Let's hear your votes - for best heavy snow/ice tire :

Yokohama AVS Winters
Nokian Hakkapellita
Avon Tech M550
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22
Dunlop SP Wintersport
Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2
Pirelli W210 Snowsport

As always - BIG THANKS !

Dunlop Graspic DS2 work best in heavy snow and ice....and cheap.

You Know what, I don't think you can go wrong with any dedicated winter tire as long as it has the new compounds and siping for ice and snow traction.
Get what is available in your size, each of those tires might vary a little bit in their winter performance but I think it is marginal. I think you threw a couple all season tires in your list that won't perform as well though in bad winter conditions.
I have used Nokian Hakkapalettas, Yokohoma Guardex, Blizzak WS-50 and found them all superb in bad winter conditions, I could definitely reccommend any one of them because of personal experience.
Wayne

I have 19" rims on an 05' (225/40/19 and 245/40/19 i think). Can I step down to a 17" tire and go with all seasons. If so, can someone recommend some brands and sizes. Not looking to break the bank, but I can get the rims for about $300 from a friend, and some good all seasons and be out the door for about $750. Blizzaks are around $240 a piece.

i have the Dunlop Graspic DS2's on the STi.

They are INCREADABLE in the snow and are about $110 each.

I'm going with the 350z 17" rim and these tires for my car.

I heard that you'll need a 2mm or so spacer for cars with brembos.

yes you can and i just bought a set of oem 17" yesterday i put it on the car it will fit perfectly.
i'm going to buy dunlop m3 225/50/17

Like Wayne said, just make sure you have snows, not A/S's. I've used a few from your list and found them very competent.
At present, the Coupe I sold my brother has Yokohama AVS winters for the 'dark months, and my M has Bridgestone Blizzak LM22's.
2 that are very popular and effective.

C.

I have 17" that I use during winter and the tires are Falken Ziex all-seasons. Works great here in St. Louis. Even on heavy snow days. Go to tires.com or tirerack.com and buy the package. Mine was under $800.00 (wheels and tires).

Jersey winters can suck I'm gonna have to get a snow tire/wheel package...or buy a jeep.

Buy an STi, they're more fun!

Don't need a jeep, Got an X

Can only speak for the tires I have, but have been through 2 NY winters with 17" Pirelli 210's, and have had no problem at all when it snows. When the roads are clear, these tires also handle the corners surprisingly well.

Yeah,

Decided to just not drive the few days it gets snowy around here. Or just drive the girlfriend's car.

Brian.