2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

What size wheels should i go with?

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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 12:57 PM
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wannabflyboy82's Avatar
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From: lakeland, florida
What size wheels should i go with?

I have a 87 NA and i want to put some wheels and tires on it, but i dont know really if i should go with 16, 17 or 18 inch wheels. What do u guys think. And what are some decent tires but not to expensive. Also my car is 4 lug pattern. Help me out guys.
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 01:04 PM
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Try www.discounttire.com or www.tirerack.com

Im a big fan of Yokohama ES100s they seem to be great for the dollar.

Look around in the wheels and tire for sale section as well, you can find some great deals there.

As for size I would stick to 16 or 17 with stock width enless your pretty modified.
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 01:15 PM
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From: Lake Country, BC, Canada
https://www.rx7club.com/canadian-forum-42/opinion-bigger-rims-fc-666665/

Above thread discussed this recently. As I and others said there, light weight is important, especially for NA - which will probably mean going with a 16x7, aim for 17lb or less (tirerack will give wheel weights on their site). Stock on these cars was 15x6 on GXL or Sport package models, or 14 on 4 lug NA's, so stock width would be hard to even find in a 16 or 17" rim.
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 01:16 PM
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17's are perfect on FC's, But some 18's look good. Just my opinion...
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 01:20 PM
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I don't blame you for wanting to get rid of the "phone dials".

I'd do a 5 lug/4-piston caliper swap first and expand your choices for rims. You can probably find someone willing to sell it to you on the "2nd gen parts wanted" section for a reasonable price. I'd sell you mine, but I need my roller to roll and stay in place for the time being. You might also get lucky and find them in the junkyard as I usually see them.

As for cheap 5 lug rims you might want to do a search for "mustang gt rims" and "convertible bbs rims" on the forums as they're not too expensive (around $200 give or take $50). The GT rims are 17's while the verts are 15's. The GT rims might rub a bit over speedbumps as i've read.
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 02:14 PM
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I'm probably going to do the same thing soon. Swap the 14" out and get rid of the phone dials. I'm planning on going to a 16 X 7 and keeping the 4 luggers. It limits the choices of wheels available, but the 16's will be less expensive as will the 205 55 16 tires that will go on it.
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 02:16 PM
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If you're gonna go with 17's or 18's, get something wider than 7".

I hate pizza cutter wheels.
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 05:28 PM
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I did a staggered set 17x7 front w/ 40mm offset and 18x8 rear with 35mm offset. It brings the sidewall of the rear out to the edge of the quarter panel just like the fronts do to the fenders. Plus the 18 in the back fills the wheel well perfect just like the 17 does in the front.
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 06:01 PM
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I've always wondered....when you put 17"'s on the front and 18"'s on the rear, what happens when you need to rotate the tires?
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 07:54 PM
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From: eureka
17/215/50 88 gxl 5- lug fits just perfect
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 08:07 PM
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From: the nati, ohio
17x7? 18x8? +40 offset?

barf.

give the honda guys their wheels back.
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Old Jul 3, 2007 | 08:43 PM
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From: Maggie Valley NC
Mine has 16"ers and I think its fine
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Old Jul 4, 2007 | 12:48 AM
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From: Smiths Falls.(near Ottawa!.Mapquest IT!)
The Thing about Putting Bigger wheels on the 4 lug Set-up is that the Brakes are going to have to Work a bit harder because they have More Rotational Mass to Stop moving(Bigger,heavier Wheels)..so This is the Main reason why Although the wheels will look alot better,It is not Really Practical..That My Friend is why alot of Guys just say "to Hell with it" and Opt out for switching the 4 lug set-up to a Five Lug set-up.That way you can Put the TII 4 piston Calipers on the Front..Final Note:you can Still put the Five lug Rotors and 4 piston Calipers On a 4 lug car,But this would require some Machining of the Five lug Rotors(turn them into Four lug Rotors By Redrilling them,and Filling in the Old holes With Metal..welding).this is a Tricky little thing to do,and Frankly it Needs to be Done correctly in order for it to Be Safe,and Balance out good....If you need a TIP or two on the 4 to 5 lug Swap,I have done a couple..Pm me if you want,I'm always Willing to help out.Cheers STYX.
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