16's or 17's - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

DansEdgli · 04-02-2002, 12:58

what do you guys reckon?
i have an ED.
i want EL XR style rims. i can get original 16's for around $600 out of the trading post with tread.
OR i can get 17's for a lot more but they look SO GOOD!!
ive been told told 16's are better for handling and for other reasons, cheaper tyres etc. than 17's.
what do you guys think?

RAPTOR · 04-02-2002, 13:33

Original 16"s with 225/50/16 front & 255/50/16 rear.

04-02-2002, 14:11

255 wide tyres on a 7in rim?

RAPTOR · 04-02-2002, 14:47

Yep!

There's enough sidewall height to cope with that.
In fact 50% of 255mm=127.5mm or 5" sidewall height and as 255mm=10" that's only 1.5" wider than the rim each side. They would probably wear a bit faster in the centre thats all.

Sure 8" or 9" would be better but you can't get them in that wheel style.

There's often an EF parked near where I work with 265/50/15 front and 275/50/15 rear both on 7" rims though that is really squeezing them on.

Troutman · 04-02-2002, 15:13

I don't see why 16" would be better for handling. It would be better for ride quality.

Anyway, I'm in a similar situation, and I have decided to save for 30 years until I can afford the wheels that I really want.

CATman · 04-02-2002, 15:52

i'm runnin EL XR8 16" mags, and i wouldn't suggest goin over 225/50/16, i think that they look sweet as it is, and there is enought rubber on the ground already. and with the price of tires u can pick up a cheap tire that size for around 130 and better ones for around 170 to 200.. :)
cta CATman

EB2Ghia · 04-02-2002, 16:26

17s ... 16s look like an odd size, not pleasing to the eye. 17s for shure, if you are gunna get wheels save up the extra money and get what you want. otherwise you will be going, shit i should have bought those simmons or 1`7 by 8s or the 18 x 8s so go all out

Zomwit · 04-02-2002, 16:41

This is just my opinion...

Rice does not suit older Falcons. This means that anything 18" and over just makes the car look bodgy.
The biggest I would go is 17" but I would prefer 16". Also, has anybody noticed the jump in price between 17" and 18" wheels and tyres.
You will also have to be prepared to lose a tiny bit in acceleration when going past 17s...just like having a taller diff ratio.
I personally reckon that EAs look best with 15-16" wheels and chunky tyres.

04-11-2002, 23:36

Hey dude defiently go 17" once you have done it you will be glad ya saved that extra money to get them.
17s just fill up that space really well. makes the car look wicked... defienlty go 17s

04-18-2002, 00:54

Dude I am currently running Ford "Mesh" style rims (16x7, 225/50/16) and they look sweet as, but if you can afford it I think go for the 17's you will be glad you did,but be sure that 16's still look pretty sweet