SVTdriver said:First. The lightning handles like a truck with a big motor. Trucks are not sportscars/coupes. So even with larger wheels. It will never handle anything near to a mustang. The weight distribution is just completely different.
Now as far as the contact patch between the 17's and 18's. Sure with a wider tire you will get more contact patch. But the taller tire adds next to negligible. And the larger rotors need larger tires is not entirely accurate. The porsche has 13 inch rotors just like the cobra. And they fit under the 18's that porsche has for wheels. And a porsche brakes just fine.
Auburnman said:I'm surprised no one has mentioned this yet...
Not only does a larger wheel add more unsprung weight, but it can also rob RWHP (even if the larger wheel weighs less than stock).
I can't remember all the details, but if you watch Sports Car Revolution, you would know what I'm talking about.
I think it has something to do with a larger wheel carrying more weight farther from the center of the hub. In other words, it is easier [for the engine] to turn a smaller diameter wheel than a larger one.
fastmustangII said:Wheels are getting too big these days. What ever happened to big ol fat tires? Now the tires are like an inch thick..
Auburnman said:I think it has something to do with a larger wheel carrying more weight farther from the center of the hub. In other words, it is easier [for the engine] to turn a smaller diameter wheel than a larger one.
Prometheus said:Maybe its just me... but what is up with tire size inflation these days (no pun intended)? I seem to remember that 16s were big back in the day... anyway, I want to ride in a sports car, not a 4x4. I'll stick with my 17s, which is the limit for me.. but to each his own.
2005muzzy said:The 2005 mustang will be my 5th owned mustang. The thing I'm sick of is that ford always makes the mustang look like it sits a bit high and has a awfull gap between fender and tire.Don't get me wrong. I'm not one of idiots that like the tire almost in the wheel well. but think the tire should fill it out more
Amen Brother - I work for a tire supplier and can list several considerations that Team Mustang engineers have to grapple with to get 18" wheels and tires into production:RICKS said:Yes, the M3 comes with 18's, and maybe there is a 19" option. But the M3 is to the 3-series what the Cobra is to Mustang. The M3 rides extremely harsh, and is tuned for the fanatical enthusiast, who wants extreme handling. I don't think the GT should handle "bad", or that handling is not very important. But in reality, even with the 17" wheels, it will probably be a super handler. My point is that the majority of those in the market for the GT would not accept BMW M3 ride harshness. And the GT is NOT an M3 fighter, it's mission is a balance that is more toward the mainstream market (rabid speed-freak Stangnetters are not mainstream, trust me, we're lunatic fringe). I swear, I think the majority of the bitching on this forum is caused by the fact that Ford is releasing the GT first, but everybody's expectations are "Cobra" (although few here want to pony up the dough for a Cobra).
"Where's the trick hood"
"Where's all the scoops"
"Where's the more aggressive body styling"
"Where's the 19" wheels"
"Where's the 6-speed"
"Where's the IRS"
"Blah blah blah..."
The GT is not positioned in the lineup to be the holy grail of Mustang performance. It's supposed to be a great bang for the buck, great handling, great sporty looks, and easy to live with for a large segment of potential owners. And Ford will sell a TON by sticking close to the formula. If you want to lower yours, upgrade to bigger and fatter wheels, and so-on, well...... what a concept. MODIFY your Mustang!! Not to mention I'm certain an 18" wheel option will be forthcoming, if you'll just quit holding your breath and shivering, and just wait a bit. You guys just have ZERO flippin patience. You want everything, NOW, as if the design/engineer/manufacturing process involves a wand, a robe, and a top hat. If I see another "how hard could it be?" I'm gonna puke. Believe me, spend 15 minutes with a real automotive engineer that works for any of the Big 3, and you'll realize it's crazy how much work they have to do. These guys aren't "bozos". I'd be willing to bet that if a Ford chassis engineer came on Stangnet, that they could summarize the reason the 18" wheel option is delayed, and everybody here who's been moaning would sit back and go "Oh, wow, I hadn't thought of that....". They've obviously got something delaying them or giving them fits. Better they work it out, rather than just say "screw it, just bolt the 18's on the cars".
shatner saves said:What are you getting excited about? If you don't wan't 18's don't buy them! The '05 comes with a really decent 17" wheel option. After you burn the factory tires off, you can probably get some wider ones if you want. Your car, your money. At the same time, who are you to say what belongs on my mustang?
The "mustang's ain't supposed to handle good" argument is tired and lame.
SVTdriver said:First. The lightning handles like a truck with a big motor. Trucks are not sportscars/coupes. So even with larger wheels. It will never handle anything near to a mustang. The weight distribution is just completely different.
GTPlus said:You've obviously never been to a track where Lightnings play. They can hold their own.
FYI
'04 Lightning weight distribution - 57% Front 43% Rear
'04 Cobra weight distribution - 57% Front 43% Rear
From the SVT website.
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