Non-Halibrand Wheel Recommendations?

[460.465USMC]

I hope you all had a merry Christmas and a chance to spend it with some loved ones and friends!

I will be buying wheels and tires in the near future. I'm not excited about the Halibrand option, so looking for alternatives. This is simply a matter of preference in wheel aesthetics. For tire sizing I'm pretty settled on what F5 recommends--noted below.

Thus far my internet searches have been less than fruitful. I would like to go with either the 17" or 18" wheel option. My internet searches seem to indicate options available for 17" will be fewer, for both tires and wheels. However, I'm thinking the 17" might give a little softer ride given the additional sidewall material.

I found the F5 specs from their Roadster parts webpage, so know what will fit with my brakes (Wilwood 12.88"):
http://www.factoryfiveparts.com/wheels

The type of driving I plan to do will be mostly cruising with occasional spirited driving. I may also check out Autocross.

My questions are:
(1) Is there a noticeable difference in ride comfort between 17" and 18"?
(2) Am I correct in assuming more options are available in 18"?
(3) Are there recommended online sources? Many sources (e.g. TireRack) only provide search option by vehicle model, not by wheel size.
(4) Any other considerations I should be aware of before buying? For example, I've read some builders had trouble getting local tire shops to mount their tires, and some even refusing.

I have several good tire recommendations, so this is primarily a question about sourcing wheels.

17"
Front: 17"x9", 245/45/R17 with 6" backspace/24 MM offset.
Rear: 17"x10.5", 315/35/R17 6.7" backspace/27MM offset. Bolt pattern 5x4.5" (5x114.3MM)

18"
Front: 18"x9", 255/35/ZR18 with 6" backspace/24 MM offset.
Rear: 18"x11", 315/30/ZR18 6.46" backspace/12MM offset. Bolt pattern 5x4.5" (5x114.3MM)

My wheels will be black, so I prefer to buy them that way instead of spending the extra bucks to powder coat.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations and tips.

[GoDadGo]

Any wheel that fits a 1999-2004 Mustang will work well on your MK-4 Roadster.

AMERICAN MUSCLE:
https://www.americanmuscle.com/99-04-mustang-wheels-rims.html

LATE MODEL RESTORATION:
https://lmr.com/products/94-04-Mustang-Wheels

OE WHEELS LLC:
https://www.oewheelsllc.com/make/Ford/model/Mustang/year/2004

I'm running discontinued wheels from OE Wheels LLC with 245/45-17's on 17X9 Fronts with 285/40-17's on 17X10 Rears.
https://youtu.be/9WEe6-wdNtA

Hope This Helps!

[Peeker]

139882139883

The first pic is the FFR wheels. The second pic is what I intend mine to look like after powder coat. I think even with the extra cost of powder coat, they are still significantly cheaper than buying other wheels and I know these wheels will fit since they are from FFR.

[460.465USMC]

Any wheel that fits a 1999-2004 Mustang will work well on your MK-4 Roadster...

Thanks, Steve! This looks promising. I'm already seeing some very close to what I'm looking for. Guess I need to sharpen up my searching skills!

[edwardb]

I've had both 17 and 18 inch wheels. Thousands of miles on each. Can't say I noticed any difference in the ride quality. These cars aren't exactly sprung like your father's Oldsmobile... It may not seem intuitive, and I suspect some won't agree, but I wouldn't make a decision either way based on ride quality. I'm betting you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. I had BFGoodrich g-Force T/A's and Nitto 555's on the 17 inch. BFGoodrich g-Force Rival S on both 18 inch builds. I would say availability of suitable tires between the two sizes is similar. Although won't always be the same brand. And may vary depending on exactly what you're looking for, e.g. all weather performance tire versus a more race oriented compound. 18's are a bit more expensive. Long term I would expect less availability on 17's compared to 18's as wheel sizes continue to migrate upward.

[460.465USMC]

Paul, thanks for your response and insight. I will be looking for a performance oriented tire--don't plan to be driving in the rain/snow/ice!! It sounds like 18" may be a more future proof choice. That's good experience (i.e. you've ran both wheel sizes) for me to consider.

[GoDadGo]

Thanks, Steve! This looks promising. I'm already seeing some very close to what I'm looking for. Guess I need to sharpen up my searching skills!

Glad I was of some help to you because like you, I wanted something different that still seemed to belong on the car.
We chose the Anniversary Wheel since they were the flavor of the Sunburst, with a somewhat modern appearance.
My son picked them out and since they were a Close Out Special, the complete set cost me only $382.00.

Hope You Find What A Wheel That Suits Your Style!

[edwardb]

...I will be looking for a performance oriented tire--don't plan to be driving in the rain/snow/ice!!...

