VAEM

Mustang Wheel & Tire guide and F.A.Q.

We get so many questions about what wheels fit which Mustang the best or which tires do you recommend for the best fit? We have decided to put it down on digital paper and go over what wheels we recommend for your Mustang.

1994 - 2004 Mustang GT, Cobra or V6 (LX)

There are so many different wheel and tire options for your 1994 - 2004 Mustang because the offset is the same for a 10 year range. They are all 5 lug which is an improvement over the previous 4 lugs of the 1979 - 1993 Mustangs. All of the 1994 - 1998 and 1999 - 2004 Mustangs used the same chassis architecture, and although the body styles may have changed by year, the wheel and tire choices are very similar.

Wider is better!

Muscle cars look great with a fat tire under the back and since there is plenty of room in the rear wheel wells for bigger tires, then we like to fill them up! One of the most popular 1994 - 04 Mustang or Cobra wheel and tire kit is the 17x9 with 275/40/17" front and 17x10.5 with 315/35/17 rear. You just really can't go wrong seeing that wide 315/35/17 from the rear! The next popular wheel and tire kit for the 1994 - 04 Mustang or Cobra is 18x9 with 265/35/18 front and 18x10 with 285/35/18 rear. You will notice a little better handling out of the 18" set being there is a little less sidewall. If you want to step up to a 20" wheel and tire combo then we recommend the 20x9 255/35/20 or 20x10 275/35/20 rear only! What a great improvement over the choices for a fat tire under the 1979 - 93 Fox platform to where you have to beat the inner fenders with a hammer and still usually have to roll the lip of the rear fender to get a big rear tire!

Here is a basic guideline for backspacing for your 1994-2004 Mustang V6 or GT

7" width - 4.5" backspace
8" width - 5-5.5" backspace
9" width - 6" backspace
10-10.5" width - 6.5" backspace

How do I clean my new wheels?

Making sure that your wheels stay clean is also important. Here are a few guidelines to follow. With Chrome wheels all you really need is soap and water. I have seen it before with a metal polish being used on chrome wheels and it can eat the chrome and leave your wheels looking horrible. If you want a little extra shine grab some windex. Same for your painted or machined wheels. All painted wheels have a clear coat so it you spray the wrong cleaner it will eat away your clear coat and leave your new Mustang wheels dull So just use soap and water and you will be in the clear!

Where the rubber hits the road. Which tires do we recommend and which are best for my Mustang?

Sumitomo:

Tires are always a topic of concern because what is expected of the tire for the vehicle it fits. In this case, tires for a Mustang, are meant to handle and perform well on the street and on the track. They are also expected to get you to and from school or work with little or no problems. The Sumitomo HTR based tire that offers a great performing, directional tread pattern that looks great and is an economical choice. (It also smokes well for burnouts!) We have had these tires on the street, on the road course and the drag strip with no issues. This tire is a great choice because it means that you don't have to pay the big bucks for a decent tire, even with shipping, and you can spend the leftover money you saved from your local "tire discounter" on more goodies for your car, girl, dog, etc.

Nitto555:

Nitto's 555 has a stickier compound and is a better performing tire than the Sumitomo. Nittos are priced a bit higher than the Sumitomo as a result. The Nitto 555 is an awesome tire and everything you have heard about Nitto's outstanding reputation is true. This Nitto 555 tire is for the serious performer and LRS has them at prices at or better than anyone.

Drag Radials:

Drag Radials by Nitto and Mickey Thompson are for when there are no compromises and you absolutely have to launch hard every time on the strip. These DOT approved "race tires" have a smooth footprint for better takeoff and acceleration than most street radials, but yet can be driven on the street. Yielding the best performance, these tires will also wear quicker due to the soft compound rubber used in its construction.

Slicks:

Slicks are for the drag strip, period. These are completely smooth for the best acceleration on the track. Cannot be driven on the street.

-PLOTNIK-

good to know thanks !

1low03gt

Thanks VAEM.

SNAKEBITE

Great info and I am sure some guys will find it very handy, thanks

VAEM

My pleasure guys. Thanks!