Ford S197 Mustang Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide

Vehicle Covered in this Guide

2005-2014 Mustang, all models

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.

These bolt-on wheel fitments are ideal for enthusiasts enjoying their car 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 & Rear: 18x9.5" ET35
• Available in EC-7

Tires

• APEX Staff Pick: Front & Rear: 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 & Rear 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 & Rear: 19x9" ET34
• Available in: EC-7, SM-10

Tires

• APEX Staff Pick: Front & Rear 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: 19x9" ET34 // Rear: 19x10” ET40
• Available in: EC-7, SM-10

Tires

• APEX Staff Pick: Front 255/40-19 // Rear 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: 20x9.5" ET35 // Rear: 20x11” ET52
• Available in: VS-5RS

Tires

• APEX Staff Pick: Front 255/35-20 // Rear 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)

Whether you enjoy spirited street driving or you're a weekend track warrior chasing lap times, these wheel & tire configurations are ideal for enthusiasts 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 car, we highly recommended 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 & Rear: 18x10" ET40
• Available in EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS, SM-10RS
• VS-5RS and SM-10RS require 3mm front spacer for cars with factory Brembo brakes

Tires

• APEX Staff Pick: Front & Rear: 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 & Rear 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 & Rear: 19x10" ET40
• Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS

Tires

• APEX Staff Pick: Front & Rear 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 & Rear 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: 20x11" ET26 // Rear: 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 & Rear 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: 19x10" ET40 // Rear: 19x11” ET52
• Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS

Tires

• APEX Staff Pick: Front 285/35-19 // Rear 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)

These wheel and tire configurations are best suited for hardcore track junkies and club racers that prioritize performance above all else. 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 & Rear: 18x11" ET52
• Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS, EC-7RS, SM-10RS
• 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 & Rear: 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 & Rear 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 & Rear: 19x11" ET52
• Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS, EC-7RS, SM-10RS
• 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 & Rear 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: 19x11" ET26 // Rear: 19x11” ET52
• Available in: SM-10, VS-5RS, EC-7RS, SM-10RS
• 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 & Rear 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 & Rear: 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 & Rear: 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 & Rear 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.

Staggered Configurations

Maintains stock-like handling characteristics, tires can only be rotated left to right.

Wheels

• Front: 18x11" ET52 // Rear: 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 & Rear: 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)

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.

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.