I certainly don't drive in ice and snow. Rain either... on purpose. Just be careful. Rain happens but most importantly for me is temperature. Some of the most aggressive compounds don't work well if the temps are too low. Here in Michigan, not unusual for even warm summer days to start out in the 50's. The BFGoodrich g-Force Rival S tires I've used on my last two builds have a good balance between decent overall traction while still being OK in the rain or cooler temps.

[Mike N]

My 20 year wheel evolution......
PSE Halibrand Replicas
139915
FR500 Replicas
139916
Polished CCW
139917
Black Center CCW
139918

[460.465USMC]

I certainly don't drive in ice and snow. Rain either... on purpose. Just be careful. Rain happens but most importantly for me is temperature. Some of the most aggressive compounds don't work well if the temps are too low. Here in Michigan, not unusual for even warm summer days to start out in the 50's. The BFGoodrich g-Force Rival S tires I've used on my last two builds have a good balance between decent overall traction while still being OK in the rain or cooler temps.

Good point re: the low temps, Paul. Here in Spokane we get plenty of days with low temps. Having some grip in the lower temps is definitely a consideration. Thanks for the reminder. I want to drive it as much as possible, since it will be mostly parked between November-ish and mid-April. (I hope I don't regret not putting in a heater.)

[460.465USMC]

My 20 year wheel evolution......

Thanks for the pictures, Mike! Nice Roadster you got there! The evolution is pretty cool, to see how you changed things up over the years. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

[460.465USMC]

Glad I was of some help to you because like you, I wanted something different that still seemed to belong on the car.
We chose the Anniversary Wheel since they were the flavor of the Sunburst, with a somewhat modern appearance.
My son picked them out and since they were a Close Out Special, the complete set cost me only $382.00.

Hope You Find What A Wheel That Suits Your Style!

Steve (AKA GoDadGo), that is an amazing deal on your wheels! I normally don't have such mad Internet shopping skills, but will be on the lookout.

P.S. I've watched your completion video of Redbone before. Just watched it again, and enjoyed it. I like your wheel choice.

To me you are the epitome of how to build a Roadster your way, what with the bowtie motor, six speed, and no hood scoop. Though I won't be tackling anything near so challenging, your build is a good inspiration for me. Thanks for sharing. Well done!

[GoDadGo]

Steve (AKA GoDadGo), that is an amazing deal on your wheels! I normally don't have such mad Internet shopping skills, but will be on the lookout.

P.S. I've watched your completion video of Redbone before. Just watched it again, and enjoyed it. I like your wheel choice.

To me you are the epitome of how to build a Roadster your way, what with the bowtie motor, six speed, and no hood scoop. Though I won't be tackling anything near so challenging, your build is a good inspiration for me. Thanks for sharing. Well done!

Thanks For The Kind Words!

The Guys From The Forum That Shared Their Immense Knowledge With Me Were:

Jeff Kleiner
Paul B.....(Edwardb)
Heny R....(65 Cobra Dude)

If they give you any advice, I highly recommend that you take it.

And Now You Know The Rest Of The Story!

[Blitzboy54]

I went this route. It was pretty affordable. Wheels with Nitto G2’s packaged for $1300

https://lmr.com/item/WTK-1007UBGN/mustang-fr500-wheel-tire-kit-94-04-black-nt555-g2-17x9-105

[460.465USMC]

That's a nice option. Thanks, Blitzboy.

[narly1]

Not an endorsement but came across this company on the www:

https://www.rocketracingwheels.com/

[Boss302]

I got the 17x10.5 fr500s from lmr today. What size spacer is needed for them?

[Blitzboy54]

I got the 17x10.5 fr500s from lmr today. What size spacer is needed for them?

I assume you mean 10.5 rears and 9’s in the front?

If so myself and other run those wheels they don’t need spacers. However the 12” single piston Wilwoods FFR sells for the rear will not fit.

[Boss302]

Yes it’s 10.5 rear and 9 front wheels. Does the caliper in the rear hit the wheel with wilwoods? Will a spacer solve that issue?

[Blitzboy54]

The problem is you need a little over 8” from center and with those wheels you only have about 7 3/4. The rears dont have a ton of clearance so I’m not sure how far out you can push them. I used this as a solution instead

https://www.wilwood.com/brakekits/BrakeKitsProdRear?itemno=140-7141-DR

Uses a shoe for a parking brake. I got them from Gordon Levy and will fit a 15” wheel.

[msbrown6]

Thanks for the links. The black options really are sharp!

[NC Cobra]

Rocket makes a very nice version of Pete Brocks Sunburst wheel. Very cool looking and period correct too!

[robheck]

What did you end up going with? I am right there with ya. Just had the Halibrands removed from my order T the last minute because I saw a car with the FR500's and have to have 'em now.

