Hey people. Unfortunately I am stuck driving my Firebird this winter.... . Does anyone have some tips for me? Like I've read about putting about 200 lbs of sandbags in the trunk. will this work and how about a limited slip differential (posi-traction)?

 

Do as many donuts as possible - good times!

 

Yeah, weight in the back will definately help, that and a full tank of gas because the tank is right over the rear axle. Not sure about LSD helping in the snow though, you won't get just the one wheel spinning like on open diff cars. However, the LSD might make it easier to spin out/fishtail with both wheels spinning. I could be wrong, seeing as I've never driven a RWD with limited slip in the snow before.

 

Extra weight and a full tank helps. The best bet is to put winter radials on, a least on the rear. I have driven in many snow storms with both manual and automatic Camaros (with winter radial tires). A manual transmission does have a better feel in these conditions. With an automatic...you might have to use a lower gear sometimes to get a feel of the road. Drive slower and with a lot more caution during severe winter conditions.

 

just having one wheel spinning is better than both. without posi or a locker you will stay straighter if you start spinning. its hard to get out of places because of it tho. I got stuck at school in my 88 for 2 hours tring to get out of my parking space.

 

The most important thing is tires. 4 winter tires, marked with a snowflake (what good is it to go if you can't turn or stop?).

If you can't aford much Firestone Winterfires are decent and cheap. Blizzaks are generally considered to be the best.

 

I don't see what the big deal is. I have driven my camaro the past 3 winters here in minnesota. It gets exciting sometimes, but it is no where near as bad as some people make it out to be. I have 2 friends who have camaros, and the way they act, you would think snow was acid rain.

 

Just take it easy and you will be fine. Get a couple of 70lb sand bangs for good measure (they are only $2-3 a piece at Case Pickens, or Home Depot...)

LSD would help but it is not worth the money if all you want it for is the snow. Although it would be a good year-round investment; Especially if you buy an LSD rear with disk brakes.

Tires are the most important. You should at LEAST have All-season tires with good tread. Snow tires would help immensely, but make sure the get all 4, not just 2. I got a brand new set of Dunlop Snow tires off of E-bay for $100. You may as well pick up a cheap set of salad shooters while you are at it (which can also be found for $100 or less on E-bay, or the for sale section), otherwise you will be stuck paying $40 twice a year to have tires mounted.

 

I would get posi. Thats a crime that GM gets away with that SGS (second gear start) as traction control. I lost control in my V6 way worse then I have ever lost control in the SS, knock on wood.