Need some input: tallest 20" tire size on stock suspension
#11
Not to offend or take this thread off-topic, but I find that larger wheels on our S197's detract from the overall retro look such that the wheels take your eyes directly to them instead of the car (although there are a few folks here who have pulled it off but ONLY because of other visual mods to their cars). Wheels should enhance the vehicle; not the other way around.
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#13
And I've struggled with this wheel dilemma for some time. I really like my 18" fanblades with 235/50 tires. But I just kept thinking how nice certain newer mustangs looked with a tasteful retro 20" wheel . . . like Roy's car. Those wheels look awesome. And I like chrome wheels a lot. That's why I scored some classic 5-spoke Enkei LM-1s. Here's a picture of these on an '05 GT. Very similar to fanblades, but chrome and larger. This is Lidio's old car from Alternative Auto. He ran a 245/40 up front, so that helps on a size that works up front. I'm wondering if I could go slightly taller even, as his car was lowered.
#14
I feel a flamefest about to begin...
I'm running 255/40/20's on the front, 8.5" wide wheel. 295/40/20's rear on a 10" wide wheel. I ran 275's on the rear for a while but I didn't like the look, tires had too much roll as the wheel was too wide for the tires. I think you could get a way with 275's all around if you're not going to lower it. My tire guy let me mount them up before buying, you might try that to check if they will rub.
BTW, these are sport truck radials and it rides perty decent...esp after last weeks install of the Koni struts and shocks
I'm running 255/40/20's on the front, 8.5" wide wheel. 295/40/20's rear on a 10" wide wheel. I ran 275's on the rear for a while but I didn't like the look, tires had too much roll as the wheel was too wide for the tires. I think you could get a way with 275's all around if you're not going to lower it. My tire guy let me mount them up before buying, you might try that to check if they will rub.
BTW, these are sport truck radials and it rides perty decent...esp after last weeks install of the Koni struts and shocks
Last edited by grabberorange1; 04-20-2011 at 08:33 PM.
#15
Although once you stray from the very popular 255/35 size then prices go up considerably. But I'm still debating on whether a 275 tire on an 8.5" wheel is a good thing to do. I've seen so many positive and negative comments on this that I'm not sure what to think.
And I definitely need to find a tire installer who will let me experiment with different sizes.
#16
6th Gear Member
You might be able to get by with a wider tire than what the tire manufacturer specifies for that wheel width, especially if you weren't doing a lot of hard cornering or any significant flexing of the sidewall. There's also the consideration of being denied an insurance claim if it can be proven that the accident was caused by improper use of equipment or selection of equipment. It's a longshot, I know, but something worth taking into consideration.
#17
I am finding that any size tire other than the most popular sizes of 255/35/20 and 245/35/20 are considerably more expensive. The 245/45/20s are not too bad and getting more popular.
#20
I see no problem taste wise with putting on a bigger tire. To each his own. Even though our stangs pay homage to their heritage as muscle cars, they are technologically well beyond that era. I find it more pleasing to have pay respect to someone willing to modify their car to suit their own tastes rather than suit mine. It's like the guys with low riders and tricked out suspension...totally not my taste, but I respect the chance they took modding their ride and the thought process behind it. Really think about it and I think you'll agree that regardless of your taste, each one of us might find the pic of the guy with those huge wheels on his stang at the gas pumps was ridiculous, but secretly you think "man, not something I'd do but that guys got some 8@115 to do that!"
That being said, I'd be concerned about safety and a potential performance hit with a bigger wheel. But if you're in it for the style, heck yeah!
That being said, I'd be concerned about safety and a potential performance hit with a bigger wheel. But if you're in it for the style, heck yeah!