Looking to extract more performance out of your 2005-2014 Ford S197 Mustang V6, GT, Bullitt, Boss 302 or GT500? You'll find exactly what you need to do here in our S197 Mustang Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide. Whether you're looking to freshen up the appearance of your street car, or lower your lap times on track, our guide provides both wheel size and tire size recommendations, along with suspension setups, for your scenario. Check out options available in our Flow Formed wheels like the EC-7 and SM-10, or take a look at our Forged wheels such as the VS-5RS, SM-10RS, or EC-7RS.
Chassis Introduction Ford completely redesigned the Mustang for 2005, bringing back retro styling and a highly improved chassis. A new 3-link rear suspension incorporates a panhard bar with a single upper control arm, eliminating the bind-happy 4 link design that was used for many years prior. This car quickly became a hit with enthusiasts and racers alike. In 2008, Ford released their first ever fully factory-built race car in the form of the FR500S, to complement the rest of the FR500 lineup. In 2010, the body went through a few revisions to make it look more modern, but the chassis and drivetrains stayed the same. The big news came in 2011 with the revival of the famed 5.0 engine nameplate, this time pumping out 412 hp. Featuring big Brembo brakes, a stiffer suspension and chassis that responds incredibly well to mods, Ford knocked it out of the park with this car and it has become one of the best performance cars for the money today.
Available Wheel Designs
Forged Designs
Flow Formed Designs
OEM+ Wheel Fitment
Easy upgrades for street-driven cars
Ford Mustang S197
These bolt-on wheel fitments are ideal for enthusiasts enjoying their S197 Mustang day-to-day on the street, and they are typically paired with all-season or performance oriented summer tires. These wheel and tire configurations will improve the appearance and performance of the car without requiring modifications to the factory suspension or alignment. Just bolt-on and enjoy!
Square Configurations
Recommended for enthusiasts that want to mitigate understeer, improve turn-in, and rotate tires front & rear for extended life.
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 18x9.5" ET35 Rear Wheel Size: 18x9.5" ET35
- Available in EC-7
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 275/40-18 Rear Tire Size: 275/40-18
- Direct Fit
- Performance All-Season: Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW), Yokohama Advan Sport A/S+ (440 TW), Continental DWS06 Plus (560 TW)
- Performance Summer: Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (340 TW), Falken Azenis FK510 (300 TW), Yokohama Advan Apex V601 (280 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport (340 TW)
- Extreme Performance Summer: Hankook Ventus RS-4 (200 TW), Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW), Yokohama Advan A052 (200 TW)
- Narrower Alternative Front Tire Size: 255/45-18 Rear Tire Size: 255/45-18
- Direct Fit
- Performance All-Season: Continental DWS06 Plus (560 TW),Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
- Performance Summer: General GMax RS (360 TW), Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (340 TW), Falken Azenis FK510 (300 TW), Yokohama Advan Apex V601 (280 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport (340 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW)
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 19x9" ET34 Rear Wheel Size: 19x9" ET34
- Available in: EC-7, SM-10
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 255/40-19 Rear Tire Size: 255/40-19
- Direct Fit
- Performance All-Season: Continental DWS06 Plus (560 TW),Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 (540 TW)
- Performance Summer: General GMax RS (360 TW), Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (340 TW), Falken Azenis FK510 (300 TW), Yokohama Advan Apex V601 (280 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport (340 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW)
Staggered Configurations
Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right.
Wheels
Front Tire Size: 19x9" ET34 Rear Tire Size: 19x10” ET40
- Available in: EC-7, SM-10
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 255/40-19 Rear Tire Size 285/35-19
- Direct Fit
- Performance All-Season: Yokohama Advan Sport A/S+ (440 TW), Continental DWS06 Plus (560 TW)
- Performance Summer: General GMax RS (360 TW), Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (340 TW), Falken Azenis FK510 (300 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport (340 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Goodyear F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW)
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 20x9.5" ET35 Rear Wheel Size: 20x11” ET52
- Available in: VS-5RS
- 3mm spacer needed up front for OEM 4 & 6 piston Brembos
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 255/35-20 Rear Tire Size: 305/30-20
- Direct Fit
- Performance All-Season: Continental DWS06 Plus (560 TW), Falken FK460 A/S (500 TW)
- Performance Summer: Continental Extremecontact Sport 02 (340 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Bridgeston Potenza Sport (300 TW)
Performance Street and Track Wheel Fitment
Wider fitments for enhanced performance
Ford Mustang S197- Ford Mustang S197
Ford Mustang S197
Ford Mustang S197
Ford Mustang S197
Ford Mustang S197
- 1 / 6
Whether you enjoy spirited street driving or you're a weekend track warrior chasing lap times, these wheel & tire configurations are ideal for S197 Mustang owners looking for a more dramatic improvement in performance. They are typically paired with performance oriented summer tires or track oriented R-compounds and this category includes both staggered and square configurations to best suit each individual drivers priorities, goals and preferences for their vehicle.
