wider tires on stock rims??

[rstef]

OK I need some info. I've got stock 17" rims with stock 235x55x17 tires on my 06 mustang gt. I also have a set of aftermarket 18" polished aluminum bullits with 255x45x18 tires. I like the look of both, probably the 18's a little more but I do notice a difference in performance. I'ts definantly not as quick and nimble with the 18's. (They weight about 8lbs more per wheel and tire). I also worry if the added weight will affect braking, suspension etc. I do like the look of the wider tire. Has anyone ever seen a stock rim with a 255x50x17 inch tire? I looked on the website 1010 tires and they say it will fit the rim, and there are a few tires made in that size but I'm not sure how it would look or if there would be any problems with rubbing anywhere. Any thoughts or advise, would be great.

 

[89hatchlx]

i run 255/45/18 bfg gforce and they aren't that much wider than the stock 235/50/18.. you can run up to a 275 on your stock rim from what ive learned from people on this site..

 

[walter]

Tirerack has 6 different models you can have in 255/50/17 Khumos, Fuzions/Bridgestone, BFGs, General and Yokohama. The choice isn't too limited if you want to stick with 17s.

Question is what are you trying to achieve? If you want handling you may want to stick with the 17's and play with the tire size a little. If you want cornering you may want to go with 18's.

 

[rstef]

Thanks for the info, I'll have to give it some thought. Walter I noticed you have polished aluminum wheels. Are they clear coated? If not do you find the upkeep hard? How do you keep them looking nice? I've had people tell me they have to polish them weekly.

 

[SC67Stang]

Before I went to 18" wheels I was running 255's on the stock 17" bullits in the rear and they looked and performed fine. I kept the 235's in the front for a staggered look.
They 17's are better for the track since they weigh less and the weight is closer to the hub so the rotational mass is better.
18's do look good though.
Keep the 17's for the track and get some 18's for everyday.

 

[walter]

Thanks for the info, I'll have to give it some thought. Walter I noticed you have polished aluminum wheels. Are they clear coated? If not do you find the upkeep hard? How do you keep them looking nice? I've had people tell me they have to polish them weekly.

I'm not sure I want to say that they are clear coated because when I feel like cleaning them (between washes) I spray some lucas slick mist on them and use some shop towels to wipe off the excess and they come out looking pretty good. They may be up for sale soon if you're interested. They're very light but still 18s.

 

[rstef]

Maybe I'd like to see a picture. One way to know if they have clear coat is if a good metal polish turns black right away when used on the wheel. If so, no clear coat. If there is no black, clear coat.

 

[walter]

I'll post some pics as soon as I get my internet back in order.