Which wheels for my 96 Mystic

[ArkansasMystic]

I have a 96 Mystic and would like some new wheels. It is my daily driver, and I do not want to spend an extra $200-$300 each time I buy new tires, so 18's are out. So, which 17 inch wheel would you all suggest? I am really leaning towards 17x9 saleens all around. Second right now is 17 95 Cobra R's. Whatever I choose, it will be chrome, and I am open to any rim, not just the two mentioned. Here is a pic as it sits, let me know what you guys think.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/My%2096%20Mystic%20Cobra/After%20headlights/CIMG5968.jpg

[oxman]

well my opinion i think the 03-04 factory cobra chromies would look tough on it! Or maybe some chrome 17x9 up front 17x10-1/2 fr500's? Would make it look mean. I like the saleens, just only on the saleens but that's only my opinion. What ever you decide will look good though,it's a good looking car!

[Bigjht]

Check out American Racing Torque Thrust IIs. They are polished instead of chrome but look really nice. Also, they make a 17x11 that fit on the rears so you can fit a 315x30r17 on the back that will look mean. I know you said no 18s as well but research the BBS RKs. They look great on these and isn't something you see on every other mustang around. Just my .02 though. Good luck.

[SonicSteed]

I have a friend with the Saleen's on his 98 and it rocks, those look sweet on that car. lots of choices out there man, if you buy used make sure you get some good close up pics...

[ArkansasMystic]

Sonicsteed, what size Saleens? I have never saw one with the 17x9 Saleens, very uncommon setup. I love the 18 Saleens, those would be my choice if money wasn't an issue. But, since money is, I'm stuck with 17's. Another option is just adding a small spacer to the back. Much cheaper but would also improve looks. What do you all think? Thanks.

[oxman]

here's a pic of one, it's not cobra but still looks good, I think it'd look great on that black!

[ArkansasMystic]

Those look to be 18's. I love the 17's, but many seem to hate them (most do that I've seen).

[oxman]

I'd say go for it, if that's what your leaning towards. You can always sell them later if you change your mind :)

[1low03gt]

I think if you want to stay with 17's,the chrome '03/'04 Cobra rims would look sick on your Cobra!Saleens in my opinion only look good in 18's,same goes for the FR 500's.
Which year of Cobra R's were you thinking?'1995 style,or 2000 style?The 2000 style...again in my opinion,only looks goods as a 18.All three of those rims were designed as an 18 right from the get go,then the aftermarket offered them in all sizes basically!!
But this is my opinion. ;)

[ArkansasMystic]

95 Cobra R's. My choices really are those, 17x9 Saleens, or adding spacers to stock. I've considered 03 Chromes, but I really don't care that much for them. I really like 95 R's, but others hate them cause they are everywhere. IDK, 17x9 saleens would be something I would like to try, but I am scared it might be a waste. Here are a few pics of Mustangs with the 17 Saleens.
http://customerpics.americanmuscle.com/ ... 70&id=3580 (http://customerpics.americanmuscle.com/viewimages.php?sku=28070&id=3580)
Thanks.

[1low03gt]

They look to small,maybe because every time i see them on a stang,they have always been 18's.
Really though,it's up to you.The R's are over done because of time,but so are the Saleens these days.So pic what you really want.That's my advice. 8-)

[ArkansasMystic]

I may like the 03 Cobras, I've never saw a Mystic on chromes, only satins. That may make all the difference. Thanks for your input.

[oxman]

i think the 03-04 chromies would be awesome! On those Saleens, none of those cars were lowered, i think that makes a big difference too in the size appearance?

[SonicSteed]

find you some clone 17" saleen's man, american muscle. the pic above is a guy here in tampa. i would go with the 17x9 and 17x10 set up but if the money for the wheels start to bite then get the spacers, those are cheap. i just think it would be hard to beat the saleen look on your car man, it would look totally awesome!

[ArkansasMystic]

Big change of plans everyone. The whole time I have been searching, I used Nitto 555's to get a price estimate (my current tires). I have decided on Goodyear Eagle All Seasons, so for giggles I priced them. To my surprise, they are only $20 more per tire for the 18's (not sure size, 265/30 or something similar). So, looks like I'll be doing 18x9 Saleens all around. My brother has some spacers he never installed (got the car from him) and he is suppose to give them to me end of October, I will run those for a while, then when money permits (probably when I get my Christmas bonus from work), I'll be adding the wheels. Not the best, but tires for the 18x10 are $100 more each. I'm proably gonna be adding drilled/slotted rotors as well, and probably painting calipers (any suggestions for color?). Here is my dream look with wheels:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/saleens.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/saleens2.jpg

[oxman]

that will look awesome man! Can't wait to see em on there!