We've optimized the offset of our wheels to work well with the stock fenders, however, a wide variety of tire compounds can be used and some may require negative camber to fit properly. See fitment notes under each tire configuration below to see if modifications are required. If you plan to track your S197 Mustang, we highly recommend dialing in negative camber regardless of whether your wheel/tire fitment requires it for fender clearance. Negative camber is vital for extracting the most performance and longevity out of your tires, and without the proper amount the outer shoulders of your tires will wear out prematurely and running tire costs will dramatically increase.
Square Configurations
Recommended for enthusiasts that want to mitigate understeer, improve turn-in, and rotate tires front & rear for extended life.
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 18x10" ET40 Rear Wheel Size: 18x10" ET40
- Available in EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS, SM-10RS, ML-10RT
- VS-5RS and SM-10RS require 3mm front spacer for cars with factory Brembo brakes
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 275/40-18 Rear Tire Size: 275/40-18
- Direct Fit
- Performance Summer: Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (340 TW), Falken Azenis FK510 (300 TW), Yokohama Advan Apex V601 (280 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport (340 TW)
- Extreme Performance Summer: Hankook Ventus RS-4 (200 TW), Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW), Yokohama Advan A052 (200 TW)
- R-Compound: Toyo Proxes R888R (100 TW), Nitto NT01 (100 TW)
- Wider Alternative Front Tire Size: 285/40-18 Rear Tire Size: 285/40-18
- 3-5mm spacer may be needed up front due to wider tire width
- Performance Summer: Continental Extremecontact Sport (340 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW)
- Extreme Performance Summer: No options currently available
- R-Compound: No options currently available
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 19x10" ET40 Rear Wheel Size: 19x10" ET40
- Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS, ML-10RT
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 285/35-19 Rear Tire Size: 285/35-19
- Direct Fit
- Performance Summer: General GMax RS (360 TW), Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (340 TW), Falken Azenis FK510 (300 TW), Yokohama Advan Apex V601 (280 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport (340 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW)
- Extreme Performance Summer: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW)
- R-Compound: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R (100 TW), Toyo Proxes R888R (100 TW), Nitto NT01 (100 TW)
- Narrower Alternative Front Tire Size: 275/35-19 Rear Tire Size: 275/35-19
- Direct Fit
- Performance Summer: General GMax RS (360 TW), Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (340 TW), Falken Azenis FK510 (300 TW), Yokohama Advan Apex V601 (280 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport (340 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW)
- Extreme Performance Summer: Hankook Ventus RS-4 (200 TW), Falken RT660 (200 TW)
- R-Compound: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (180 TW), Toyo Proxes R888R (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
Wheels
Front Tire Size: 20x11" ET26 Rear Tire Size: 20x11” ET52
- Available in: VS-5RS
- Additional negative camber is required up front. We recommend at least -2.75*
- No spacers are needed front or rear
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 305/30-20 Rear Tire Size: 305/30-20
- Performance Summer: General GMax RS (360 TW), Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (340 TW), Falken Azenis FK510 (300 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport (340 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Bridgestone Potenza Sport (300 TW)
- Extreme Performance Summer: Goodyear Supercar 3 (220 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 Connect (240 TW)
- R-Compound: Goodyear Supercar 3R (100 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (180 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R (140 TW)
Staggered Configurations
Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right.
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 19x10" ET40 Rear Wheel Size: 19x11” ET52
- Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS, ML-10RT
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 285/35-19 Rear Tire Size: 305/30-19
- Direct Fit
- Performance Summer: General GMax RS (360 TW), Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (340 TW), Falken Azenis FK510 (300 TW), Continental Extremecontact Sport (340 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (300 TW), Goodyear F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW)
- Extreme Performance Summer: Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 (220 TW)
- R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW)
Hardcore Track Wheel Fitment
Track focused fitments that require significant modifications
Ford Mustang S197
Ford Mustang S197
Ford Mustang S197
Ford Mustang S197- Ford Mustang S197
Ford Mustang S197
- 1 / 5
These wheel and tire configurations are best suited for hardcore track junkies and club racers that prioritize performance above all else on their S197 Mustang. With these wheels, everything from extreme summer tires to full racing slicks are commonly used depending on your experience behind the wheel, class rules, etc.
Additional negative camber is strongly encouraged to maximize performance and tire longevity, and some of the more aggressive fitments will absolutely require it to prevent rubbing under suspension compression. Even with the appropriate amount of negative camber dialed in, some of the more extreme fitments can still scrub the liners under suspension compression and/or when turning the steering wheel to full lock. This is par for the course when pushing the limits of wheel and tire fitment. These fitments are not for someone who primarily will use this wheel setup on the street or in inclement weather.
