chevchenko

I put a 2.9 Whipple in my 2011 5.0 convertible, 740 HP at the crank, so time to think about the wheels, tires, breaks, and then the suspension.

Some argue that its best to put big tires in FRONT as well as the back because most of the weight of a mustang is in the front, even more so now that I have this huge super charger. So a square set up, big tires in back and in front (285s or 295s all the way around?).

Most of track and autocross guys seem to run square set ups.

Others say in the street its best running a staggered set up for drive-ability, which is real important to me. So in my case something like 295s in the back and 265s or 275s in the front?

Both arguments make sense to me. I have noticed that most of the NON-autocross/track guys run staggered set ups, but I am not sure if that is to make the car more drivable, or if that is more the "muscle-car-mentality." I don't really care about the muscle-car-mentality much. LOL

The diameter of the wheel will be 19". I know 18s give you slightly better performance, but I like the look of a bigger wheel.

I use the car as a DD and hot rod around in it a bit. I use my vette for winding mountain roads, etc. So I am basically interested in DD and fast in a straight line.

Tires: probably pilot super sports, though the R11s seem really good as well.

Breaks--probably Willwoods. The wheel will be smoking of 5 spoke forged wheel.

The thing is, sinceI want to go with forged wheels, which are expensive, I do NOT have the luxury of making a mistake and doing it twice. I must get it right the first time. Period.

Your thoughts?

chevchenko

Note: I do NOT care about rotating the tires. I have two other cars that I love, so I only do about 5K in this car a year. I won't have the tires on more than 3-4 years whether I rotate them or not.

sv650lex

I went with a square setup to help with handling issues and so I could rotate my tires. I know you say rotating them isn't important but if you run a bunch of caster and camber and push the car hard you will notice the front tires feathering. If your running a good tire aka something sticky. It will wear even quicker. I rotate my tires every 2000-3000 miles.

chevchenko

Good point, thanks! So, what size rims and tires are you running?

I am looking at the R11s, or the pilot Super Sports.

stuck between 295s all around (if I can get a 295 there, if not 285s), and something like a 305/285 staggered or 295/275.

I guess the question is how big of a tire can I get in the front and how will the car handle with something that big in the front.

I'd love to hear from people who had done either of those staggered or square set ups.

sv650lex

I have 17x9.75 with 25 mm offset all around. I run a 1 inch spacer in the rear to move the wheel out to where it looks good. The tires are 275/40r17 all around.

The wide tires in the front make the car tram a little with the grooves in the road but it's worth it. There's a ton more grip then with 245s.

audioAl

I have 18x9" and can't run any more tire than I am currently. I just switched from "staggered" 255/275 to 275/ squared, I chose Bridgestone Potenza RE 760's.