[ArkansasMystic]

Another dilemma. I'm rethinking 18's. With the 17's, I will run 10.5's out back, allowing me to run wider tires and better traction. It will also fill the fender well. Main thing, I just saw pics of a Mystic with chrome 03 Cobras. It looks SICK! Let me know what you guys think, pics in the following thread:
http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/sh ... p?t=521952 (http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/showthread.php?t=521952)

[SlvrStang99]

Well I was gonna tell you to stick with the Saleens because they are my favorite (I will be getting some eventually). But after seeing the 03 chrome cobra wheels in that other forum....I say go with those. They look freakin SICK!!!!

[ArkansasMystic]

I had never considered the 03 Cobras. I saw a Mystic with satin 03 Cobras and hated it, that turned me away. I have saw several other SN95s with them as well, didn't like it. Those pics took me by surprise. Best time in my car is 11.4 in the 1/8th mile. I'd love to be hitting 10's. 18s will slow me down. 17's shouldn't slow me down any, and I will be able to run wider tires which should help me with my 60ft (which is bad). I don't run much, but it would be nice. That, along with the way it looks, I think I will take them over the Saleens. However, with the 10.5's, I can't get the tires I wanted (Goodyear Eagle F1 All Seasons) because they aren't offered in a 315. Any other opinions on the Saleens (18x9 all around) vs. the 03 Cobras (17x9 and 17x10.5)? Thanks.

[oxman]

(my opinion) 03 chromies. ligher, plus with the 10.5 on the rears looks TOUGH from the rear view. But will look sweet either way you decide, both sets of wheels look great!

[1low03gt]

If you go 18's,the Saleens for sure,if you go 17's then the '03/'04 Cobra's in chrome! 8-)

[oxman]

If you go 18's,the Saleens for sure,if you go 17's then the '03/'04 Cobra's in chrome! 8-)
i think i may be in agreement

[ArkansasMystic]

I think I have made my mind up. Due to tire prices, Saleens are out. What that also means is the 17x10.5 03 Cobras are out. There aren't near as many options and prices are ridiculous. It won't be soon, probably end of this year or first of next, but I will have 17x9 03 Cobras all around with spacers in the rear to help bring the rear tires out of the fender. Best way to do it in my given situation. I can't wait to do it, but just got other things to do with my money right now (college). Thanks everyone, I really appreciate your help.

[1low03gt]

Good choice! 8-)
I don't understand why the 10.5 are out of the question for you,they look sick on the rear of the stangs.Basically for 10 dollars more for each rim,you got the fat rim out back,your gonna spend more then that on spacers to space them out.You don't need to go crazy on the tire brand either if money is an issue.Check out http://www.americanmuscle.com/
I went with the sumitomo-htrz on my 10.5 Bullitt rims,not the best tire in the world,but looks good,and does the job for the price for that size of rim.
http://www.americanmuscle.com/sumitomo- ... 35-17.html (http://www.americanmuscle.com/sumitomo-htrz-315-35-17.html)
And for the fronts.....
http://www.americanmuscle.com/sumitomo- ... 45-17.html (http://www.americanmuscle.com/sumitomo-htrz-245-45-17.html)
As for prices on the rims.
fronts....
http://www.americanmuscle.com/ch20cowh1.html
and rears....
http://www.americanmuscle.com/17x105-03 ... hrome.html (http://www.americanmuscle.com/17x105-03cobra-wheel-chrome.html)
Here is some info too.....
Ford Mustang Wheels
If you're looking for Mustang GT Wheels, Custom Mustang Wheels or Mustang Replica Wheels, then you've come to the right place. We carry a large variety of Ford Mustang Wheels in all sizes and widths for your V6, GT, LX, Mach 1, Bullitt, or Cobra Ford Mustang. We also carry many of our hottest wheels as 4-lug Mustang wheels used on the older Fox body Mustang. Go ahead and throw a set of 2003 Cobra wheels on your LX and see if you don't turn a couple of heads. Check out American Muscle's full stock of Ford Mustang Rims below.

