The suspension isn’t even done yet and I’m trying to decide what wheels I’ll end up running. The car already has a 5-lug conversion and Fox-length axles, which worked pretty nicely with the 17×9 10th Anniversary wheels that I ran on the stock k-member setup. I’m concerned though that the new front suspension is going to slightly increase the front track on the car..and it was already pretty close with the 275 tires. I still have these wheels but like I mentioned, I have a feeling that they aren’t going to fit.
The next option is to use the set of Forgeline wheels that I bought back from a certain wrecked 2003 Mach 1. I loved these wheels and Forgeline no longer makes this style, hence the reason I went through the trouble to obtain this damaged set….
The wheel shells are bent so the entire wheel will have to be rebuilt. Since these are 3-piece wheels, I would have the opportunity to modify the backspacing during the rebuild. As you can see above, they fit pretty well but I think the fronts are at 9.5″ wide and I really need to bring it down to 9 and determine the correct backspacing. The wheels are in good enough shape right now to use the for a test fit. Next week, I should be done with the suspension and will be able to drop it on the ground.
I’d probably go with a silver or metallic grey center – so they’d resemble this when completed.
Now…the Forgeline wheels that I am REALLY in love with right now are these new Forgeline DS3 beauties. Click here to check out the different styles on Forgeline’s website. Unfortunately, as with most projects, costs go up and if I want a set of Forgelines, I’ll have to concede to repairing the ones I already own…not a bad concession, really!
The 3rd and distant option would be to fit the new 2011 GT500 wheels that Ford Racing is offering for a relative STEAL. They are 18×9.5 and while that might work out OK for the rears, the fronts would need to be narrowed. I’m following a great thread right now at SoutheasternFoxbodies.com where the owner is doing just that. I’m really curious to see how this is going to look and fit.
So right now it looks like the rebuilt Forgelines are going to be the way to go but I’m not doing anything until I see those Shelby wheels mounted up. If I had no wheels and a few extra $ – I’d be all over those Forgeline DS3s, no questions asked.
Option 1 and really the only wheels that belongs on that coupe… 17×9 10th Anniversary wheels.
Option 2 and this is a very close 2, the DS3.
Option 3, review options 1 and 2……
Hi Brett! I agree – the Anniversary wheels should be a no-brainer except for the fact that it looks like they aren’t going to fit. They were already big in the front and would touch the top/inside of the fenders on occasion but with the new suspension, it’s going to be even a little more outboard… I could go down on the tire size but it’s tough on a 9″ wheel – the tire starts to look stretched on.
I liked the fact that I was running so much OEM gear (especially the wheels) but one mod obsoletes another mod.
Hmmmm….. I have the those wheels, 245/45, and the complete MM front end. I had to go with a stiffer spring, well, because I am carrying a little extra weight… but they worked for me? Is this because k-member for the new 5.0 is different?
I was running 275s in the front but even with 245s, I don’t think I could get a lot of compression without the tire touching the top of the fender. I’m going to do some more Sebring events so I need it to not touch at all during hard cornering.
I understand what you are saying, but you should be running some stiff springs. I also assume you will dial the struts down too. I can pretty much feel every crack I run over… so I don’t feel like I am getting that much travel. I wish I could tell you first hand if the fenders touch in the corners, but I doubt my car will make it to Sebring before yours…. : (
I like the GT500 rims myself. But I went with factory FR500 rims 265/40 front and 274/40 rear.. slight rubbing issues with the front lips rolled.. But I have cut sportline spings up front. The car sits very low.