Z winter driving- bad idea or possible?

[Panic.attack.77]

So, here's my story. I'm a 40 year old college student living off of my student loans in N.E. Ohio- and my only source of transportation is my 77 4-spd. manual Z coupe. Could I get through the winter w/studded snow tires on the rear, Yokohama's on the front, kitty litter in the trunk ? Or should I put my Z rehab money towards an 8 cyl. towncar? I'm a seasoned winter driver: semi-trucks/V.W.beetles/motorcycles(ya know).. I've heard that nomatter how good of driver you are- or think you are, that these are not drivable in snow.. any truth to that?

[ggarrard]

They drive like any rear-wheel drive sports car in the snow... put 4 snows on, a couple of sand bags in the hatch, and enjoy. Of course, if the car is lowered, make sure you're not the one opening the road after the fresh snow fall... I would suggest a good rust proofing too...

[Gary in NJ]

It's been so long since I've had a Z in the snow (or rain for that matter) that I don't really remember how bad they are in the snow. But there is a voice in the back of my head saying 4 or 5 inches is the practical limit. I was a college student the last time I drove a Z in the snow and I do remember having to ask my roommates for a ride to campus during snow storms.

I keep mine out of the wet not because of traction issues, but because I'd like to own it for many years without having to restore it.

[EScanlon]

The biggest reasont to NOT drive your Z in the winter is your geographic location.

They call that section of the country the RUST-BELT for a good reason. Gravel, slush, ice, snow, and the worst part... SALT.

You do the math.

E

[cbudvet]

Are you thinking of the town car because you can get a good deal on one? I would think they would be just as bad in snow but with more car to bounce off of things. I would think a front wheel drive car or 4 wheel drive vehicle would be better suited to that task. I agree with EScanlon, your biggest problem would be rust secondary to massive amounts of salt.

carl

[psdenno]

Drove my Z through a blizzard in Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin the day I picked it up from the dealer in 1971. It also spent a couple winters in Kansas. Some of the best (intentional) parking lot "donuts" I've ever made on ice & snow were in the Z. It's a capable winter car.

The exposure to corrosive winter elements will be bad for your Z, however. If you plan to keep the Z, and have a little extra money, a sacrificial winter "Beater" isn't a bad idea.

Dennis

[Shade133]

dont get a town car, get a beater lifted 4x4. if your going to buy a v8 gas gussler then get a lifted 4x4. should be able to get a beater bronco or blazer or some truck for 1000 or so.

[d240zx2]

Get anything, but keep your Z out of salt. It'll kill it.

[gnosez]

Front wheel drive ecobox with good snow tires is the bext choice save a more expensive to buy and operate 4X4...

[Panic.attack.77]

I know about that damn rust (should be a sin, afterall). I have about $700 to either put rockers and plug a hole on the passenger side of my Z or get a beater.. then no more money coming in until mid-February. I hate to put her in the snow, she's given so much and I don't want to hurt her anymore. I have found many older 4-door floaters on craigslist, and I know I could show up and get a runner for $450 or so.

Thanks for the input- I thought it would be possible, but wanted to confirm.