Tire Chains
#4
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 446
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Car: 87 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 (H)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Tire Chains
Dude just find a set of steelies and bust on some Blizzak 215/65/15 tires on all four corners. Traction will NOT be an issue if you know how to drive in snow. If you NEED chains to get where you're going, you need a four wheel drive vehicle.
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#8
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 20,981
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From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: Tire Chains
Have you ever driven a vehicle with chains? Or with real winter (not all-season M+S-rated) tires?
#10
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 9
From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: Tire Chains
I didn't think so.
Chains aren't a replacement for winter tires, they're an emergency supplement. You put them on when you are or you're about to become stuck, you drive through whatever conditions require them at no faster than about 15 mph, and then you stop and take them off immediately.
A real winter tire and prudent driving will take you through any conditions you have any resonable business being outside in. The difference in traction on snow and ice compared to a hard composition all season tire is night and day. If winter tires won't get you there, then you really need to evaluate your reasons for going out into the weather at all.
Chains aren't a replacement for winter tires, they're an emergency supplement. You put them on when you are or you're about to become stuck, you drive through whatever conditions require them at no faster than about 15 mph, and then you stop and take them off immediately.
A real winter tire and prudent driving will take you through any conditions you have any resonable business being outside in. The difference in traction on snow and ice compared to a hard composition all season tire is night and day. If winter tires won't get you there, then you really need to evaluate your reasons for going out into the weather at all.
#12
Member
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 482
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Car: 1990 IROC-Z 1LE
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G92 3.23
Re: Tire Chains
I drive a crappy 4-wheel drive for my daily driver. Its a 97 blazer, 4-door 4-wheel drive. My 90 Camaro only comes out during the sunshine-perfect weather. Instead of risking your life with tire chains, can you swing $1500-$2000 to buy something to drive in the bad weather? I hate reading the headlines about stuff like this. Be careful. Man, i sound old. I guess that happens when you have a wife and kids.
If you choose to ignore mine, and others heres advice, protect your family with a will. Make sure your intentions are clear with organ-donation, Resuscitation, disposing of your remains, etc.
If you choose to ignore mine, and others heres advice, protect your family with a will. Make sure your intentions are clear with organ-donation, Resuscitation, disposing of your remains, etc.
#14
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 482
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From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Car: 1990 IROC-Z 1LE
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G92 3.23
Re: Tire Chains
So long as you put them on right when you need them, then take them off at the top of the hill...nothing. If you drive around with them on you risk them hand-grenading and sending pieces flying. chains weren't meant to be driven on pavement.
#16
Member
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 482
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From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Car: 1990 IROC-Z 1LE
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G92 3.23
Re: Tire Chains
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/post...34-post13.html
I am done with this thread, and i wish you luck.
I am done with this thread, and i wish you luck.
#18
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 580
Likes: 68
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Car: 91 Formula
Engine: 2012 LS9
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: Strange 60 3.54:1
Re: Tire Chains
Seems as thought you are not reading between the lines.... everyone is trying to politely tell you not to use chains on your car & lead you to a more favorable option that is not dangerous (winter tires).
All chains of any type have the potential to come loose or break, ripping the side of your car or wheelwell apart. If you gave me a set, I would not run them on any vehicle, unless it was a life or death situation where I could not get a ride or could not wait for help.
Not sure you will find a good answer to which is better, most people on here care about their cars would not risk damaging them & therefore have no experience with chains.
Good luck & hope your car does not get destroyed.
All chains of any type have the potential to come loose or break, ripping the side of your car or wheelwell apart. If you gave me a set, I would not run them on any vehicle, unless it was a life or death situation where I could not get a ride or could not wait for help.
Not sure you will find a good answer to which is better, most people on here care about their cars would not risk damaging them & therefore have no experience with chains.
Good luck & hope your car does not get destroyed.