[CaptB]

I went this route. It was pretty affordable. Wheels with Nitto G2’s packaged for $1300

https://lmr.com/item/WTK-1007UBGN/mustang-fr500-wheel-tire-kit-94-04-black-nt555-g2-17x9-105

I did the same, it's a great deal.

[facultyofmusic]

A word of caution about wheel fitment. The wilwood parking brake caliper sits a lot farther from the center then the rear brake calipers. It didn't clear my LMR wheels and I had to grind off a bit of the caliper for it to fit.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?41682-Wilwood-Parking-Brake-Clearance-Issue#post477635

[Ted G]

I did the same, it's a great deal.

That's cheaper than just the FFR wheels alone.

[BusDriver@35,000']

I did the same, it's a great deal.

CaptB, I saw this tire/wheel combo also and am wondering if you have any problems with the tire size, backspacing, offset with them compared to the recommended sizes from F5? Looks like they have some great prices, especially with the rather large increase in prices on the F5's wheels. Thanks.

[Blitzboy54]

CaptB, I saw this tire/wheel combo also and am wondering if you have any problems with the tire size, backspacing, offset with them compared to the recommended sizes from F5? Looks like they have some great prices, especially with the rather large increase in prices on the F5's wheels. Thanks.

I had no back spacing issues at all. They are apples to apples with the FFR offering. Like was mentioned before if you go 17” LMR and the Wilwood rear brakes from FFR there will be interference. There are several solutions, mine is documented in my build thread. Others have taken a different path.

[BusDriver@35,000']

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll go back and search.

[pelzerd]

I like those fr500s also. Is 17x9 still max rear tire size for mk2? I currently have 15x10 on rear. Mike, nice set of pictures over the years.

[Ted G]

I also deleted my halibrands last minute. I hope I don't regret it.... I went with ESR CS11. I already received the rears (18x10.5) as the fronts (18x9.5) are back ordered for 6 weeks. Not period correct, but kinda old school.


https://esrwheels.com/collections/cs-series/products/cs11-hyper-silver-2

[pelzerd]

Those look great!

[Mike.Bray]

Maybe not what you're actually looking for but I'm going with these.

https://vintagewheelsus.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_62_94&products_id=634

[Ted G]

Maybe not what you're actually looking for but I'm going with these.

https://vintagewheelsus.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_62_94&products_id=634


Looks great, but don't you need a shorter axle for those? Pricey too!

[pelzerd]

Can’t go wrong with the Halibrand look. I always wanted to do the fia wheels in front and halibrands on rear. I currently have 15” Torq Thrust IIs. Eventually upgrading to 17” due to tire selection. I would go 18s for more tire selection but they won’t fit on a MK2.

[Mike.Bray]

Looks great, but don't you need a shorter axle for those? Pricey too!

Yes, I have the narrow Moser rear end from Forte and the pin drive front end from FFR.

https://www.imagecoast.com/images/MichaelBray1/20220123165144mediumrotated.jpg

[Hacksaw84]

I went down this road when I was building my car. There are plenty of mustang wheels that will "fit" the car. To get the best look and widest tire I found two options. 1) Order wheels from FFR that are made to their spec or 2) get custom wheels. With one exception, you can get the Forgestar F14 wheels in the same FFR spec without being custom. There are a few guys running them.

With respect to 17 vs 18, I actually think you will find more tire options for the 17 inch wheels.

I think bang for the buck on a more modern set of wheels are the FR500 replicas but that's just my thought.

I ended up buying a set of the 25th anniversary wheels which FFR no longer sells.

163081

[rich grsc]

Michael, what do they call the color on those wheels? I'd like to do some CeraKote in that color.

[phileas_fogg]

Hacksaw, that's a good looking car.


John

[Hacksaw84]

Michael, what do they call the color on those wheels? I'd like to do some CeraKote in that color.

I'm not sure what they call it. Several 25th anniversary car guys have found a decent match to it but I don't think FFR has a paint code name for it.

[Hacksaw84]

Hacksaw, that's a good looking car.

Thank you

[ADI]

Just jumping into this discussion now, what offset is ideal for the MKIV?

[Hacksaw84]

Just jumping into this discussion now, what offset is ideal for the MKIV?

This is what FFR sent me for what their wheels are:

Front Wheel Size 18"x 9". Front Wheel Backspace: 6.00" (24mm Offset)
Rear Wheel Size 18"x 11". Rear Wheel Backspace: 6.46" (12mm Offset)

[SnakeBitten14]

Def go with 18" wheels if you aren't going 15's. I went 17's and now I want to upgrade tires are only have a few options. I like FFRs new sunburst wheels, but I would want them black.

[Hacksaw84]

Hacksaw, that's a good looking car.


John

Thank you.