I just picked up a 2002 911 Turbo and am looking to use this as my daily driver up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The winter's here are very cold and we get a fair bit of snow fall (~44" per year).

I have several questions
1. I am looking for a block heater to avoid abusing my engine. The only one I've been able to find is from Defa, however I can't find it for sale through any supplier. Any recommendations?
2. What are the absolute best tires out there for this situation? (I am aware that narrower is better)
3. Should I stick with stock rims, or go with something else to fit a different tire size?
4. Any other tips?

Thanks guys!

 

hi. ive driven through every snow storm we've had this winter.
rwd without abs or psm. open diff.
oem wheels on dunlop winter tires. 225 40 18 275 35 18
lowered to gt2 ride height. no problems.
block heater ? absolutely not necessary on these engines.

 

So Steve, in all seriousness, would a 996tt be a sufficient all weather 4 seasons vehicle?

My current TL with torque vectoring AWD and all seasons has been great in the rain/snow, up hill, and up into the mountains for skiing. Would a 996tt with all seasons/snow rated tires be a sufficient winter vehicle?

 

Based on some more reading, I am leaning toward Blizzak's. I am thinking LM-60's with 225/40R18XL and 265/35R18XL. Porsche seems to recommend 265's on the back for winter driving. I think these should do the trick on stock rims?

 

Michelin Alpine Snow tires have been fantastic for me.

You can also look into Nokians.

 

yes in all seriousness the 996 rwd is the best snow vehicle i've owned.
and i have an audi a4 before it.

275 not 265 on the rear tires. 265 is too stretches. you'll blow it going over you first pothole.

a 996 with ALL SEASONS is NOT sufficient.
a 996 with WINTER tires is.

summer for performance. winter for winter.
there is no such thing as all season tires guys.

 

Porsche seems to only advise 265's though in this document?

http://files1.porsche.com/filestore....4-09b619634e06

 

porsche is assuming we drive our cars on perfectly paved roads without a single pot hole.
a 265 35 18 is a better choice for a NARROWER tire.
it will stretch too much on an oem 11" wheel. you will blow a tire.

 

Hmm, Ok, thanks for the advice. Its kind of disappointing that Porsche themselves hadn't taken that into account!

 

brichacek, I just picked up an 02 996 TT that is coming with a full set of OEM rims and winters. I will not be using my car in the winter so will be selling off the rims w tires.
I wont have them until the end of the month
Im in Calgary

 

Would you be willing to sell just the tires? I just bought a set of 997 Turbo rims that I plan on using on my 02 996 TT for my summer wheels, and then just using my stock rims as my winter wheels. Send me an e-mail if anything (brichacek@gmail.com)

 

More than likely we can work something out....like I mentioned itll be the end of this month before I can get the tires

Stay in touch

 

Sounds good, keep me posted! E-mail is best

 

I purchased my 996tt this past december and came from an Audi A4 with blizzak snow tires. I ran the car with 265's on the rear and the stock width up front on the original turbo rims. Never had a problem with the 265's out back although they do look a bit dumb stretched over the 11" wide rims. I've since picked up a set of factory turbo look rims this spring with the same offset but only being 10" wide. (this is a factory winter rim package for the wide body cars... not the stock narrow body 10" rims)

Regardless the car was very impressive in the snow and alot of fun. I drove it on those rare really bad snow days you get each year when everyone else stays home. Snow comes over the hood but I failed to be able to get it stuck as much as I tried; even when searching for unplowed roads to see what it was capable of. It amazing to see this car go where some SUV's can't. I'm also at GT2 ride height with my PS10's.

Is there anything these cars can't do??!!

 

I've never blown a tire on my stock 11" wheel and 265's and our roads here are not great. Been using that setup since 2003.

I have tried a 235/295 winter wheel combo and the 295 hydroplane in the snow. They suck. Stick with 265's