Ford S550 Mustang GT500 Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide

Vehicles Covered in this Guide

2020 - 2023 Mustang GT500

Brake Clearance Information In the engineering phase of wheel development, we 3D scan factory brakes and review 2D aftermarket brake templates in order to optimize our barrel profiles and spoke curvatures. As a result, our wheels offer massive brake clearance so you can run the smallest possible wheel diameter.

All GT500s require 20" or larger wheels with the stock brakes. 18" and 19" are possible with aftermarket brakes from AP Racing through Essex Parts. Refer to the bottom of the guide for more info.

Cars equipped with OEM Carbon Fiber wheels will need open ended lug nuts for all wheels due to extended length of factory studs.

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.

Staggered Configurations

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

Wheels

• Front: 20x11" ET26 // Rear: 20x11.5” ET48
• Available in: VS-5RS
• Direct replacement for the factory wheels, no spacers needed front or rear

Tires

• APEX Staff Pick: Front 305/30-20 // Rear 315/30-20
• Performance Summer: Michelin PS4S (300 TW), Pirelli PZero (280 TW)
• Extreme Performance Summer: Michelin Sport Cup2 (180 TW)
• R-Compound: Michelin Sport Cup2 R (140 TW), Pirelli Trofeo R (60 TW)

Enthusiasts seeking the most straight line traction possible from their high HP build and don't mind sacrificing a little handling to get it, our drag fitments are just the answer. Featuring a GT500 specific rear wheel with extra brake clearance built in for a precise bolt on fitment, these setups get you from point A to point B as quickly as possible. They also feature our high friction paintless knurled beads, a fully street legal alternative to beadlock wheels, which helps prevent tire slippage under heavy load.

Wheels

• Front: 20x11" ET26 // Rear: 18x11.5” ET50
• Available in: VS-5RS
• Works with factory alignment, no spacers needed front or rear
• Aftermarket rear vertical links are highly suggested, Cortex links are our preference found here
• If not using Cortex links, you must clearance the factory vertical link washer

Tires

• Front: 305/30-20
• Any radial compound street tire is acceptable, Michelin PS4S and Continental Extreme Sport are great options
• Rear: 315/40-18
• Nitto NT555 RII
• Atturo AZ850 DR
• Rear Alternative: 325/35-18
• Mickey Thompson ET Street R

Wheels

• Front: 20x9.5" ET35 // Rear: 18x11.5” ET50
• Available in: VS-5RS
• Works with factory alignment, no rear spacers needed
• 15mm front spacer required if using stock brakes. This will give you a true front runner appearance with better aerodynamics from having the wheel/tire tucked in.
• 25mm front spacer required if you prefer a flush fender fitment
• Aftermarket rear vertical links are highly suggested, Cortex links are our preference found here
• If not using Cortex links, you must clearance the factory vertical link washer

Tires

• Front: 255/35-20
• Any radial compound street tire is acceptable, Michelin PS4S and Continental Extreme Sport are great options
• Rear: 315/40-18
• Nitto NT555 RII
• Atturo AZ850 DR
• Rear Alternative: 325/35-18
• Mickey Thompson ET Street R

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: 20x11.5" ET48

• Available in: VS-5RS
• Track alignment highly suggested
• 25mm spacers, extended wheel studs, and open lug nuts are required up front for strut clearance. Cars with factory Carbon Fiber wheels already have longer wheel studs and will not need to purchase those.
• No spacers are needed on the rear

Tires APEX Staff Pick: Front & Rear 305/30-20

• 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)
• Slick/Semi-Slick:
• Wider Alternative: Front & Rear 315/30-20
• Performance Summer: Michelin PS4S (300 TW), Pirelli PZero (280 TW)
• R-Compound: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (180 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 R (140 TW), Pirelli Trofeo R (60 TW)
• Slick/Semi-Slick: Toyo RR (40 TW)

Warning!

The following wheels require aftermarket race front brakes which provide better clearance for 19" wheels. The only known kits at this time are Essex/AP Racing CP9668/372mm and the Brembo Racing Endurance 380mm kit. These 19" wheels will not fit with the stock front brakes. Factory rear brakes and toe link will clear and do not need to be replaced.

Wheels Front & Rear: 19x11" ET52

• Available in: EC-7, SM-10, VS-5RS, EC-7RS
• Works with factory alignment, but we suggest a track alignment for optimal performance
• 25mm spacers, extended wheel studs, and open lug nuts are required up front for strut clearance
• No spacers are needed on the rear
• 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
• Works with factory alignment, but we suggest a track alignment for optimal performance
• No front spacers are needed
• No rear spacers are needed

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: 19x11.5" ET56

• Available in: SM-10, VS-5RS
• Track alignment highly suggested, around -2.5* front and -1.5* rear is a good starting point
• 31mm or larger spacers are required up front, along with GT4 or GT350R spec wheel studs, and open lug nuts
• No spacers are needed on the rear
• Select aftermarket coilovers with offset housings allow the use of 25-28mm 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)
• Wider Alternative: Front & Rear 315/30-19
• Extreme Performance Summer: Falken RT660 (200 TW), Continental Extreme Force (200 TW)
• R-Compound: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (180 TW)
• Semi-Slick: Hoosier R7 (40 TW), Hoosier A7 (40 TW)

Staggered Configurations

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

Wheels Front: 19x11" ET26 // Rear: 19x11.5” ET56

• Available in: SM-10, VS-5RS
• Works with factory alignment, but we suggest a track alignment for optimal performance
• No front spacers are needed
• No rear spacers are needed

Tires APEX Staff Pick: Front 305/30-19 // Rear 325/30-19

• Extreme Performance Summer: Goodyear Supercar 3 (220 TW), Continental Extreme Force (200 TW)
• R-Compound: Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nankang AR1 (100 TW), Goodyear Supercar 3R (100TW)
• Semi-Slick: 295/30-19 // 315/30-19 Hoosier R7 & A7 (40 TW)

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.