Square Configurations
Recommended for enthusiasts that want to mitigate understeer, improve turn-in, and rotate tires front & rear for extended life.
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 18x11" ET52 Rear Wheel Size: 18x11" ET52
- Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS, EC-7RS, SM-10RS, VS-5RE, ML-10RT
- Additional negative camber is required up front. We recommend at least -2.75*
- 25mm spacers, extended wheel studs, and open lug nuts are required up front for strut clearance
- No spacers are needed on the rear for cars with OE (divorced) rear springs
- 3-5mm rear spacer may be needed for cars with true rear coilovers depending on spring length/preload
- Select coilovers with offset housings allow the use of a 20mm front spacer. The only known coilovers are JRi, JRZ, and MCS. Please contact your suspension manufacturer to determine if your coilover not listed here has offset housings if you wish to run less of a front spacer. Most do not.
- In rare cases, a certain shock and swaybar combo may allow the rear axle to hang low enough that the inner lip of the wheel rests on the bumpstop bracket when all four tires are suspended off the ground. You can clearance/remove the bracket if this happens, but we suggest leaving it alone. It will not cause any issues while driving.
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 315/30-18 Rear Tire Size: 315/30-18
- Extreme Performance Summer: Falken RT660 (200 TW), Yokohama Advan A052 (200 TW), Nankang CRS (200 TW)
- R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Nankang AR1 (100 TW)
- Semi-Slick/Slick: Hoosier A7 (40TW), Hoosier R7 (40TW), BF Goodrich R1S (40TW), Toyo RR (40TW), Pirelli DH (305/660-18), Michelin SM8/9 (30/65-18)
- Narrower Alternative Front Tire Size: 305/35-18 Rear Tire Size: 305/35-18
- Extreme Performance Summer: No options currently available
- R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW)
- Semi-Slick/Slick: Toyo RR (40TW), Pirelli DH (305/680-18), Michelin SM8/9 (30/68-18)
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 19x11" ET52 Rear Wheel Size: 19x11" ET52
- Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS, EC-7RS, SM-10RS, VS-5RE, ML-10RT
- Additional negative camber is required up front. We recommend at least -2.75*
- 25mm spacers, extended wheel studs, and open lug nuts are required up front for strut clearance
- No spacers are needed on the rear for cars with OE (divorced) rear springs
- 3-5mm rear spacer may be needed for cars with true rear coilovers depending on spring length/preload
- Select coilovers with offset housings allow the use of a 20mm front spacer. The only known coilovers are JRi, JRZ, and MCS. Please contact your suspension manufacturer to determine if your coilover not listed here has offset housings if you wish to run less of a front spacer. Most do not.
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 305/30-19 Rear Tire Size: 305/30-19
- Extreme Performance Summer: Falken RT660 (200 TW), Goodyear Supercar 3 (220 TW), Nankang CRS (200 TW)
- R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Nankang AR1 (100 TW), Goodyear Supercar 3R (100 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (180 TW)
- Semi-Slick: 295/30-19 Hoosier R7 & A7 (40 TW)
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 19x11" ET26 Rear Wheel Size: 19x11” ET52
- Available in: SM-10, VS-5RS, EC-7RS, SM-10RS, ML-10RT
- Additional negative camber is required up front. We recommend at least -2.75*
- No front spacers are needed
- No spacers are needed on the rear for cars with OE (divorced) rear springs
- 3-5mm rear spacer may be needed for cars with true rear coilovers depending on spring length/preload
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 305/30-19 Rear Tire Size: 305/30-19
- Extreme Performance Summer: Falken RT660 (200 TW), Goodyear Supercar 3 (220 TW), Nankang CRS (200 TW)
- R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Nankang AR1 (100 TW), Goodyear Supercar 3R (100 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (180 TW)
- Semi-Slick: 295/30-19 Hoosier R7 & A7 (40 TW)
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 18x12" ET57 Rear Wheel Size: 18x12" ET57
- Available in: VS-5RS
- Additional negative camber is required up front. We recommend at least -3.5*
- 35mm or larger spacers are required up front, along with GT4 or GT350R spec wheel studs (M14 conversion from OPMustang.com), and open lug nuts.
- Coilovers with offset housings are highly suggested. The only known coilovers are JRi, JRZ, and MCS. Please contact your suspension manufacturer to determine if your coilover not listed here has offset housings if you wish to run less of a front spacer. Most do not.