#20
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 3
From: Evansville, IN
Car: 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniversary
Engine: 3.4L v6 with a t3/t4 Turbo
Transmission: T-5 Conversion
Axle/Gears: 3.23 SLP Limited Slip
Re: Tire Chains
you obviously havent driven a thirdgen with limited slip in snow before...doesnt help, wont help. its spins doughnuts way easier with a limited slip than the open rear end.
if you need to use chains you shouldnt be on the road thats the honest truth if you own a thirdgen or most other cars, leave it parked(which is what everyone is nicely trying to say)
ive spent the past three days in ice conditions in a 30ft long fedex truck ice skating all over the place and all day long i see people in ditches that shouldnt have been out in the first place. these cars arent made for that so dont waste your time with chains.
if i didnt have to get all you angry impatient people your packages i wouldnt be out in it either and my fedex truck handles a hundred times better than a thirdgen and i risk going in the ditch multiple times a day lol
"what do you mean you cant get to my house with my childs xmas present....yes i see all the ice in my driveway and on my road to my driveway... i still dont understand your saying you cant drive down my road?...well im filing a complaint thats just ridiculous. no i wont meet you somewhere the roads are dangerous"
if you need to use chains you shouldnt be on the road thats the honest truth if you own a thirdgen or most other cars, leave it parked(which is what everyone is nicely trying to say)
ive spent the past three days in ice conditions in a 30ft long fedex truck ice skating all over the place and all day long i see people in ditches that shouldnt have been out in the first place. these cars arent made for that so dont waste your time with chains.
if i didnt have to get all you angry impatient people your packages i wouldnt be out in it either and my fedex truck handles a hundred times better than a thirdgen and i risk going in the ditch multiple times a day lol
"what do you mean you cant get to my house with my childs xmas present....yes i see all the ice in my driveway and on my road to my driveway... i still dont understand your saying you cant drive down my road?...well im filing a complaint thats just ridiculous. no i wont meet you somewhere the roads are dangerous"
Last edited by Pillsbry10; 12-19-2010 at 09:22 PM.
#22
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,775
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From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Re: Tire Chains
I agree that you shouldn't drive a 3rd gen in the snow with it being rear wheel drive. But that is what I've got, and I've never left it parked in the 10+ winters I've driven it in because there is snow on the ground for a couple of days. But I didn't ask for a snow driving lesson either. Especially when it appears that I have the most snow driving experience in a 3rd gen on this board. So, I don't believe having chains would be bad to have since I'm going to continue what I've done for 10+ years.
So, why bother with chains now if you're so great at driving in the snow for so many years ?
I disagree that a limited slip wouldn't help. Any time my wheels got to spinning. It was always one wheel spinning, the other wheel not spinning. With a limited slip, both wheels would be spinning which would give a greater chance of moving and more traction instead of just one wheel spinning. And with both wheels able to turn at all times, I believe you would spin out less.
GO ahead and do it, enjoy moving sideways instead of forwards or, at a dead stop. Guessing and theory is all warm and fuzzy thinking until it meats reality. Limited slip doesn't help jack sh-t on these cars. Or, a 2nd gen, or a s-10, or an '84 rx7, need I go on to what limited slip doesn't help on ice/snow ?
How about you guys start a snow driving thread to discuss how and what to drive in the snow? I started this thread looking to see if anyone has used some SCC tire chains that I was looking at getting. If you don't think chains should be used, then start a thread about it. Though, there are some states I've read that require drivers to use chains.
How about you realize this site is about worshiping these cars even if they are turds and no one in their right minds (on this site) would take them out, or most any other car, if it required chains on the tires to get from point a-b.
So, why bother with chains now if you're so great at driving in the snow for so many years ?
I disagree that a limited slip wouldn't help. Any time my wheels got to spinning. It was always one wheel spinning, the other wheel not spinning. With a limited slip, both wheels would be spinning which would give a greater chance of moving and more traction instead of just one wheel spinning. And with both wheels able to turn at all times, I believe you would spin out less.
GO ahead and do it, enjoy moving sideways instead of forwards or, at a dead stop. Guessing and theory is all warm and fuzzy thinking until it meats reality. Limited slip doesn't help jack sh-t on these cars. Or, a 2nd gen, or a s-10, or an '84 rx7, need I go on to what limited slip doesn't help on ice/snow ?
How about you guys start a snow driving thread to discuss how and what to drive in the snow? I started this thread looking to see if anyone has used some SCC tire chains that I was looking at getting. If you don't think chains should be used, then start a thread about it. Though, there are some states I've read that require drivers to use chains.
How about you realize this site is about worshiping these cars even if they are turds and no one in their right minds (on this site) would take them out, or most any other car, if it required chains on the tires to get from point a-b.
