My old man works for Ford and mentioned to me that he's seen information floating around that the 2009 Mustang will come stock with 19-inch rims. Ford's working out the bugs that are associated with such big rims. Unbelievable. My 06 stang doesn't seem so special anymore....

I could see 18's, but I think 19's might be a stretch from the factory.

Wheres he work?

I would guess 18's or 20's. Not 19's. Tires are more spendy for 19's. Just my guess.

I too have heard this from a source.

Don't know stock... but at least as an option

I could see 19's on the GT

Considering many cars are available with 20's its not a stretch

Dodge is putting 20"s on the '07 Nitro. I dont like it though...looks like it spent a little too much time at West Coast Customs....

I still think anything over 18" is really starting to add too much unsprung weight.

My Boss just quoted several 2008+ wheel programs for polish. Some wheels were 18's others were 20+.
We don't know which Ford car or truck they belong to. That info hasn't been given to us yet. But, one wheel looks just like that Ford racing wheel for the Mustang. I think its an 18 inch wheel. A 19 - 20 inch version of that wheel has been rumored.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(I8URVTEC @ March 6, 2006, 9:55 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I still think anything over 18" is really starting to add too much unsprung weight.
[/b][/quote]

Even 18" wheels are too heavy.

Everyone seems to forget how heavy these large diameter wheels are.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(I8URVTEC @ March 6, 2006, 8:55 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I still think anything over 18" is really starting to add too much unsprung weight.
[/b][/quote]

Not if they are forged.

Weight is certainly not at the top of Ford's list of concerns. The Mustang has been getting heavier and heavier every year.
In fact history is starting to repeat itself. Before long we'll have a car as big and ugly as the 71-73. Then they'll be another gas crisis and we all know what would come next. The Mustang II!

BTW, I could stand 19" OPTIONAL wheels, but would hate anything bigger.

So is there an ideal wheel size for the new mustang? I guess I should be more specific.

Ideal size for ride?
Ideal size for performance?

Forgive me if these are dumb questions. I plead ignorance on this subject.

^ The tires have much more to do with ride and performance than wheel size. For example, a 30-series tire will ride harsher than a 45-series -- no matter what size the rim. And, of course, same series, same ride (though with a stiffer sidewall, the 35- may feel better at turn-in).

For example, a 245/35-18 = virtual the same ride as a 245/35-19. The -19 will have a larger diameter, and be a bit heavier, but not so much as you would notice.

That being said, in past cars, going from a 16 to a heavy 18 had a slightly noticeable difference in accelleration. Ride felt better though. But, that was 2" in diameter, and a much heavier, chrome wheel. An inch or two is pretty negligable.

Remember, the tire is the most important thing as it does all the work. Start there and fit a rim to the tire. Of course, most people don't really care about a tenth or two on the clock, so get what looks good to you. There is no ideal setup for a street car.

I don't want to get too far off this topic, but can somebody please list or tell me where I can find the weight(s) of the Mustang GT from 1982 - present? Thanks!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rampant @ March 7, 2006, 6:42 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Not if they are forged.
[/b][/quote]

So how heavy are the 18" wheels on the 06 Mustang?
I doubt if they are forged.
Most 17" Ford wheels are cast and are really heavy, let alone the 18" ers.

ford won't offer forged 19" wheels as standard equipment (too expensive), but 19" alloys are a possibility

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(V10 @ March 8, 2006, 5:07 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
So how heavy are the 18" wheels on the 06 Mustang?
[/b][/quote]


per Tire Rack= 26.5/ ea (Fanblades)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>
Weight is certainly not at the top of Ford's list of concerns. The Mustang has been getting heavier and heavier every year.
In fact history is starting to repeat itself. Before long we'll have a car as big and ugly as the 71-73. Then they'll be another gas crisis and we all know what would come next. The Mustang II!
[/b][/quote]

on the topic of vehicle weight...

the new stang comes out in 2010 right?
THIS new technology should be in use by 2010

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(I8URVTEC @ March 6, 2006, 8:55 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I still think anything over 18" is really starting to add too much unsprung weight.
[/b][/quote]
What he said.