subject: Vintage Mustang Custom Wheel &tire Sizing Guide [print this page] When you compare a newer Mustang Cobra that has 18" wheels to a Mustang GT with 17" to an older Classic Mustang with 14" wheels, do you ever think about what really makes the difference when it comes to handling and looks? The biggest difference is the wheels and tires!
The sporty low profile look is given by a taller wheel with nearly the same height tire but, shorter side wall tire. When you have a taller wheel that allows you to use a shorter side wall tire it does the following:
Speedometer readings remain accurate.
No need to change speedometer gears or recalibrate your speedometer.
Maintain load-carrying capacity.
The manufacturer designed and built your car for very specific load carrying rates. If you under rate your vehicle's capacity but use the vehicle under normal operating conditions, your safety could be at risk. The same is true if you over rate the load carrying rates. The vehicle will not perform as intended.
Wider foot print.
A wider, larger tire foot print increases the "tire contact area" with the road and improves safety and performance. Especially if you use your vehicle for spirited runs through twisty roads!
Improved steering response.
Increasing the tire contact area also improves steering response. When you turn the wheel, you are grabbing more road. You have increased steering response!
Improved cornering force.
With the correct tires designed for performance, your cornering performance (entering and exiting) improves.
A sporty look!
The look we all love! Wide tires simply look great on a vintage Mustang!
This concept is called Plus 1 and Plus 2 tire sizing. Remember that one of the biggest advantages in moving up to a Plus 1 and Plus 2 tire sizes is the large variety of touring and performance tires available in these sizes.
Plus 1 Rule of Thumb:
Increase section width by 10 mm.(Side wall to side wall in Millimeters) Decrease aspect ratio by 10 points. (Section height to section width percent) Increase rim diameter by 1 inch. (Wheel Diameter in inches)
Plus 2 Rule of Thumb:
Increase section width by 20 mm. Decrease aspect ratio by 20 points. Increase rim diameter by 2 inch.
Example: Most common tire size on 1965-1968 Mustangs is 195/70/14 8" Wide x 24.7" Tall.
Plus 1 Rule = 205/60/15 8.4" Wide x 24.8" Tall.
Plus 2 Rule = 225/50/16 8.8" Wide x 24.9" Tall
These figures vary with brand and width wheel. Here are some examples of vintage mustang wheels available in larger sizes than original production:
1965-1967 Styled steel wheels. Now available in 15x7 and 15x8 diameters with all chrome rims.
1968-1969 Styled steel wheels. Reproduced as 15x7 diameter with all chrome rim.
1969-1973 Magnum wheels now available in 15x7 & 15x8 sizes.
1965-1973 Torq-Thrust wheels, a popular 60's sport wheel. Now available in 15x7 & 16x8 & 17x8 diameter sizes.
1965-1973 Eleanor style wheels, as seen in the recent movie "Gone In 60 Seconds" available in 17x8 diameter with polished or gray center.
1965-1973 "10 Spoke" Shelby style wheels.
14x6 up to 17x8 available in polished, black or original style finish.
You can enjoy the classic look of a 60's style wheel and also improve your driving performance with larger wheel and tire combinations.