Save BIG on Mustang Wheel and Tire packages with a FREE Mount and Balance, and FREE Shipping!
Options are out there,just need to ask,and shop around. 8-)

[ArkansasMystic]

I can't really make my mind up. I was looking at some all season tires, which only go up to 275 (various brands). It isn't rim price, it is tire price that is keeping me from them. I think I have finally decided. I am gonna run my current setup through the winter. Then I will know if the Nitto 555's will be acceptable for use year round. I am not getting rid of my stock rims, they are becoming hard to find. No sense in throwing them in the shed with good tires either. Which rim size I get will depend on that. I'm definitely do the 03 cobras. If the Nittos will do, I am gonna do the 10.5's rear, possibly drag radials. Otherwise, I'll stick with the 17x9's. Hope that makes sense. I already have the spacers (well, my brother has them, never put them on the car before he sold it to me). I will be putting them on end of next month, so no extra money there. Thanks to all for the help.

[ArkansasMystic]

Update: got the spacers, just haven't decided whether or not I want to use them. I'm scared of throwing rocks and such and messing up my freshly painted rear bumper. I like the 03 Cobras in the pics I provided, but after some more searching I have found some more pics that don't just jump out at me.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/MysticDetail007.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/BuckeyestangsAug4th2007010.jpg
I'm beginning to think that the wheels aren't worth it, especially if I'm sticking with 17x9's. That $600 could go a long way on suspension or other mods. What do you guys think, are the 03 Cobras a big improvement over stockers? I'll probably be running 275/40/17 BFG's all around. Thanks!

[1low03gt]

It's really all in what you want!Where do you think your money is best spent,that is the question you need to answer yourself too. 8-)

[ArkansasMystic]

I've always been looks over performance, but not sure right now (really wanting to get into the 10's at Centerville). I was wanting to go ahead and get my new rims, but I think I'm gonna put it off a while longer. Right now I'm leaning towards the 18 inch Saleens. I like the 03 Cobras, but if I'm gonna do it, I should go ahead and do it right (meaning do it the way I want). I love the Saleens, more so than the 03 Cobras. I can afford the tires now, but my concern is what about next time I need new ones? It would suck to have nice rims but not be able to put tires on them. I'll be keeping the stockers, so I think I will just go ahead with 18's, and if money is tight in the future, I can swap back to the stock ones for a while. For the car's age and mileage, I think it's in great shape, just needs wheels to finish it off. I appreciate all the input, and after searching for hours today, I think I've finally decided what I want. The 03 Cobras are nice, and can look killer with the right suspension setup. However, the Saleens seem to go much better with the car, regardless of suspension. I'll probably still be doing 18x9 with 265/35 Goodyear A/S's, but I'm gonna try my Nitto 555's out this winter, and if they do well enough, I'll run 18x10 rear with the Nittos. Thanks everyone!

[1low03gt]

Well the 18" Saleen rims would look really sick on your Cobra,especially with your colour.
American Muscle has them for ....
Chrome S Style Wheel 94-04 (18x9) for $169.99 each,and Chrome S Style Wheel 94-04 (18x10) for $179.99 each,then for tires,the NITTO Extreme Performance NT555R Drag Radial (305/35-18) go for threw them at $294.00 each,free mounting with wheel/rim purchases,and right now they have a X mas special,free ground delivery.As for the fronts,they don't carry what you want,but you could look and see what they have,and save you bucks all around.Just a thought. ;)

[ArkansasMystic]

I'm planning on ordering from either American Muscle or Discount Tire Direct. Both offer free mounting, balancing, and shipping. AM seems to be a little cheaper, plus I have a coupon for 6% off, even sale prices. So far the Nitto's have done good enough for me. I'm hoping they will perform good this winter, because if they do as mentioned I'll go wide on the rear. Otherwise I'll run the GY A/S on a 18x9. I'm ready to get them on, but I'll wait because I really want the 10's rear.

[1low03gt]

AM prices are awesome.I've dealt with them before for my fender emblems,same with a few friends.No b.s with these guys.
Heck,i just put another order in with them about 30 minutes or so ago.LOL!

[ArkansasMystic]

Yep, I've had good luck with them on a few small orders in the past. I just wish they had the tires I want. Even with tires such as the Nitto 555's which they carry they don't have all sizes. I've found the Nittos for like $186 at DTD, they are $216 through AM, but the wheels are ~$15 cheaper at AM, so it evens out with that and the coupon.

