Everything I've read leads me to believe that 20" wheels detract from the handling, comfort of ride, and acceleration of our Mustangs.. yet they seem to be the most popular choice! Are the 20" wheel guys just into the "LOOK" and willing to sacrifice performance?

I'm definitely going to get new wheels this Spring to replace my stock 16" set (see signature). I modify my Mustang for PERFORMANCE and even my appearance mods are chosen based on their making the car look more aggressive & "Muscle Car"-like.

I'm thinking 18" wheels (I like the FR500 style), staggered 9" x 10.5", wrapped with aggressive street tires that will provide excellent wet-weather grip as well as a great launch off the line... so acceleration & handling MUST NOT be compromised by the wheel/tire choices I make.

After the wheels, I plan to lower the car with a complete handling package which will be chosen for performance and aggressive looks of course.

Please chime in with comments, explanations, and/or suggestions.

THANKS!

 

cause with my new veilside bodykit even 18's would look small plus with a turbo and nos performance won't really be and issue

 

20's are for looks only, thats what i got them for. yes they arent good for performance, but i like the look. if i really get into racing, i'll buy another set just for the track.

 

i agree. what about 19 inch wheels? are they still good with performance and looks

 

According to most knowledgable track guys, an 18x9-10'' wheel with 275/40's all-round are ideal for handling/track use but will look small within the confines of the huge S197 wheel-wells without lowering the car.

Also, you can have a set of 18x9's/tires that weigh a lot more than a set of 20x9's/tires. Depends on the wheel/tire combo.

I have 20x9's with 265/275-35's but would probably have gone with 18x9.5's and 275/40's for all-round performance. Seeing the 20'' razors on the new shelby's really made my mind up. I get a LOT of looks, thumbs, and compliments on my car but sometimes think I should have gone purely "go" instead of 50/50 "go/show".

 

dont hate on me for saying this, but if u are so concerned with performance why did u get a v6?

 

they look hella good on these rides. and if you are concerned about performance get a set of wheels and tires for the track

 

20" wheels result in added weight and a lower profile (less rubber from the rim to the road to absorb shock) when you try to maintain the same overall diameter as your stock tires. These, plus others that I'm probably missing, negatively impact handling.

 

I am in a similar boat so I hope the OP doesnt mind me tagging along.

I am stuck between 20's and 18's myself.

I would love to have a tire that could hook up on the street at least some what.

So if I went 20's I would run a 295/35/20 Nitto Invo Rears. They have a wear rating of 220.

Or if I got 18's I would get 305/45/18 Nitto DR's, with a wear rating of 100.

The other really odd thing is that if you want regular street tires they are cheaper in the 20" sizes, then they are for the wider 18" tires. I figure this has to do with the number of trucks using them now.

Performance is important to me, especially destroying Camero's and C6 Vette's, but for the track I will put a DR on my stock rims.

So how much performance do you really loose.

Also I have to think I will see an improvement no matter what I do as I am currently running stock perilli's at an elevated power level so it is like ice skating.

I guess I want to hear 20's arent so bad.

Thanks,

 

305/45r18 is a huge tire, that's a 28.8 inch tall tire, stock is 27.2 IIRC. I personally would go for 18" wheels with 28-29 inch tall tire. The tires are cheaper, and with a big tire I think 18's look great.