2004 Trader Rating: (0)	^^^Good to know. I was under the impression that winter tires would wear very quickly on warm dry pavement.