• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SVT Tech Forum

Wheels: 2000 Cobra Rs?

  • Thread starter Thread starter shoobs99svt
  • Start date Start date May 22, 2008
S

shoobs99svt

Member
Jul 31, 2006
90
0
6
Charlotte NC
May 22, 2008
#1
  • May 22, 2008
  • #1
I ran into a pretty good deal for original 2000 Cobra Rs (18x9.5)... got two questions before I make the (necessary) plunge:

1. Anyone have streetable problems with 275/35-18 tires (front and rear) installed on stock susp? Im in the tune to lower the car later too, but dont want to pass up a good deal on wheels now.

2. Ive heard that 18x9.5 Cobra Rs have more of an offset and can "stick out" from the front fender wells. Is this true? How noticable? Pics?

I know the Cobra Rs have been done A LOT lately ... but have been after this wheel for awhile now, always been a favorite on that car.
 

SVT32VDOHC

waiting for the next hack atta
Founding Member
Nov 22, 2001
3,501
28
119
Motor City
Jun 2, 2008
#2
  • Jun 2, 2008
  • #2
It is not true. They put those on a factory Mustang with regular old fenders/quarter panels. They will not stick out. They are 18X9.5 with a 24mm offset. For instance...17X9 Cobra R's have a +24mm offset. So, the 18X9.5 wheel has the same offset, but is 1/2" wider than the 17X9. They claim the 17X9 has a 5.95 backspace and the 18X9.5 has a 5.85 backspace. So the 18X9.5 will sit outward toward the curb +2mm more. There are 25.4 millimeters to 1 inch, so 2mm is nothing.

(This is including your tire size desired and a 275-40-17 tire on a 17X9 for the comparison I used.)
 
S

shoobs99svt

Member
Jul 31, 2006
90
0
6
Charlotte NC
Jun 4, 2008
#3
  • Jun 4, 2008
  • #3
Okay 32V thanks... first i want to make sure we're comparing apples to apples though, then i think i have some math to do

The stock 99 cobra wheels i have installed now are 17x8 with 30mm offset and 5.72 backspace...
and the 00 Cobra R's that im looking at are 18x9.5 with 20mm offset and 6.12 backspace...

How again can you tell if the width from the mounting surface to the outside lip increases, making the rim "stick out?"

PS Still havent gotten a response to installing 275/35R18 rubbers with the rims, anyone run into problems with this size?
 

SVT32VDOHC

waiting for the next hack atta
Founding Member
Nov 22, 2001
3,501
28
119
Motor City
Jun 6, 2008
#4
  • Jun 6, 2008
  • #4
Where are you finding them with a 20mm offset? That is 4mm less than the factory R's. Are the replicas?

A 275-3518 tire will fit. Who makes that size? I mostly see 265 35's or 285 35's. Even if they have a 20mm offset....4mm should not make them stick out either. 17X10.5's don't even stick out on 94-04 Mustangs. They sit right out at the edge.
 
S

shoobs99svt

Member
Jul 31, 2006
90
0
6
Charlotte NC
Jun 7, 2008
#5
  • Jun 7, 2008
  • #5
I figured 275/35R18 only because the total diameter and circumference was closest to the stock tire size... things like speedometer, rear end ratio, and those types of things wouldnt be affected, well not by very much. Heres the link: Tire Dimension Calculator.

I found them at tirerack.com, looked like all major brands made them too not just the no name house brand.

The rims that I found were/are original Ford 2000 Cobra R... I had a lot of trouble finding the actual specs (offset/backspace) for the rim until I went to Ford Racing's website. Here's the links to those too:
Stock 99 Cobra
2000 Cobra R

With these specs it looks to me like they Cobra Rs might stick out, close to an inch further than the stocks. But im pretty sure that im doing my math wrong? Basically converting everything to MMs (including backspace and rim width) and seeing what the distance is from the hub mounting surface to the outer lip, thats all that I care about. Is there a formula or something that I can plug numbers into or should I wipe the dust off of the drafting board?
 

SVT32VDOHC

waiting for the next hack atta
Founding Member
Nov 22, 2001
3,501
28
119
Motor City
Jun 9, 2008
#6
  • Jun 9, 2008
  • #6
IF they say they are for your car, I wouldn't worry about it. And like I said, 4mm more outward vs. the original Cobra R's 24mm offset, isn't that much. I don't think they will stick out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

What's it Worth? 2000 GT
  • Mustang5L5
  • May 8, 2026
  • What is it Worth?!?!?
Replies
6
Views
250
What is it Worth?!?!? Jun 13, 2026
KRUISR
A
Tire offsets 99 gt
  • atomicfox236
  • Aug 9, 2023
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
707
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 9, 2023
atomicfox236
A
What's your tow rig?
  • LILCBRA
  • May 31, 2026
  • Other Auto Tech
Replies
3
Views
79
Other Auto Tech May 31, 2026
LILCBRA
Progress Thread Cobra II Resurrection
  • welder4956
  • Mar 16, 2025
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
  • 2
Replies
30
Views
1K
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Apr 25, 2026
welder4956
For Sale 94 Cobra 408w AOD Project For Sale
  • Labora
  • Oct 11, 2024
  • SN95 Mustangs For Sale (1994-04)
Replies
1
Views
1K
SN95 Mustangs For Sale (1994-04) Apr 7, 2025
Labora
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SVT Tech Forum
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?