Winter tires

Can anyone tell me if i can put 15" rims on my 2002 GT that has 16" i want a set of seperate winter tires and the 15" are less $$$$ the stock tire is 225/50r16 and i was thinking of 20560 r15.

anyone done this ?

It should be fine as long as the rims bolt pattern is right and they go on all the way. The clearance should be fine too.

Be warned your speedo will be different and therefor your actual milage on the odometer will also be off. If you are concerned with getting around in the snow I can tell you that I have had a 96 GAGT 5speed and I have never put on any snow tires, I have driven here in Western Pennsylvania with no major issues to speak of, I just took my time and tried to look over the situation before making a move. Anytime that I did have a problem was usually because of some other idiot that thought they could go through od do anything because they had a 4X4 or overestimated their FWD.
Good luck.

Didnt even think of that Hoags. Also For what its worth, they make really good all season tires, that would probley be cheaper than 15" rims and tires.

I use Good Year Assurance triple treads. Before I hav had several Good year models and other suposed all season brands, they floatd evrey time it raind, and I'd play hell at high way speeds in the rain. Got stuck in snow too.
Triple Treads are kick ass! I can do what ever speed i need in the rain, havnt been stuck in any snow(yet) and on dry they hold and dont spin easily.
For the price, around $160 each and they are an 80k mile warrnty w/forever rotate and balance. Just my :2cents: though it might save you time and money.

If you decided on the spare rims and tires.. don't worry about the speedo.. 205/60R15's are only .2 in smaller than your tires on there now.. that might equal 1mph faster speedo then what you're actually doing.

I personally like the spare rim idea... he can get really nice snow tires (Blizzaks), and easiely switch them every season and you can have special summer tires and winter tires.

All season tires are like a jack of all trades... they may do good all round but will get beat hands down by a weather specific tire in that area.

All depends your area though. Some like the extra assurance of weather specific tires... some get along fine with all seasons. Personal preferance. I myself, when I move back up north, will switch back and forth as I want every bit of traction that is available.

Good Luck either way

I agree, I didn't realize the small diff. in overall tire size, but In my case it all comes down to the wallet. Never really had the cash to throw down on a second set. But if you can afford it I would especially if your originals are worth keeping nice. Road salt is a killer on all types on automotive metals. Fortunatly I have been able to keep them clean.
Good luck

i would not recommend the triple tred goodyears for snow. there tread is not made for snow. just water and ice.i had a set on my lumina and had a lot of wheel spin

Blizzaks suck! especially for the cost and you only use them few a short time.
And I beg to differ on the Triple treads and snow, they are advertised as rain and snow. I mean I wouldnt buy them JUST for snow, but all around the year they are the best for the $$$.
Nothing is rated for ICE except tire chains! I can run 100mph on snow, try that on ur Blizzaks.
And Did the Lumina hav traction control?
Blizzaks are a soft compound, thats why they may be a little better in snow and ice, MAY be. As soon as you start spining them on sand and salt they are going to wear faster.
I guess its all person preferance, and what you hav to spend on safty.
Happy Holidays Guys.

Yup.. personal preferance all the way.

I've had zero problems with Blizzacks.. plus 1000's of satisfied customers who have them.. average life is 4 seasons(personal experiance there.. 11yrs at a very High traffic Michigan tire store). And the last 1/3rd. of tread is actaully meant for summer use too... (harder compound without the sponge like appearance that makes that tire grip soo well on ice).

And, back when we tested them with Bridgestone we used all the competitors brands on an ICE RINK and none came close to the Blizzacks. Couldn't (or wouldn't I don't know wich..lol) test on snow... but later actual application proved to be as good as other brands (if not alittle better... depended on who we asked).

Now.. they won't stop an Idiot from ditching himself, in snow there is no tire that you can't drive past it's limits... But a smart driver will have no problems.

It's been a few years and other Tire mfrs. have come out with some impressive designs as well for snow... My main point was that there is absolutley NO ALL SEASON RADIAL that will perform better than a weather specific tire in that season.

Go with whatever brand that suits you for snow tires... either way you're better off than with all seasons.

my main consern was the 15" being able to fit without any problems with clearences and such. as the car came with 16"

my main consern was the 15" being able to fit without any problems with clearences and such. as the car came with 16"

Grand AM SE's came stock with 15's... as long as the GT's didn't get larger braking systems the 15's should fit just fine.

OK... I just checked GM's site and they don't list any different part numbers for the front calipers or rotors between the SE & GT models.. struts are different of course because the GT's are firmer.

BUT... The SE models came with Drum brake rears... so that is where the concern lies.. Will the 15in wheels clear the rear hardware??? I have no way of knowing weather or not you could get a SE with steel wheels and 4 wheel disc brakes (rear disc's were a option on SE's).

Your best bet may be to just grab a wheel from a junk yard ($25-50) and just bolt on the F'r and see if it rubs or hits anywhere. If not then you're good to go.

Good Luck... It seems like you're in uncharted waters on this one.