I have a 2000 w/ the optional 16" wheels and I'd like to put some wider tires (than stock) on them. Do you guys think a 255/50ZR16 would fit the factory rims?
you need to find out how wide those stock rims are to make sure how wide of a tire will fit. TireRack.com has a table that will give you such info. I do suggest to get like a 40 or 45 series tire. The series of tire is the % ratio of how wide your tire is in relation to how tall the side wall is. The side wall on a 225/50/16 is much smaller than 255/50/16. 255/50/16 tires would look like truck tires on a stang. 255/40/16 tires would probably be a better size. It will be wider than the stock tires but the same height if not just a hair shorter.
you need to find out how wide those stock rims are to make sure how wide of a tire will fit. TireRack.com has a table that will give you such info. I do suggest to get like a 40 or 45 series tire. The series of tire is the % ratio of how wide your tire is in relation to how tall the side wall is. The side wall on a 225/50/16 is much smaller than 255/50/16. 255/50/16 tires would look like truck tires on a stang. 255/40/16 tires would probably be a better size. It will be wider than the stock tires but the same height if not just a hair shorter.
The stock tires are 225/55/16. The stock wheels are 7.5" wide.
A 255/50/16 will have approximately the same sidewall height as stock. Won't look like a truck at all. That's a pretty odd-sized tire, though, and might 'bulge' a little on a 7.5" tire.
A 40 or 45 profile tire just isn't going to happen on 16" wheels. You'd have to go 275/45/16 in order to keep the diameter constant, and frankly (a) I don't think a 275/45/16 tire exists, and (b) if it did, it wouldn't fit on a 7.5" wheel.
Personally, if you just want something a bit wider than stock, I'd go with a 245/50/16. Not an *extremely* rare tire. The sidewalll height and overall diameter are fine, and it shouldn't bulge too much on a 7.5" wheel. 255/50 would work too, but I think you'll have more trouble finding those.