#23
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,023
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From: Evansville, IN
Car: 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniversary
Engine: 3.4L v6 with a t3/t4 Turbo
Transmission: T-5 Conversion
Axle/Gears: 3.23 SLP Limited Slip
Re: Tire Chains
My car does some killer doughnuts with the limited slip
I wasn't guessing that it doesn't help, I know it doesn't. How do I know you ask? Because I have it
It however is a lot of fun
I wasn't guessing that it doesn't help, I know it doesn't. How do I know you ask? Because I have it
It however is a lot of fun
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 623
Likes: 13
From: Alaska
Car: 1992 RS
Transmission: Automatic
Re: Tire Chains
Why not buy some cheap winter rims to mount your winter tires too? You can get rims for REALLY cheap, and once the winter tires are on there, boom, no mounting/unmounting crap. You can just change the wheels yourself every time winter comes and goes.
Yes it's expensive, but that what, maybe $800-$1000 for some studded winter tires will make up for it in the long run!
Not only will your winter tires last for years because you're only using them part of the season, your summer tires will have extra long lives because they're getting winter breaks. Did you think of that?
I think the tire life longevity, extra extra traction security, and the lack of towing/body work costs because you got stuck in a ditch that one time you thought the roads weren't so bad will be totally worth it. For you, and your thirdgen.
(I live in Alaska, so I have LOTS of winter driving experience lol. I don't have winter studs on my tires because I'm lucky enough to have a 4x4 Bronco, so the camaro sleeps in the winters. My bronco has regular tires, and my Girlfriends 1500 has brand new studs. She drives like a crazy, car-crashin female, and she drives very scary fast compared to me in my Bronco, and it's all because of those winter studs. She can turn, and stop on the steepest hills going pretty fast without any problems. I never planned to buy studs until the day I got to drive her truck, and I now plan to get them for my Bronco.
That said, when you finally break down and buy them, please don't drive like my girlfriend. She scares the crap outta me when I drive with her.
Yes it's expensive, but that what, maybe $800-$1000 for some studded winter tires will make up for it in the long run!
Not only will your winter tires last for years because you're only using them part of the season, your summer tires will have extra long lives because they're getting winter breaks. Did you think of that?
I think the tire life longevity, extra extra traction security, and the lack of towing/body work costs because you got stuck in a ditch that one time you thought the roads weren't so bad will be totally worth it. For you, and your thirdgen.
(I live in Alaska, so I have LOTS of winter driving experience lol. I don't have winter studs on my tires because I'm lucky enough to have a 4x4 Bronco, so the camaro sleeps in the winters. My bronco has regular tires, and my Girlfriends 1500 has brand new studs. She drives like a crazy, car-crashin female, and she drives very scary fast compared to me in my Bronco, and it's all because of those winter studs. She can turn, and stop on the steepest hills going pretty fast without any problems. I never planned to buy studs until the day I got to drive her truck, and I now plan to get them for my Bronco.
That said, when you finally break down and buy them, please don't drive like my girlfriend. She scares the crap outta me when I drive with her.
Last edited by ThePain; 12-24-2010 at 05:38 AM.
#25
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 9
From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
#26
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 4
From: PA
Car: 1996 Camaro, 1985 Camaro
Engine: 3.8, 3.4
Transmission: WC T5, 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23(?), 3.42
Re: Tire Chains
Winter tires and a set of steel rims could be had for $300, $200 for the tires, $100 for the rims, you might even get the rims cheaper, also you could buy used winter tires, who knows could maybe get it all for under $200.
#27
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Tire Chains
techincally we are giving you the review of tire chains are not useful for longterm/driving/more than 10mph. all season radials are a good street tire for when it gets alottle rainy but winter tires will do you wonders when it comes to snow and ice. even on a rear wheel drive car. so even though you think we are leaning towards you getting snow tires, we are actually telling you that tire chains are definitely not the way to go. you cant use them for a long time meaning constant removal. invest in pure winter tires and stop complaining youll be glad you did
#28
Member
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 160
Likes: 1
From: Underhill,vt
Car: 98 camaro ss, 98 grand cherokee 5sp
Engine: 5.7 ls1, 4.0 sixxer
Transmission: T56, ax15 swapped
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Tire Chains
Couldnt agree more. All seasons, summer tires, etc are not designed for snow ice period. Snow tires tread design is design to expel snow out of the tire, and not build it up, and sipes give ice traction. Or get studs added for cheap. We all love thirdgens here, and another one smashed up is not a good thing. I know spending money sucks when its tight, but the safety of yourself, and others on the road is key here. Good luck.
