Tire size

[delta0014]

Starting to look at tires.... :confused:

Have the 18 inch rims ordered.
Looking at 315/30R18 on the back.

Front?
Can I go with 265/35/R18 without any rubbing? Or what size should I get for the front? 245/40? 245/35? 255?
Seems like 315/30 on the back is what most do but the front is all over the place for sizes.

Seems my options for tires are pretty limited too if I want the same tire on the front and back.

[Papa]

Getting ready to order tires for the 18" Halibrands from FFR.

255/35-18 front
315/30-18 rear

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 matching set.

Dave

[delta0014]

I was looking at the Michelin’s too.

BfGoodrich and Pirelli make tires in those also sizes but Michelin seems to get great reviews.

[Derald Rice]

I have had the Michelin PS2's on for the last 5 years.

Will be replacing them with............Michelin PS2's.

[Papa]

After a bit more looking, I found that Nitto makes the NT 555 G2 in the following sizes:

255x35-ZR18 (front)
315x40-ZR18 (rear)

I was set on the Michelins until the whole discussion about the ride quality for the run flats. Does anyone see an issue with the slightly taller rear sidewall? I think it could actually help with the ride quality.

Thanks,
Dave

[Derald Rice]

The largest diameter that used to be recommended was between 26 to 26.5 inches, but maybe this recommendation has changed over the years. The 315/40/18 is almost 28, so I would not be surprised if you will get some fender rub. Also, with almost 3 inches of difference between the diameters, you might get a visual of big and little's.

Personally, I prefer a more balanced front to rear tire diameter, but sometimes, the tire manufacturers don't contact us to see what we want.

[Papa]

The largest diameter that used to be recommended was between 26 to 26.5 inches, but maybe this recommendation has changed over the years. The 315/40/18 is almost 28, so I would not be surprised if you will get some fender rub. Also, with almost 3 inches of difference between the diameters, you might get a visual of big and little's.

Personally, I prefer a more balanced front to rear tire diameter, but sometimes, the tire manufacturers don't contact us to see what we want.

Well, that's what I was afraid of. Okay -- back to the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s.

Thanks,
Dave

[CraigS]

Check out these BFGs
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+Rival+S&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=13WR8GFRS&tab=Sizes
These are the hot tire in autocross street tire classes. There is another one, RE71R, but it is not available in our sizes.

[Papa]

Check out these BFGs
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+Rival+S&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=13WR8GFRS&tab=Sizes
These are the hot tire in autocross street tire classes. There is another one, RE71R, but it is not available in our sizes.

Thanks, Craig. I looked at those as well, but ended up placing an order for the Michelin Pilot Sports this morning. My wheels should be delivered Monday and the tires should be in mid-week.

Dave

[Fireboss303]

Keep us posted on your tire brand and size decisions, I talked to my local trusted tire store and he also suggested the Michelin Ps2’s. I’m just not sure on the exact size that will fit without rubbing.

I also have a 25th Anniversary on order, w/G3 Coyote. Mott build school is soon. Everything rig I own is white, but not sure I can paint my Cobra a white color, might have to make some decisions.

[Papa]

Keep us posted on your tire brand and size decisions, I talked to my local trusted tire store and he also suggested the Michelin Ps2’s. I’m just not sure on the exact size that will fit without rubbing.

I also have a 25th Anniversary on order, w/G3 Coyote. Mott build school is soon. Everything rig I own is white, but not sure I can paint my Cobra a white color, might have to make some decisions.

I ordered the Michelin's yesterday in the recommended sizes:

245x35-18 (front)
315x30-18 (rear)

From the FFR parts catalog for the 18" Halibrands:

Technical Specifications:
Front Wheel Size (Diameter x width): 18"x 9"
Rear Wheel Size (Diameter x width): 18"x 11"
Front Wheel Backspace: 6.00" (24mm Offset)
Rear Wheel Backspace: 6.46" (12mm Offset)
Wheel Lug Pattern: Ford style 5 lug x 4.5" bolt circle
Material: Cast Aluminum
Color: Gun Metal

Weight with adapter, spinner and lug cover
18"x 9": 21 lb est., 18"x 11": 23 lb est.

FFR Fitment Applications:
Mk3 and Mk4 Roadster
65 Coupe

Axle Applications:
1979-1993 width Ford 8.8" solid axle FFR standard width IRS

Front Brake Fitment
11" 1999-2002 Mustang GT Calipers and Rotors
11" 87-93 Mustang GT Calipers and Rotors
13" Mustang Performance Calipers and Rotors
These will not fit 2003-04 GT Calipers

Rear Brake Fitment:
10.5" Rear disc brake kit
11.65" Rear disc brake kit
13.00" Rear disc brake kit

Recommended Tire Sizes:
Front: 255/35 ZR18
Rear: 315/30 ZR18

These sizes are for the 18" Halibrands, so not sure what the 25th anniversary wheels will accommodate if that's what you plan to run on your car. I would assume that they will have the same backspacing as the Halibrands, but don't see that information anywhere on the website. Oh, for what it's worth, the while with blue stripe color combo is very cool. You could change it up a bit by color matching the stripes to the wheels.

[Fireboss303]

That’s an interesting idea, white with some sort of Bronze matching stripes, hmm, I will work on that idea. Keep me in the loop on wheels and tires, I appreciate the help. Thanks. Again.

[delta0014]

Keep us posted on your tire brand and size decisions, I talked to my local trusted tire store and he also suggested the Michelin Ps2’s. I’m just not sure on the exact size that will fit without rubbing.

I also have a 25th Anniversary on order, w/G3 Coyote. Mott build school is soon. Everything rig I own is white, but not sure I can paint my Cobra a white color, might have to make some decisions.