[ArkansasMystic]

Well guys, this has more curves than a bag full of snakes. I've decided to wait on the wheels, still have that in mind. However, I just found out that I can get a set of 275/40/17 Nitto 555 Drag Radials for $220 shipped. I'd try to find 2 stock wheels to match mine, and then run those in the summer. That'd give me the traction I need to hook up on the track, but if I did that I wouldn't get the new rims. I've got to remember I'll have school to pay for, so I'm gonna set some money back for that. I'm getting the tires 30% off. I could do the same for the wheels, but max refund is $200, so i don't save enough to make this place any cheaper than AM. However, a drag/summer setup would work wonders.

[ArkansasMystic]

Ok, I'm sure you all are tired of this, but I've had yet another change of plans. I've found a rebate for 30% off, but the wheels are out of stock. Assuming the rebate is still valid when the wheels are in stock, I will be ordering 18x9 & 18x10 Chrome Saleens and 245/40 & 275/35 Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S tires. All said and done, with rebates, I should be able to get wheels/tires/installation kit for $1100 shipped, mounted, and balanced. Hopefully I'll be ordering sometime this week. Thanks for all of the help.

[1low03gt]

That sounds like a good plan!Gonna look freakin' sick!! :twisted:
Looks like a few of us are wheel dealin for new wheels.Awaiting for my new set sometime soon hopefully.Maybe mid next week the latest! 8-)

[Blackout_03]

wow are those the wrong size tires or what



they will look and ride like ***.....you need a 265/35/18 front and a 295/35/18 rear for the right look and ride. Yes they are alittle more expensive...but its money well spent

[ArkansasMystic]

Those are the sizes suggested by the rep I spoke with. The problem I'm running into is that I need an all season tire, and most only go up to a 275. In that case, I may do 18x9's all around so I can have the 265/35's all around. Does that sound like a better setup?

[Blackout_03]

www.tires.com (http://www.tires.com)



Best and cheapest I could find tires....they have 4 pages of tires in a 265/35/18

starting at 157$ each.

also same for a 295/35/18....starting at 251$ each.


If it were me looking...I would go with the BFG T/A KDW rear and BFG G-sport on the front....both are a good year round tire.

[ArkansasMystic]

There's no way I'm gonna pay $250+ per tire for the rears, and I don't want a cheap tire either. I'm still waiting on a reply about availability, hopefully they will have the 18x9's and 265/35's in stock. I'll be saving ~$450, so it's definitely something I want to go for.

[ArkansasMystic]

The rears are available, but the 18x9's aren't. I've decided on the 18x9's all around with 265/35's. Not willing to pay for wider rear tires than 275, and since they won't fit well, I'll stick with the 18x9. They are backordered for an estimated 4-5 weeks, so it'll be a while before I will have them, but unless something unexpected happens I will have them at the beginning of the year.

[Blackout_03]

Yeah price of tires is why i stayed with a 17. A 315/35/17 is a lot chaper than a 305/30/18....but that's the price you pay!

[Blackout_03]

yeah 265 will look good F/R.....thats the size that came on the 2000 R model.

[ArkansasMystic]

I'm still tempted to do the 17's, but I still would be in the same boat, no all season tires wider than a 275. Thanks for the input.

[1low03gt]

I'm getting a set of 18X9's,and 18X10's (not telling what rim 'til i got them here :mrgreen: )with 265/35/18's,and 285/35/18's.The 285's will get me threw the coming summer of '09,then i plan to up grade them to a drag radial.285's would be the minimum i would go on a 18X10 rim.

[Blackout_03]

**** man...you have trouble finding tires.....If the Mystic were mine...I would put a set of Chrome 95 Cobra R's on it....17x9 front and17x10.5 Rear.

Nitto makes a 555 in a 315 so does summitimo and goodyear. All are street tires....Hell I have a set of 315 GY GSD3's you can have.....not a lot of tread left...but what do you want for free.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direc ... lse&cs=315 (http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?pc=40457&counter=1&ar=35&rd=17&sw=false&cs=315)

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp ... es&place=2 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+Z&partnum=135ZR7HTRZ&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&place=2)


http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp ... s&place=14 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+Z&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=74ZR7HTRZ&fromCompare1=yes&place=14)




On tirerack.com you can get the Sumitomo HTR Z in a 315 for 99$ each and a 275/40/17 for the front for 88$ each.




http://www.1996mysticcobra.com/images/thumb/1948.jpg
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r237/Mach10GT/Cobra/IMG_1508.jpg


The black chrome is pretty cool.