#29
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Tire Chains
your also able to find deals if you search a little bit. i needed tires desperatley for summer so i went around a found a brand new set of bfg radial t/a for $40 a tire mounted and balanced. now thats a deal. but are you gonna put the effort into searching is the biggest complication of all
#32
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Car: 1982 trans am
Engine: 350
Transmission: 4 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: Tire Chains
whats a bigger pain in the butt? mounting and unmounting tires 2 times a year, or dinking around with chains once or maybe even twice a day. From the sounds of it you dont even live were the snow gets that bad if you only have to worry about it for 2 weeks. i have a 1992 chevy 2 wheel drive 3/4 ton truck i have to drive in the winter time, and its about the same if not worse than my old 1987 beater camaro in the winter, but rarely do i ever have problems unless im screwing around, bottom line is if you drive safe and are not messing with the gas pedal on ice patches or going up or down hill you should have absoutly no problem. FYI i live in michigan were the snow stays about 3 or 4 months
#33
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Tire Chains
yeah from a fellow michgander, camaros and such dont do too well around here
#34
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,775
Likes: 26
From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Re: Tire Chains
Sure wish I head your winter exp...
#35
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 4
From: PA
Car: 1996 Camaro, 1985 Camaro
Engine: 3.8, 3.4
Transmission: WC T5, 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23(?), 3.42
Re: Tire Chains
Lol, that picture is nothing...Last year we got 3 ft+ my car was literally burried in snow....
and to the OP if you just want the chains for an as needed basis for when you get stuck then it makes sense, but personally I would rather just put snow tires on and be better off all around.
and to the OP if you just want the chains for an as needed basis for when you get stuck then it makes sense, but personally I would rather just put snow tires on and be better off all around.
#37
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Tire Chains
you have to store tire chains too, you could buy some **** steel rims get some snow tires and then when winter is over, burn out the snow tires scrap the steel rims and start over next winter
#38
TGO Supporter
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,775
Likes: 26
From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Re: Tire Chains
You realize there's almost 4" of snow in my picture and the snow started at around 6pm. 10" for a year... wow, maybe you should get chains for your chains.
#40
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,775
Likes: 26
From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Re: Tire Chains
I only want to use the tire chains for a 1 mile stretch of road that have some hills that my tires sometimes like to spin on when climbing.....
I can store the little bag the SCC chains fit in anywhere. They wouldn't take up much room. Or I could just leave them in the hatch area.
I can store the little bag the SCC chains fit in anywhere. They wouldn't take up much room. Or I could just leave them in the hatch area.
Sounds quite practical for the massive deluge of snow you get.
#42
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,775
Likes: 26
From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Re: Tire Chains
#43
TGO Supporter
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,775
Likes: 26
From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
#44
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 2
From: Bremerton, WA
Car: 1992 RS / 1989 RS
Engine: 3.1L MFI / Vortec 383 TBI
Transmission: T5 / LS-T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 open / 3.73 Eaton posi
Re: Tire Chains
I have no problem carrying a set of chains in my Camaro. I hardly ever have to use them, but it's nice to have them for when the occasion should arise. I never really cared for the cable style chains myself and carry a set of the ladder style in each one of my Camaros. Sure, I have to lay them out and drive the car over them to install, but that's a minor inconvenience for the security and peace of mind. I only ever have to use them to get over a hill, and once on the other side, they come off. Oh, and storage is easy, they go on a shelf in the garage.
This is the style I've used and still carry
This is the style I've used and still carry
#45
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 2
From: Bremerton, WA
Car: 1992 RS / 1989 RS
Engine: 3.1L MFI / Vortec 383 TBI
Transmission: T5 / LS-T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 open / 3.73 Eaton posi
Re: Tire Chains
I have no problem carrying a set of chains in my Camaro. I hardly ever have to use them, but it's nice to have them for when the occasion should arise. I never really cared for the cable style chains myself and carry a set of the ladder style in each one of my Camaros. Sure, I have to lay them out and drive the car over them to install, but that's a minor inconvenience for the security and peace of mind. I only ever have to use them to get over a hill, and once on the other side, they come off. Oh, and storage is easy, they go on a shelf in the garage.
This is the style I've used and still carry, Quik Grip from SSC
This is the style I've used and still carry, Quik Grip from SSC
#49
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 4
From: Clinton Township, Michigan
Car: 91 GTA, 73 Z28
Engine: 355, 6.0L
Transmission: TH350, 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.73
Re: Tire Chains
i was joking, if you had any means of Storing the tires, which you somehow dont seem to which i dont understand. then you could just reuse them, theyre rather meaty tires and can get a few years out of them. 10'' isnt that much, you slip and slide a few times, but itll melt rather quikcly and what not