Blizzak on ASA GT1 16"

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Firefly
Posts: 317
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2011 6:45 pm
Location: Northern New Jersey, USA

chazyouwin wrote:Just got from TireRack (two days shipped), four ASA 16" GT1 wheels with Blizzak WS70 215/60-16.
Hey - hows the difference in ride/handling? I would expect a softer ride on the bumps?
Nice pics, thanks.
Former driver of a 2011 SLS AWD Platinum
chazyouwin
Posts: 402
Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2010 9:57 pm
Location: Northern New Jersey USA

Hawk, those are quite nice too. Can't understand why Tirerack seems to be closing out some of them.

Firefly - haven't put them through their paces just yet. This is the swimsuit competition. The talent show is yet to come. Have noticed a softer ride, definitely. Not as much rubbery play as I had expected. Not very noisy, either. So far then positive. But as you can see from the photos, snapped this a.m., they're too new for any conclusions.
2010 Kizashi SLS FWD Gray; 2013 Grand Vitara 4wd red; 2012 SX4 blue; 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV black

Previous: 2002 XL-7 Limited (2); 1992 Accord; '91 Volvo; '85 Toyota; '84 Celica; '73 Mercedes.
willkizashi
Posts: 24
Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2011 5:39 am

I have gotten a lot of compliments on my stock 18" wheels. I have thought about going with a smaller diameter rim and tire for winter as well, thank you for the post and will try to relay pics when I make up my mind.
2010 Kizashi GTS / 2005 XL-7 / 1969 Chevelle / 1981 Honda Cafe Racer.
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Hawkzilla
Posts: 307
Joined: Tue May 18, 2010 2:55 pm

While I don't think the stock wheels are ugly by any means, I do dislike the following:

- They are very heavy
- They come out too close to the outside wall of the tire
- They have too many spokes for my liking

I like a wheel that shows a little more brake caliper and sinks in more. I have read too many horror stories of Kiz owners destroying their stock wheels by coming to close to a curb. I also like the idea of being able to swap back on the stocks in mint condition when I go to sell or trade in my ride.

Plus I like being able to pick wheels that the own feels complements his/her tastes. 8-)
Kizashi SLS CVT Azure Gray Metallic
chazyouwin
Posts: 402
Joined: Thu Dec 09, 2010 9:57 pm
Location: Northern New Jersey USA

Update - turns out the new TPMS needed to be set up. It just took a while for the flashing slight to come on. So went to the dealer today. Cost was $40, which judging by prior threads I'll need to pay at every tire changeover.

As to ride, all I've had so far has been dry and wet pavement in the 50-60 degree weather. The 16" wheel with squishy winter tires definitely takes sharpness out of the steering and suspension response. While not terribly bad, it is somewhat negative. I suspect one might do better to stay with a 17" for the snows. Still, no buyers' regret here.

As to appearance, while I have yet to have anyone blurt out compliments, I have enjoyed people doing appreciative double takes on the wheels and the side of the car.
2010 Kizashi SLS FWD Gray; 2013 Grand Vitara 4wd red; 2012 SX4 blue; 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV black

Previous: 2002 XL-7 Limited (2); 1992 Accord; '91 Volvo; '85 Toyota; '84 Celica; '73 Mercedes.
MadBlack
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 1:31 am

Blizzak are the sloppiest balloons on the road - they are the best on ice for a reason - they are as soft as a marshmellow. Once things freeze up, you'll be OK. Just wanted to point this out in case anyone is considering 17's - IMO, 16's are the way to go for winter and the performance of 16's should not be bench marked by Blizzaks.
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