When’s your car coming? Mine was done a few days ago but who knows how long Stewart will take to deliver.

I am planning on ordering the Michelin’s when my car comes, they just seem to get the best overall reviews for my sizes. 315/30 on the back and 255/35 on the front.

[GFX2043mtu]

Kinda surprised no one mentioned the R888R tires. Great tire, not tolerant to the cold like most in the 315/30 catagory but warm dry grip is awesome. I can flat foot my car in 2nd with out wheel spin, and the price is reasonable.

[delta0014]

Kinda surprised no one mentioned the R888R tires. Great tire, not tolerant to the cold like most in the 315/30 catagory but warm dry grip is awesome. I can flat foot my car in 2nd with out wheel spin, and the price is reasonable.

Those are listed as racetrack/Autocross only on their website.

How's the ride?

[GFX2043mtu]

The ride is fine. I’m sure people with quiet cars may complain about tire noise as these types of tires tend to make noise. How ever with our cars you nevernotice it. Factory five uses them and has used the previous R888’s on their shop cars for a while. For street use they are fine as our cars are so light weight that they never heat up to temp to heat cycle them out. There are other great tires out there but to me these where the right choice. I’m running 645 hp and 655 ft/lb (dyno certified) and with these I can actually use the power in lower gears which is impressive.

[Fireboss303]

When’s your car coming? Mine was done a few days ago but who knows how long Stewart will take to deliver.

I am planning on ordering the Michelin’s when my car comes, they just seem to get the best overall reviews for my sizes. 315/30 on the back and 255/35 on the front.

My MkIV arrived November 21st. I have been working on inventory, F panels installed, and the front suspension is coming together, I’m still missing my KONI shocks, I think I will start on the IRS today. I’m seeing thoughts of 245/35/18 or 255/35/18 for fronts, I like the idea of the wider tire if it wont rub, I saw a set of 315/30/18 at our local tire store, it turned a few heads in the showroom when he rolled them in, wow, just wow.!!

[GoDadGo]

If you want to run the widest tires possible these F-Panels will really help.

https://www.ffmetal.com/FatTireFpanels.html

I've got their trans tunnel and the quality was far superior to the stock piece.

[delta0014]

My MkIV arrived November 21st. I have been working on inventory, F panels installed, and the front suspension is coming together, I’m still missing my KONI shocks, I think I will start on the IRS today. I’m seeing thoughts of 245/35/18 or 255/35/18 for fronts, I like the idea of the wider tire if it wont rub, I saw a set of 315/30/18 at our local tire store, it turned a few heads in the showroom when he rolled them in, wow, just wow.!!

I bought 315's for the rear and 265's for the front. 275's are suppose to be able to fit up front too I believe.
315's are a beast.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Extra question on tire size. Mk-IV 2013 chassis. Have 17" wheels currently running 255X40X17. Will 275X40X17 fit?

[phileas_fogg]

Yes; 275s are what I've got up front. This is a 2015 body.


John

https://live.staticflickr.com/1913/43162292380_4d46fc3a62_4k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28L72LQ)IMG_4997 (https://flic.kr/p/28L72LQ) by jhsitton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91016165@N07/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/1977/43162292870_7d3721a944_4k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28L72Vh)IMG_5003 (https://flic.kr/p/28L72Vh) by jhsitton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/91016165@N07/), on Flickr

[RBachman]

If you want to run the widest tires possible these F-Panels will really help.

https://www.ffmetal.com/FatTireFpanels.html

I've got their trans tunnel and the quality was far superior to the stock piece.

I couldn't agree more on both points. That transmission tunnel is a beautiful beast and a perfect fit, as are their F-panels.

I have the 255/35-18 fronts, and while I'm a-ways-off from finishing, I'm not sure I could get full range of movement without them...it'd be close. One thing I didn't expect though, was how they gave more room to keep brake lines from rubbing against stuff.

[Papa]

I'll put a plug in for the tras tunnel cover from FFMetal. I upholstered my cover in leather and not having to deal with a bunch of rivets to close up the "universal" opening the FFR part was my motivation for getting it. Had I known about the FFMetal F-Panels earlier, I would probably have gone with those as well.

[dpariso]

I reupholstered my trans cover. Added rails on the sides (polished Aluminum) and cup holders. Found the PERFECT size travel mug (coffee) it's tight, low profile and spill proof.
118713 118714

[dpariso]

Here are my new tires. I had the sidewalls sanded down smooth and added lettering... permanently glued! Looks GREAT!
118717118718

[toadster]

don't forget that the 25th anniversary cars have about 1/4" wider front fender flares so you can run up to 275 without rubbing :)

[nelsond003]

Other than getting a wider tire/rim with the 18"s, what is the biggest advantage of getting the 18s over the 17s. The 17s are about $600 cheaper on the FFR site. Just ordered my kit yesterday but I havent decided on rims yet.......any real world advise would be great..

[Papa]

For me it was purely for the look. The dish on the 18" rear wheel looks so much deeper than the 17".

[delta0014]

Other than getting a wider tire/rim with the 18"s, what is the biggest advantage of getting the 18s over the 17s. The 17s are about $600 cheaper on the FFR site. Just ordered my kit yesterday but I havent decided on rims yet.......any real world advise would be great..

I liked the way the 18’s looked, that was the main reason. And I wanted as big of tires as possible for the car.

[toadster]

Other than getting a wider tire/rim with the 18"s, what is the biggest advantage of getting the 18s over the 17s. The 17s are about $600 cheaper on the FFR site. Just ordered my kit yesterday but I havent decided on rims yet.......any real world advise would be great..

17" tires are getting harder to get as well.. i mean your average Tesla has 21" wheels now :)