Wheels For Cobra Hubs?

[BadSax]

Hello Everyone,

So, I'm thinking about this cobra hub swap, and I have 18" wheels that I think I would like, so I want to double check the size I'll need.

What offset will I need for the Cobra hubs?

As for tire vs wheel... I think I would like to run either 245 or 255 tires all the way around. I'd like the tire to have a slightly taller sidewall and to have a little bulk around the lip of the rim, i.e. not import style where the rim seems too wide for the tire.

Should I shoot for a 8" wide or 9" wide rim? I'm thinking 8" will be just fine, but I figure I better check with those who know...

 

[BadSax]

So would a chip (or flash) solve the speedo problem is I run tires that are significantly taller? like a 255-55-18?

 

[mlschultz]

My experience, try to match the tire circumference (revolutions per mile) as close to stock as you can to avoid a multitude of vehicle problems when choosing new tire combinations. See if the tire size is commonly available too. Some sizes go way up in price, and are hard to find. Here's my current front and rear tire combination, compared to the stock Mark size, and a link to the tire calculator I used

 

[Mad1stGen]

Ideally get a 8.5" wheel, way less headaches with quarter lip clearances. Of course 9" works ok too, but you're stuck with 36mm or else the rear fitment becomes tricky.

6.5" max backspace, which translates to 35-38mm offset for that width.

255/45/18 for a little more sidewall that the stock dia matching 245/45/18, still no big fitment issues.

As long as all 4 tires are the same, there is no issues with the car's electronics (ABS, traction, etc ...)

 

[DLF]

So would a chip (or flash) solve the speedo problem is I run tires that are significantly taller? like a 255-55-18?

No, the Gen 2 gets the speed from the ABS sensors/system and you can't change it with a chip or tune.

 

[driller]

I have...

18x9 wheels

30mm offset(6.2" backspace)

255/45-18 tires

For 2005-2011 Mustang V6, GT, and Shelby GT500

I like this site for a tire/wheel calculator... http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp

I think the '96 has 18x8s with 245/45-18s. I'm not sure of the offset on them.

 

[beerdog]

interest......just wanted to get my name up on all the threads at once.

 

[M Darrah]

My car has 255/45 18s on it and in the short time I've driven it since then there have been a couple of occasions when the rears hit the fender lip. I may have to bite the bullet and roll the lips.

 

[J]

interest......just wanted to get my name up on all the threads at once.

Lol, that's what I do.

 

[phreaknes]

I've had great luck with this Calculator This one tells you everything and give you suggestions.

http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp

I plan on going with a 9.5 in the rear and a 9 in front with what ever offset works on an 05+ mustang

 

[BadSax]

It looks like the wheels I'm thinking of are offered in 18x8 with either a 20mm or 40mm offset...

 

[Mad1stGen]

20mm won't work at all, 40mm will tuck in the wheels very deep, very close to how the stock wheels look.

 

[BadSax]

20mm won't work at all, 40mm will tuck in the wheels very deep, very close to how the stock wheels look.

So with a 40mm backspacing, would I need a set of hub rings or could I just run them as is?

If I used them just as is, would they tuck-up nicely into the wheel wells when the car is lowered?

 

[Mad1stGen]

You will need a set of hubcentric rings regardless (as with most aftermarket wheels). Did you mean spacers maybe ?

They will definitely tuck in, very close to the stock fitment (3/4" more BS, and 1/4 more front spacing).

 

[BadSax]

You will need a set of hubcentric rings regardless (as with most aftermarket wheels). Did you mean spacers maybe ?

um... I'm not sure

what's the difference between hub rings, and spacers?

 

[Mad1stGen]

Hub centric rings center the wheel on the hub.
Spacers do ... well you know what.

 

[driller]

Picture time!

Hubcentric rings are used when the wheel centerbore diameter is larger than the hub diameter on the car.

Wheel spacers are used to "space" the wheel further out from the hub on the car when the wheel offset is incorrect.

You combine the two for hubcentric wheel spacers...

Those are for wheels that are the wrong backspace and the wrong centerbore diameter.

 

[BadSax]

Picture time!

Thank you

So, I've never needed (or if I did, I did not know) spacers, but all my MK8s with rims have needed hub rings...

 

[beerdog]

Obviously it is better to use wheels that fit properly, but what are the negatives of using spacers or rings? They seem pretty common.

 

[steve]

Obviously it is better to use wheels that fit properly, but what are the negatives of using spacers or rings? They seem pretty common.

for one, less thread for the lugs to fasten onto unless you install longer studs