Custom Tire and Wheel Sizing

When you compare a newer Cobra that has 17" wheels to a GT with 16" or an older Mustang with 14" wheels do you ever think about what really makes the difference when it come to handling and looks? The biggest difference is the wheels and tires!

The sporty low profile look is given by a taller wheel with nearly the same height tire but, shorter side wall tire. When you have a taller wheel that allows you to use a shorter side wall tire it does the following:

Speedometer readings remain accurate.   Maintains load-carrying capacity.

Wider footprint.  Improves steering response.  Improves cornering force.  A sporty look!

This concept is called Plus 1 and Plus 2 tire sizing. Remember that one of the biggest advantages in moving up to a Plus 1 and Plus 2 tire sizes is the large variety of touring and performance tires available in these sizes.

Plus 1 Rule of Thumb:

Increase section width by 10 mm.(Side wall to side wall in Millimeters)

Decrease aspect ratio by 10 points. (Section height to section width percent)

Increase rim diameter by 1 inch. (Wheel Diameter in inches)

Plus 2 Rule of Thumb:

Increase section width by 20 mm.

Decrease aspect ratio by 20 points.

Increase rim diameter by 2 inch.

Example: Most common tire size on '65-68 Mustangs is 195/70/14 8" Wide x 24.7" Tall.

Plus 1 Rule = 205/60/15 8.4" Wide x 24.8" Tall.

Plus 2 Rule = 225/50/16 8.8" Wide x 24.9" Tall

These figures vary with brand and width wheel. Here are some examples of wheels we have:

'65-67 Style steel wheels 15x7" All chrome lip wheel (OE sizes were 14x5" & 14x5.5").

'68-69 Style steel wheels 15x7" All chrome lip wheel (OE size were 14x6").

'69-73 Magnum 500 wheels 15x7" & 15x8."

'65-73 Torq-Thrust wheels 15x7" & 16x8" & 17x8"

'65-73 Eleanor style wheels 17x8"

'65-73 10 Spoke wheels 14x6" up to 17x8"

Click here to view Mustang Styled Steel and Magnum Wheel options.

When purchasing custom size tires and wheels, purchase from an expert. Sacramento Mustang can help you choose the right wheel for your Mustang.

Click here to view our current sales promotion for 1965 to 1973 Mustang Parts.