- OE Style (divorced) rear springs are highly recommended instead of a true rear coilover, but with either setup a 3-5mm spacer may still be needed
- Rear bumpstop bracket must be removed and axle perfectly centered with adjustable panhard bar or watts link
- The front will poke out with factory fenders, even with the above mods. This should be considered a race only fitment
- Due to the extremely aggressive nature of this setup, it is the end-users responsibility for proper fitment. Each car is a little different and spacers will be needed to dial it in for your specific suspension setup. We can not give you exact setup guarantees over the phone.
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 315/30-18 Rear Tire Size: 315/30-18
- Extreme Performance Summer: Falken RT660 (200 TW), Yokohama Advan A052 (200 TW), Nankang CRS (200 TW)
- R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Nankang AR1 (100 TW)
- Semi-Slick/Slick: Hoosier A7 (40TW), Hoosier R7 (40TW), BF Goodrich R1S (40TW), Toyo RR (40TW), Pirelli DH (305/660-18), Michelin SM8/9 (30/65-18)
- Wider Alternative: Front Tire Size: 335/30-18 Rear Tire Size: 335/30-18
- Aftermarket fender flares must be used if you wish to run 335 wide tires on an S197. DO NOT try to run this with the factory bodywork, it will not work.
- R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Nankang AR1 (100 TW)
- Semi-Slick/Slick: Hoosier A7 (40TW), Hoosier R7 (40TW), Goodyear Eagle RS (40TW)
Staggered Configurations
Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right.
Wheels
Front Wheel Size: 18x11" ET52 Rear Wheel Size: 18x12” ET57
- Available in: VS-5RS
- Additional negative camber is required up front. We recommend at least -2.75*
- 25mm spacers, extended wheel studs, and open lug nuts are required up front for strut clearance
- Select coilovers with offset housings allow the use of a 20mm front spacer. The only known coilovers are JRi, JRZ, and MCS. Please contact your suspension manufacturer to determine if your coilover not listed here has offset housings if you wish to run less of a front spacer. Most do not.
- OE Style (divorced) rear springs are highly recommended instead of a true rear coilover, but with either setup a 3-5mm spacer may still be needed
- Rear bumpstop bracket must be removed and axle perfectly centered with adjustable panhard bar or watts link
- This fitment is meant for racers looking to maximize rear traction with 315/30-18 tires. Wider tires may be used, but clearances become even tighter and the larger tire will likely stick out past the rear fender lip.
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick Front Tire Size: 315/30-18 Rear Tire Size: 315/30-18
- Extreme Performance Summer: Falken RT660 (200 TW), Yokohama Advan A052 (200 TW), Nankang CRS (200 TW)
- R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Nankang AR1 (100 TW)
- Semi-Slick/Slick: Hoosier A7 (40TW), Hoosier R7 (40TW), BF Goodrich R1S (40TW), Toyo RR (40TW), Pirelli DH (305/660-18), Michelin SM8/9 (30/65-18)
Additional Resources
About Camber Plates
Adjustable camber plates do more than just aid in wide wheel and tire fitment. They provide increased grip and reduced tire wear by spreading the load evenly during cornering. Learn more in our blog article, The Positives of Negative Camber.
Big Brake Kit Clearances
We have tested many brake kits with the wheels listed in this guide. Please email us with any questions related to brake clearance, we’ll be happy to help.
Brake Clearance Table
| Clears 18" Wheels | Clears 19" Wheels |
|---|---|
| OEM Brembo 4 & 6 piston | All under 18" section, including the following: |
| Stoptech ST40 355mm, ST60 355mm, ST60 380mm (Trophy) | OEM GT350 6 piston swap kit |
| Wilwood 6 piston 14” Superlite | Brembo 15” Pro Series |
| Brembo 14” Pro Series | Brembo GT 6 pot 380mm |
| Brembo GT 4 & 6 piston 355mm | Baer Pro 4R |
| Essex/AP Racing Radi-Cal 372mm | |
| S550 6 piston/380mm swap kit |
Rear Bump Stop Info
On the rear body of the S197, there is a bracket spot welded to the inner fender well that provides support for the bumpstop under hard compression. There are a few options to remedy this situation, outlined below.
If the suspension is under full drop where there is no load under the rear axle, while you’re changing tires, this is a situation that won’t be encountered once the vehicle is in motion. Simply loading up the suspension by placing a jack and jack stands under the axle will give adequate clearance to fit your wheels.
Another option is to remove the spot welds from the bump stop bracket, which ultimately removes the bracket from the vehicle. A spot weld drill bit can be dangerous so take caution and should be done by someone with experience. If you rely on full functionality from your bump stops on the axle, they will need to be relocated inwards using a kit when the brackets are removed.
Still have questions?
Fill out our Fitment Recommendation form Call us: 925-245-0773 Email us: support@apexraceparts.com