'01 sportage 4dr 4*4
1) I've seen a few post about 30x9.5 tires on stock rims and with a stock suspension, will this clear without mods or does anything need to be notched, if mods are needed is there a web site showing?
2) Engine block heater - is there a factory one available, or do I need to install a heater hose style aftermarket?
3) I'm setting this up for my daughter to take to Alaska, my idea is larger tires for ground clearance & block heater can any of you northern neighbors think of anything else I need to think about?
thanks,
Freddy

Hello!

Is your daughter single? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> Just kidding!

Yes 30x9.5x15 'should' fit on stock rims with no modifications. You can never be 100% as each tire brand is diffrent, etc! But you should be ok!

If your daughters not doing any offroading then 30's may be overkill you might be better with a 215 75R 15 or 235 75R 15 tire. The size is not as important as the type of tire. In summer I run with 30" mud tires and in the winter I have a set of 215 75R 15 Nokian Ice tires, the smaller tire handles and stops better on ice and packed snow. The summer tires may have great traction on dirt but once they get cold they are useless, they get as hard has frozen hockey pucks, and have just as much traction.

The Canadian Sporty's came with block heaters as standard equipment, so fitting a good one shouldn't be an issue, I never heard good things about the circulating pump style heater you refered too, stick with a good old block heater and a battery blanket, the only time I ever plug mine in is when it gets below -25C and have never had an issue starting it, even when I forget to plug her in. However gasline anti freeze is a must.

As for a web site showing mod's? Well I guess this is it! Enjoy!

Thanks, just the answers I was looking for. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> I'll check with the dealer & see how much a heater kit is. Hopefully she will be staying on road, I was more worried about high centering on the pumpkin in ruts, but your comments about ice make more sense... thanks,
Freddy

I wouldn't waste my time with the dealer, not unless you want to throw money away! You can get a block heater that goes into a freeze plug hole for under $20, you can also get a magnet type that sticks to the block or oil pan also for under $20 and you can get a dipstick one (fits down the dipstick) also for under $20, and a battery heater guess what? also under $20, any Napa or any parts store can get them for you.

Don't forget an extension cord! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />