Marauder in the snow

[Murader03]

Well, the MM had it's first bout with snow yesterday. We had a total of about 6" from start to finish. Since my MM is an daily driver, it and I had some new experinces to go through. I can say one thing, the MM went through the brunt of the storm with flying colors. I kind of missed the traction control I was used to on my '99 Cobra last winter, but after a few spins, we managed to get under way. 2nd gears starts are a must in this kind of weather. Took a couple of initial rear end slide outs to get the right touch on the go pedal when moving. All, in all, I didn't feel I was not in control of the car at all times. I do think I will order at least the rear snow combination that has been discussed. Don't know about the two front ones, as I really didn't see any call for them in all the snow we had. The hardest part of the entire 50 mile trip to work was the 1/2 mile getting out the my development, and the car did well there also. There was only about 2" on the ground at that time.

[MAD-3R]

I think just to keep the cars computer system from freaking out to much, you should go with the all round replacement.

[tvdone]

I drove home yesterday, 15 miles on Route 46 in Morris County NJ and the Marauder handled terribly. However, I didn't expect it to do well. Luckily It was 80% downhill or level but any incline and I was all over the place. I also have a 91 Mustang GT so I'm used to this. My advice: Don't take the Marauder out in the snow unless its an emergency. Today I took the Bus. It really is dangerous to drive the Marauder in snow of 3 inches or more. Snow tires or not, its too light in the back. The limited slip did its job. It feels better in the rain than my mustang but the mustang felt better in the snow (with 15" rims and 4 snow tires and 200 pounds of weight in the trunk.) Hopefully this will be the last snow for a while otherwise its Lakeland for me.

[Fourth Horseman]

It's supposed to have a 55/45 weight distribution ratio. I think it's the gearing and torque you're feeling more than being too light in the tail.

[the fat bastid]

holy junk! It was you! i was sitting at a intersection watching the rt 46 traffic go by and a saw a marauder. "Dang", i thought, "why do i only see marauders in bad weather?". the last time i saw one around here (also on 46) it was pouring rain.

[tvdone]

It was probably me if the driver looked scared and I was going through a red light. I never came to a complete stop until I got to my apartment, which meant going through several red lights... But no way was I going to stop on a hill. BTW you won't see me again in snow. I wish someone could have take a picture of me in that storm.

[tetsu]

If you have real snow, you will definitely need snow tires.

I plan to daily drive mine, and now that I have snows, I'm not
too concerned.

Johnny

[Murader03]

Originally posted by tetsu
If you have real snow, you will definitely need snow tires.

I plan to daily drive mine, and now that I have snows, I'm not
too concerned.

Johnny

Will probably have to check with Tire Rack and see if they can come up with a set of tires that aren't directional. I could/would probably put 5-10000 miles on the tires during the snow period, and would like to be able to rotate them from side to side. With the current tires as the set, you can't rotate them!

[tetsu]

For what it's worth, I couldnt spec any tires that weren't ultra
performance bigsizers with the combination of size and rolling
ratio to the Artic Alpins. I just can't see spending $200+/tire.

Yea the Artic Alpins are directional, so no rotation is possible.

I don't put on those crazy amount of winter miles though so it's not
an issue for me. I was three seasons on my much softer Blizzaks
on my old car and they are still going strong for the new owner.

My sedan just doesnt get as much snow driving time as my wife's
4x4.

Johnny

[Marauderman]

well I just finished a trip to Richmond Va. and they had about 4-8 inchs of snow and the roads froze Friday nite and I slide on a curve and hot a snow bank luckly cause it kept me from hitting a ple..couple of guys pushe me bak out --was at an angle in the road...and the limited-slip helped cause right side was on ice..anyway--no damage that I can find for the moment--drove back the 300 mile to Charlotte and nothing loks damaged underneath...was soft snow --had not yet harden....so my reply is..it's not all that good in snow and ice--would not have taken it at all if I had a choice----from now on --won't --will use another car in bad weather--

[tetsu]

Originally posted by marauderman
well I just finished a trip to Richmond Va. and they had about 4-8 inchs of snow and the roads froze Friday nite and I slide on a curve and hot a snow bank luckly cause it kept me from hitting a ple..couple of guys pushe me bak out --was at an angle in the road...and the limited-slip helped cause right side was on ice..anyway--no damage that I can find for the moment--drove back the 300 mile to Charlotte and nothing loks damaged underneath...was soft snow --had not yet harden....so my reply is..it's not all that good in snow and ice--would not have taken it at all if I had a choice----from now on --won't --will use another car in bad weather--

Were you driving on the stock BFGs? Or snow tires?

I wouldnt brave 6inches of fresh snow on the BFGs for sure.

I had trouble in 2nd in 3 inches of slush .

With my Artic Alpins, I don't think 6 inches will be a big problem as long as I avoid excessively steep inclines in deep slippery stuff.

In fact, I am now looking forward to a big blast to check them out and do some 300hp donuts. :)

Johnny

[Marauderman]

Stock Bfg's are still on...it gets real squirrly on ice.. of course most cars would too but the MM is a bit to quick to slide vs my old Vic in same situation...so..if you have a choice..use anothe vehicle in bad weather...

[Bigdogjim]

tvdone: Glad you came out without any damage! Don't think they had snow in mind when the put this car together! Stock tires do not afford much traction! My wife wanted me to sell the 4x4 but, after the 8 inches we got Friday she OK with it! She has a SUV and does not drive in the snow? Go figure!
Good luck with the bus! Drove them for 20 years!
Big Dog Jim