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.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GTJOHN @ March 8, 2006, 10:20 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
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!
[/b][/quote]
i dunno from 82 but

from 88... all of these are based on hardtop with V8 and 5-speed manuel.

88
GT Hatch 3193

89-90
GT Hatch 3191
LX Hatch 3102
LX coupe 3037

91-93
GT Hatch 3144
LX Hatch 3096
LX coupe 3037
93 Cobra 3255

94
GT 3276

95
GT 3281
Cobra 3354

96
GT 3278
Cobra 3393

97-98
GT 3227
Cobra 3364

99-02
GT 3237
Cobra 3413

03-04
GT 3273
Mach 3465
Cobra 3665

05
GT 3450

wow...the S197 GT isnt really too much heavier than the SN95 considering the past....5.1% heavier

I'd love to see some of the explanations behind those increases & decreases because some of the years seem off.
For instance, the 89 and 90 weigh the same but the 90 is heavier than the 91. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/headscratch.gif[/img] Seems to me like the 90 would be grouped in with the 91-93. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dunno.gif[/img]
Also, wouldn't the 99 & 00 be the same and the 01-04?

You won't see 19's from the factory.....Ford Racing, possibly, but not on the option list IMO.

There is no need for rims larger than 18's from the factory IMO. Rubber and rims (which will likely need to be lighter) and engineering to make it work become too costly for Ford. 18's are more than large enough for 95% of the people out there.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mobster @ March 9, 2006, 12:53 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
on the topic of vehicle weight...

the new stang comes out in 2010 right?
THIS new technology should be in use by 2010
[/b][/quote]

Retrofit kit for 05's maybe? I coulda sworn that there was something like this already in use on the S197...I think in the doors.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(StangNut @ March 11, 2006, 5:51 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I'd love to see some of the explanations behind those increases & decreases because some of the years seem off.
For instance, the 89 and 90 weigh the same but the 90 is heavier than the 91. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/headscratch.gif[/img] Seems to me like the 90 would be grouped in with the 91-93. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dunno.gif[/img]
Also, wouldn't the 99 & 00 be the same and the 01-04?
[/b][/quote]

Well part of the weight variance from 99-00 and 01-04 would be the introduction of the tacked on hood scoop and larger side scoops. Wheels changed in 01 also to bullit style if I am remembering correctly (don't know the weight, but they look heavier??) Radio changed to a 6 disc in dash changer. Your only talking a 36lbs increase.

<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]
Thats what I think too

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>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]by StangNut
OH NO NOT THE MUSTANG II AGAIN. NO MORE LAZY ENGINES. AND THE 71 73 WAS NOT UGLY.

I agree about why they changed. My point was the years listed. Just like you said in your explanation, the changes should have come between the '00 & '01 model years and not 02-03 as listed before. (see below)

It could happen buy wait and see:bling:

i messed up on the weights listed.

the weights should have been for the GT's 3237 in 99-00 and 01-04 was 3273.

sorry my mistake

QUOTE:
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!
by StangNut

OH NO NOT THE MUSTANG II AGAIN. NO MORE LAZY ENGINES. AND THE 71 73 WAS NOT UGLY.

I do sort of wish Ford would get ahead of the curve a bit on the weight/efficiency thing rather than the easy recourse of ever bigger, more powerful motors in ever bigger, fatter cars. The late '60's and '70's ought to have served as a lesson as to the vulnerabilities of that simplistic if short-sighted approach.

My ideal would have been for the Stang to hold to the 2800-3100lb weight range and perhaps a slightly more compact, aerodynamic form. Such an approach can realize benefits not only at the gas pump, which would quickly pay for extra purchase costs, but also ALL aspects of performance -- acceleration, top speed, handling and braking.

Maybe once gas hits $4+/gal, a not unlikely prospect in the future...

Don't worry about 18 - 20 inch wheels. They are made from aluminum! 19 - 23 lbs.
The Mustang wheels we polish are forged by Alcoa. They look like the old Marauder wheel.
I don't know who makes the other polished wheels, but they look like they are Casted. But, they should be fairly light considering that they are made of aluminum.

Thanks for the Mustang GT weights!

All of the research I have done shows no benefit for wheels over 18 inches. The FR500 Mustang uses 18" wheels on race day and 20" for photo shoots. The 18" wheels weigh 5 to 6 pounds more than 17" wheels. 19" wheels would probably weigh 7-8 pounds more than 18" wheels. Chevy even admits the Cobalt SS Supercharged is .1 seconds slower 0-60 do to heavier 18" wheels.

If Ford wants to do it right, they have to get the weight down. Get it around 3200, maybe 3300 max, and increase the HP to at least 400HP.
Just look at the latest article with the GT500 verses the Vette. The GT500 has 100 MORE HP but still can not out perform the Vette because it is TOO heavy. Drop the weight and increase everything about the Mustang.
Also, why is such a Awesome car limited to 300 HP stock? I mean there are other V-8s with 400-450 HP all natural. Or some V-6's getting 300 HP. Maybe the added weight of the back seat is the doom, but I dont think so. I know Ford can lighten the load, and maybe offer a 400 HP 5.4 L for the GT, reserve the 5.4 Supercharged or a larger displacement for the GT350, GT500, Mach1, or whatever other special they are working on.

want the 5.4 but want to cut weight...uh...ok....

Unfortunately with crash standards..unless you want Unobtainium in the car...and pay for it... we're seeing ALL weights increase...

How come the vette keeps losing weight. the 05 vette was lighter then the 04 it replaced.