[06MUSTANGGT24V]

and man i could sold you some R's for cheap if they wouldnt of got stolen.

[ArkansasMystic]

I initially wanted 95 R's, but since changed my mind. I've got quite a compilation of pics, here are the ones I have for discussion.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/8.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/03-04stockrims.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/ChromeCobraR1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/blackCobraRs4.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/bullits1.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/fr500s.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/fr50018_2.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/saleens2.jpg

[Blackout_03]

Yep...Chrome 95R's...best bang for the buck wheels and tires!!!! But the chrome 03-04's arent bad either

[ArkansasMystic]

I think I'm gonna try to work out a deal, a guy is parting out a 03 Cobra, may pick up the wheels if it works out. The 30% discount I was gonna get has now been lowered to 20%, which is still good, but ends up being about $200 difference. I'm unsure on the 03 Cobras, but EVERYONE I have spoken to likes them, maybe not as much as others, but they do like them. I'm still thinking on this, really just depends on what deal goes through first.

[Blackout_03]

The good thing about the 03-04's..is that you can get a 10.5 rear for some 315's

[ArkansasMystic]

How will those tires (mainly Nittos) perform in our winter conditions? Mine so far aren't too bad, just not sure what to expect on the mornings that are in the low 20's-high teens. I will be driving it year round. If the Nitto's will perform almost as good as the 275 GY A/S tires I was looking at, I'd have no problem doing the 17x10.5 rears with 315's. On the Sumitomo's, it clearly says not to use them in near freezing conditions, snow, or ice. I may need to put off buying wheels for another few months, see how my Nitto 555's work, and go from there as I had planned. I'll get my Christmas bonus tomorrow, and I'm getting just a little excited about getting something new. However, I know I need to slow down so I get what I want/need. Thanks a lot, I appreciate your input.

[Blackout_03]

I have never had any issues in the winters here...no matter what tires I run. My DR's are doing fine in the cold. Its arkansas...not Maine.

[ArkansasMystic]

Are the OEM wheels all 17x9? If the Nitto 555's will be fine this winter, I will definitely reconsider my tire/wheel choices. I know I can get the replica 03 Cobras in 17x10.5, and I may end up going that route.

[ArkansasMystic]

Alright guys, I've put tons of thought in on this, and I think I've finally decided. Looks like it'll be the 17x9 03 Cobras, 275/40/17 rear, 255/45/17 fronts (may go 255/40/17 fronts). Saleens are quite a bit too much money, just don't want to waste that much money on tires. I've finally found a Mystic with this exact setup, looks good. Keep in mind I may be adding a spacer. I know most of you guys like them, but just wanted some final opinions on the setup before I bring this thread to a close. Thanks.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/03chrome6.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/beatty_preston/03chrome5.jpg

[06MUSTANGGT24V]

i like it man go for it cobra will look sick

[Blackout_03]

looks good....but just run a 275 all the way around. A 255 on a 9" wheel is going to funny.

[oxman]

I think it'd look awesome! A very clean, aggressive look!

[ArkansasMystic]

I've thought about 275's all around, like the idea, but just not sure if I want to do it or not. I've heard anything over a 255 will result in the car wanting to wander and follow "ruts" in the roads. I'd also prefer narrower tires to help prevent hydroplaning as much as possible. I'm new at this, so that's not set in stone. Thanks, I appreciate the input.

[Blackout_03]

Ford put 275's all the way around on the 03-04 cobra. I have them on the of my car...yes they wander some on un even roads.....but not any worse than the 245's that came on it

[ArkansasMystic]

That's nice to know. I'm considering swapping on some front control arms from an 03 Cobra, they are suppose to really improve handling, turning radius, and reduce the wandering.

[ArkansasMystic]

After some searching around, I just found out that 275's won't fit on the front without rubbing at full lock. That means either sticking with a 255/40 or upgrading to 03 Cobra front control arms. Since I've decided against subframes, I may go ahead with the swap once I get the car running right (in the process of a complete tune up).