Tires on the Mustang
I have a full set of Firestone tires in my garage, about a year old I bought for my Tbird and never put them on. They are Firehawk P235/50 R17 95V. Would these be OK for the Mustang GT. I measured them and they seem to be an inch wider than factory. I know I would loose the Z rating but that's for speeds over 120 I believe. I don't drive that fast anyways. What are your thoughts??
Originally posted by bryman@November 28, 2004, 3:46 PM
If you use these, it will throw your speedo off because the overall diameter of the tire is smaller than stock. It will also increase your wheel gap.
If you use these, it will throw your speedo off because the overall diameter of the tire is smaller than stock. It will also increase your wheel gap.
Update on my BFG GFORCE KDWS
At 23k miles theys still hold the road great on the turns. I may have another 10k left on them before I have to buy new ones.
My Good Years on my old 03 GT grabbed great until about 15k then lost their grip pretty quick. I replaced them at 20k.
All in all I am pleased with my choice for the 05 GT.
At 23k miles theys still hold the road great on the turns. I may have another 10k left on them before I have to buy new ones.
My Good Years on my old 03 GT grabbed great until about 15k then lost their grip pretty quick. I replaced them at 20k.
All in all I am pleased with my choice for the 05 GT.
Originally posted by upstate@November 28, 2004, 4:52 PM
I know I would loose the Z rating but that's for speeds over 120 I believe. I don't drive that fast anyways. What are your thoughts??
I know I would loose the Z rating but that's for speeds over 120 I believe. I don't drive that fast anyways. What are your thoughts??

As an example, in a comparison test on two identicle vehicles (miatas IIRC) outfitted with H rated tires on one and V rated tires on the other, there was a difference of about 14 feet (a car length) in braking distance as well as some handling differnces.
As another example, ever see some odd tire/car combos? Toyota Camry fitted with H-rated 14s, Kia Sedona fitted with H-rated 15's, Caddilac Seville fitted with V-rated 16's. nobody drives these vehicles ***** to the wall or like they stole them, rather it was because it was cheaper to fit them with high perfomance tires to cure handling/braking problems without having to go back and redesign the vehicles suspension or brake systems.
Yet another example are early honda/acura cars, the single biggest differnce between these two cars were the tires.
Now depending on how you drive, it may or may not be an issue, as some manufacturers say it is permissible to lower the speed rating on the tires based on what sort of driving you do, but it will have an effect on the handling and braking characteristics of the car. On the other hand, some tire manufacturers do support the lower of speed ratings on on vehicles since it does produce an impact on performance.
Intersetingly the vehicle manufacturer that probably takes this most serious is Porsche, install the wrong tires on a porsche and it will void your powertrain warranty. (typically tires for a porsche like GM's TPEC rating are branded with an N on the sidewall). If your not sure, consult the vehicle manufactuer (dont waste time talking to the car dealer as the janitor probably knows more about what sort of tires should be on the car) for thier reccomendations (granted it will be through a lens distirted by the tort system in this country, but at least they will give you more insightful information than the car dealer can).
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