https://themustangsource.com/showthread.php?t=477728

 

Can i run 16" wheels from a v6 mustang on my 2010 gt? Im sure they will fit on the back but im worried about the front.

 

That's a good thought, but I don't think they'll fit over the brakes. Sure would be less money for tires though. Probably more effective in snow too, as taller and narrower works better to a certain extent.

 

I wonder if i put like 5mm spacers up front that are hubcentric so there is no vibrations issues.

 

I'm pretty sure 16'' will be cutting it too close... if not able to do it at all on the GT.

Also, are you looking at the 05-09 V6? Because the 2010 standard V6 wheel is 17'' with option on an 18''.

And if you look at tire websites (Tire Rack for example.) they'll show you the possible setups as to what will fit. The lowest tirerack goes is 17 inch on the GT here ... and 16 inch on the V6 here

 

Yeah i was looking at a 05-09 v6 wheels. Tirerack plays it safe on everything, so i wouldnt go by what they say all the time. Im sure it can be done possibly just need a spacer. I cant believe nobody has tried this before.

 

What kind of "spacer" will increase the I.D. of a wheel ??

The back side wheel I.D. is pretty consistant, you would need a spacer practically the full wheel width to clear the calipers !!

There are some aftermarket 16" & 17" wheels that are specially designed to fit big brakes, mainly because racers want them. They are super light weight and expencive from what I've heard.

Doug

 

No need to be a smartass about it. I was asking a question on because i was unsure of why 16" wheels would not fit. There are many other ways wheels wont fit, not just because the I.D. is too small.

 

Just drive it as is. Use stock tires. It'll go just fine. I also think nothing is needed in the trunk. Wash it allot.
We get plenty of snow here and all is fine.

 

I was not trying to be a smartass, just stating facts.

Within the Mustang (and other car lines), the basic hub / bolt pattern and required offset is usually the same between all the models within a design range (FOX: 79-93, SN-95: 94-04, & S197: 05-present). Because of this, you've always been able to swap on "bigger" wheels offered on the "more" performance oriented models without any kind of spacers or fitment issues. The only exception I'm aware of was in the FOX years ('84-86.5 SVO & and I think '93 Cobra had 5-bolt pattern, everything else had 4).

Many perfomance Mustangs have had bigger brakes, and smaller wheels from the lower models typically just don't fit anymore because of the larger dia. brakes.

Be glad you don't have a Camaro SS (stock 20" wheels) ... these brakes are so big, you can't even drop down to the 19" that is standard on the 2LT. Brakes on the V6 Camaro aren't small either, 18" is the smallest OEM GM wheel that fits.

Doug

 

I agree with Mark! If you think the roads are to bad just stay home untill the plows go by.

 

Be glad you don't have a Camaro SS (stock 20" wheels) ... these brakes are so big, you can't even drop down to the 19" that is standard on the 2LT. Brakes on the V6 Camaro aren't small either, 18" is the smallest OEM GM wheel that fits.

Doug[/quote]

I'm glad I don't have a Camaro for more reasons than just those.

 

Back when I had to drive my '00 V6 during winters I would always add bunch of weights in the trunk. It always worked out fine.

Luckily, in 2005 I bought F-150 4x4.

 

I just bought my setup off of tirerack... I got a 17 inch a setup and took the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 235/55/17R and a set of rims- They're Elbrus I06 Black Machined. Should fare well, I was just looking for something cheap yet still not going to be appalling to look at... Hoping it'll work out!

 

Back when I had to drive my '00 Mustang during winters I usually added some weight in the trunk and that got the job done.

Now this is my solution:

 

This is as close as my '05 will ever get to snow. Fortunaltey, we don't get too much snow in Southern England, but our local authorities are pretty poor at gritting/salting the roads when it does. Still, ususally only lasts a week or so usually.

 

Well, we started to get a little hail last week with some of the storm fronts coming through, so I just decided to throw the snows on. I went with blizzak lm-60 235/50/18 on some wheels I bought off craigslist. Here's a pic of how the bullitt sits now. Don't like the handling of these tires compared to stock (and the stock ones aren't that great), but they should get me through to April.

 

If you get any kind of real winter, a full set of snow and ice tires are essential. IMO, after years of winter driving, there is no need whatsoever for weight in the back in these cars. The S197 is already well balanced front/rear (52.5%/47.5%) adding weight in the trunk will just make the rear end swing like a pendulum plus your mileage will suffer.

I still laugh at people who believe that these aren't all weather cars...but think some truck with all seasons and 62/38 weight distribution that is left in 2wd 95% of the time is a better winter vehicle.

Seriously, it's all in the tires. The difference between all seasons and snow and ice tires will shock you.

 

I have Michelin X-ice tires and 180 lbs of sand bags in the trunk. I can go anywhere I need to and if I can't, I shouldn't be out there anyway. At the time Discount Tire had V6 style 16" rims for $50 per rim.

 

I disagree. You are still pushing a front end that is heavier - with a rear traction that is lighter (or pulling if you are backing out of a long S shaped up-slope driveway like mine.)
Perhaps in fresh snow that is sticky and with snow treads & studs, you might get by safely. Or if you're in the city on level ground.
However, while the balance may help in many road conditions once underway at slower speeds, if you are in any kind of up-slope starting from a stop with packed glazed snow, and/or ice, and/or slush because of temp above freezing and/or rain; the rear tires need some added weight. And that would add to stability when you are driving in the mountains where often before or after the winter's permanent snow arrives, you are driving through a sunny patch (perhaps without snow or with wet slushy snow that pulls), then flash to a shady deeper snow patch (with ruts), etc. back and forth.
Just did it on a 2 lane twisty from 4000' to 5000' down to 2000' and back before I garaged the B for the winter Wed. (Plus being a route driver with Ford SRA's for long time here in the mountains.) Barely got out of my driveway and in one place turning around I high centered on a slight slope... with a truck bearing down. That'll get your heart pumping! I was needing an extra 150-200#. One spot there's a 6% climb that starts after a 30mph corner. I made it by having some momentum but if I had been 4 hrs earlier, it would have been really icy and I'm not sure I could have climbed from that turn.
If it were me, I'd have snow tires with studs all around plus the added weight - but I get real winters here and my life is worth more than a few less mpg's and worrying about minor road damage from studs.