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2013 Mustang - tire size affect on ride

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Old 04-19-2016, 09:20 PM
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JimC
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Default 2013 Mustang - tire size affect on ride

I'm looking at new tires for my 2013 MCA convertible. Stock is 235-50x18 but that size is on back order. I could go to a 255-45x18. Just a touch shorter a little shorter side wall as a result, but only 0.1" or so. Without adjusting the speedometer with my SCT the speed will be off slightly.

It seems to me that the small difference in tire height (0.2") and sidewall won't make much difference in the ride quality. What do you think?
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Old 04-20-2016, 07:07 AM
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Stoenr
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You should go for it, its the size Ford should have used to begin with IMO. Many have done it, me personally, and have been happy.
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Old 04-20-2016, 07:44 AM
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JimC
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Thanks Stoenr!
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Old 04-20-2016, 12:24 PM
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movielover40
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That little difference shouldn't be noticed.
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Old 04-20-2016, 03:40 PM
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proeagles
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If you think you can feel 20hp like most on this forum, then you will feel the difference in the tire sidewall height which will be slightly more stiff. Otherwise you won't, enjoy the crisper turn in response.
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Old 04-20-2016, 05:51 PM
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Chromeshadow
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255/45ZR18 is what I run on my 2012 3.7, I check the speedometer with a Garmin- it's exactly the same as the tires that came with it. btw, my speedo is really hard to read, the needle is too fat and covers the numbers. I usually just use the Garmin for speed, plus it shows the speed limit and my speed turn red when I go over.
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Old 04-20-2016, 07:38 PM
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JimC
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I ordered up the 255-45's -- my butt dyno isn't sensitive enough to pick up the difference!

With the slight difference my thought was that it probably wouldn't be noticeable in the ride. A little more width on the back always looks nice anyway!
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Old 04-20-2016, 09:24 PM
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proeagles
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Wise choice Grasshopper.
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Old 04-23-2016, 03:46 AM
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Mr. D
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Originally Posted by JimC
I'm looking at new tires for my 2013 MCA convertible. Stock is 235-50x18 but that size is on back order. I could go to a 255-45x18. Just a touch shorter a little shorter side wall as a result, but only 0.1" or so. Without adjusting the speedometer with my SCT the speed will be off slightly.

It seems to me that the small difference in tire height (0.2") and sidewall won't make much difference in the ride quality. What do you think?
I tested quite a few cars with both 40R & 50R tires when I bought my new GT, & I could tell the difference in ride immediately. With the 40R you felt every bump in the road. I'd stick to the at least the 50R. I'm very glad I got the 235x50x18 tires. I don't need the cornering advantage of 40R tires, but maximizing ride is important to me. If I could have ordered the tires with the new car I likely would have gotten a 250x55x18 tire for ride. I think a 250x55x18 will fit on that rim, but you'd have to check. Sometimes the larger tires affect mileage a bit. I see no advantage to 40R tires unless you are tracking the car, or have to have the look.

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Old 04-23-2016, 08:25 AM
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JimC
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Originally Posted by Mr. D
I tested quite a few cars with both 40R & 50R tires when I bought my new GT, & I could tell the difference in ride immediately. With the 40R you felt every bump in the road. I'd stick to the at least the 50R. I'm very glad I got the 235x50x18 tires. I don't need the cornering advantage of 40R tires, but maximizing ride is important to me. If I could have ordered the tires with the new car I likely would have gotten a 250x55x18 tire for ride. I think a 250x55x18 will fit on that rim, but you'd have to check. Sometimes the larger tires affect mileage a bit. I see no advantage to 40R tires unless you are tracking the car, or have to have the look.
Typo? I am not getting a 40 aspect, but rather the 45 - very minimal difference in sidewall height
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