gman73

Upon my return from deployment, I plan on getting the Steeda Ultra-light silver 18x9.5 and 18x10. I am up in the air about tire choices. I am thinking either Nitto NT555 275/40/18 for the fronts, but the wheels I am stuck between 295/45/18 or 285/40/18 for the rears. I am not worried about my speedodometer being off, I have tuner and my car is not lowered and I don't plan on lowering it. I am leaning towards the 295/45/18 for the rear.

07 GT E UPP

Hey gman......
Personally, if you are staying with the 18's, I like the 255/45/18 tires on 9" rims up front and the 285/40/18 on 10" rims in the rear. For your info, the 295/45/18 size is about 1.2 inches larger in diameter then stock and you will loose some of your gearing, while with the 285/40/18 your gearing will stay relatively the same. And gman, don't be so dead against lowering because if you go with either of these set-ups you will certainly notice alot more space now in your rear wheelwell. And, this will drive you nuts (IMO). Hope this helps......!!!

gman73

The front rims are 9.5". I thought about putting the 255/45/18 up front, but Steve from Steeda thought that tire size would be a little too narrow. I know I will loose a little gearing with the taller tires, but I have 4.10s so my gearing would go down to a 3.90-3.95, but this leaves a little better option if I decide to go T/S. As far as wheel spacing, I have 245/45/17 (25.7") diameter. I have huge gap in the wheel that does drive me nuts from time to time.

socalwrench

As long as the tire rotates at the same rate as your stock tire (meaning it's the same height)- it doesn't matter how wide you go. Therefore, it will not affect your speedometer, odometer, ABS or traction control.

gman73

The 295/45/18 will be taller, so they wont have the same rotation as the stock tires, but I'll just adjust the revs with my tuner.

Norm Peterson

255/45 on 18 x 9.5 was the OE (18") GT500 front setup. Admittedly, 9.5" is right on the upper end of recommended rim widths for that size tire, and appearance-wise it may seem slightly stretched to some people (including Steve, apparently). But it's still within spec.

295/45 is a bit on the tall side, but at least you're working with 4.10's for the straight line stuff. Understand that with 295/45's on the rear and 255/45 or 275/40 up front that you'll be giving away about 0.4°, maybe 0.5° of caster, and your headlight/fog light aim will be a bit low. You might or might not notice these effects.


Norm

gman73

Would the difference in height negatively affect the car's handling?

Norm Peterson

There are a number of small consequences, some of which add a litle understeer and some of which reduce it at a different portion of the corner. Hard to say whether any individual taken at random would find that better overall or worse, if they'd even notice it in the first place. I'd say that if you don't notice how a car's handling changes slightly as a set of tires goes from new to worn-out/used-up, you probably won't notice (and aren't cornering hard enough for it to matter anyway). No flame intended.


Norm

Legion5

I would go with 275 front and 295 rear more tire both in front or in rear improves grip, while less tire reduces it.

Raising the rear benefits the mustang in terms of handling usually.

Staggering tires does not improve your performance, people are often confused by this.

Staggering tires is intended for a few reasons:

To reduce weight in drag racing
To be used on 60/40 weight distribution cars to keep the same amount of rubber per pound of chassis weight and make balance front to rear therefore significantly better.
To help in the rain because a smaller front tire will break up the water better and prevent hydroplaning.
If you're already running the biggest tire possible in front.

You don't fall under any of these a 255 front tire will reduce your performance.

gman73

Thanks for the replys. I think I will go with the 295s in the back. That tire size will also help if I decide to go T/S.