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Huge wheel wells?

  • Thread starter Thread starter shadowland2000
  • Start date Start date Apr 22, 2004
S

shadowland2000

Member
Mar 28, 2003
97
0
6
Apr 22, 2004
#1
  • Apr 22, 2004
  • #1
I was wondering why the wheel wells are so large, as if the car was designed for 18 inch wheels. There is so much clearance that it makes the car look like a 4X4 with the 17's. Some people obviously lower their cars to take care of this, but maybe getting 18 inch wheels is a better alternative.

Most cars don't seem to have so much clearance. You look at a BMW and the wheels clear by maybe an inch or 2, and it looks tight. Can someone explain the thinking here?
 

sinisterblack98

Sometimes I just lay on my garage floor and look u
Founding Member
Apr 11, 2000
967
0
0
Motor City, MI
Apr 22, 2004
#2
  • Apr 22, 2004
  • #2
Don't ever compare a BMW to a Mustang!

They leave 'em big so you can stuff 315 meats under the rear.
 
F

fiveofanatic

How to fuel a Mustang:
Founding Member
Aug 12, 1998
8,152
0
76
Phoenix, AZ suburbs
Apr 22, 2004
#3
  • Apr 22, 2004
  • #3
shadowland2000 said:
I was wondering why the wheel wells are so large, as if the car was designed for 18 inch wheels. There is so much clearance that it makes the car look like a 4X4 with the 17's. Some people obviously lower their cars to take care of this, but maybe getting 18 inch wheels is a better alternative.

Most cars don't seem to have so much clearance. You look at a BMW and the wheels clear by maybe an inch or 2, and it looks tight. Can someone explain the thinking here?
Click to expand...

Without lowering it, going to 18's will increase the 4x4 look. It starts looking weird on a car when the fenderwell gap is bigger than the tire sidewall.

I don't understand Ford's thing for huge wheelwells. I appreciate the available room for more width, but the crazy height is dumb. My SHO must have a half-foot of clearance from the top of the front tire to the fender lip.
 
9

99SVTAddict

New Member
May 8, 2003
613
0
0
Clinton Twp, MI
Apr 23, 2004
#4
  • Apr 23, 2004
  • #4
1. Lower car with better springs. I'd go about 1.5 inches.
2. Get some 18's.
3. Get some big meats under there.

Problem solved...and you have a nicer looking, better handling car to show for it.
 
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