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The wheel/tire package is the way and I'd go for the 205/55/16 Dunlop Winter Sport M2's as they are very highly rated (on Tirerack.com), not too costly, and still sporty enough for the H speed rating as Young's Blizzacks are as well I think. I've never owned them, but like Dunlop tires and this is what I'd get- on the cheapy steels too- unless a good deal on alloys came along. The wheel/tire package is great because they do the mounting and balancing for you- just bolt the suckers on.
BUT- if you're willing I'd also highly recommend etires.com for the Nokian NRW's which I have on my mr2 and have driven through the brunt of several 12" snow storms on pure white snowpacked roadways with no problem!! No bs. They are classified as all season plus but make no mistake these babies from Finland are very snow capable and little sacrifice in perf.
AND-if you don't mind the sponginess and faster wear of pure winters go for the Hakkapelitta Q's. I've driven these uphill in ~6 inches of powder in a field!! They eat snow but depending on your locale and driving style probably aren't necessary. If you live where it snows 150-200"/year then yes otherwise NRWs.
Downside to the Nok's is that you'd have to get wheels elsewhere and bring them to be installed. If that's a pain for you(I'm not quite sure what I'll do yet because it is a pain) I'd go for the Dunlops.
You don't really want to keep the C7's wheels because:
#1-- Big pain in the butt to switch every 2 seasons
#2-- Are too wide(I think) for a 205 tire - as wide as winters should go IMO.
#3-- Why spend the extra $ on 17" wheels and tires.
And yes you do do do need all 4, don't scimp on that one!!
Unless you live in alaska- I'd side against the studs you won't need them.
Well James that's my 99 cents on a subject I feel strongly about and most people don't take at all seriously enough IMO. Hope it helps!
C230/6speed/orion/C7/changer on the way!!
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