255/45 on stock GT wheels

smithhead · Oct 25, 2024

Sorry for another post but I just can't decide. My wife doesn't want to spend the money for new wheels now after all, she says she has learned not to hit the gas in corners. I also am concerned that 19" wheels might be too stiff for her, but there aren't many good options in 18". So for now I'm just going to put better tires on the stock 8" wheels. I've decided on the Conti ExtremeContact, it seems to be the best overall when ride and noise are considered, and she takes the car on long trips at least once a month.

So should I just stick with the stock 235/50 size, or squeeze 255/45 on them? That is the maximum size for an 8" wheel. Normally I wouldn't do that, but Ford puts the 255/40-19 on 8.5" wheels which is the same situation. Or I could do a 245/50 which would be a slightly taller tire.

Zathras · Oct 25, 2024

I'm also thinking of going with a 255/45 tire on the OEM wheel. At least a few users here have done it. I don't track my car so I don't need razor sharp handling, but I do need rear wheel traction in a bad way. But like the person who started this thread I am interested to hear experiences from other owners.

I thought about going 245/50, but I don't like the tall sidewall look, and 245/45 would result in quite a bit of tire-fender gap. Ford should have gone with 9" wide wheels as standard on the GT.

smithhead · Oct 25, 2024

Zathras said:
I'm also thinking of going with a 255/45 tire on the OEM wheel. At least a few users here have done it. I don't track my car so I don't need razor sharp handling, but I do need rear wheel traction in a bad way. But like the person who started this thread I am interested to hear experiences from other owners.

I thought about going 245/50, but I don't like the tall sidewall look, and 245/45 would result in quite a bit of tire-fender gap. Ford should have gone with 9" wide wheels as standard on the GT.

Yeah the 245 sizes are really either too tall or too short. I'm actually surprised they went with an 8 with a 235 tire, they could have gotten away with a 7. Unfortunately yes it really needs at least a 9. Then we could do a 265/45; the Conti isn't available in that size but the Michelin is, although it costs a lot more. The 275 options are also either too tall or too short.

The Apex EC-7 in 9.5" and 10" are the only flow-formed options I've found. The latter would enable a 285/40, but neither tire is available in that size. And those wheels are pricey and my wife doesn't like the style of either. So that's why I gave up for now.

I really still want to get a summer tire option and just keep the 8" for winter, but I just don't know if she'll like a 19". But we'll see how a better tire on the stock wheel works out.

S550HPP · Oct 25, 2024

It's fine according to the calculators almost did it myself.

K4fxd · Oct 25, 2024

255/45 is fine on the stock 18 inch rims

geezer stang · Oct 27, 2024

smithhead said:
Sorry for another post but I just can't decide. My wife doesn't want to spend the money for new wheels now after all, she says she has learned not to hit the gas in corners. I also am concerned that 19" wheels might be too stiff for her, but there aren't many good options in 18". So for now I'm just going to put better tires on the stock 8" wheels. I've decided on the Conti ExtremeContact, it seems to be the best overall when ride and noise are considered, and she takes the car on long trips at least once a month.

So should I just stick with the stock 235/50 size, or squeeze 255/45 on them? That is the maximum size for an 8" wheel. Normally I wouldn't do that, but Ford puts the 255/40-19 on 8.5" wheels which is the same situation. Or I could do a 245/50 which would be a slightly taller tire.

a lot of people get rid of their "performance pack wheel/tire" set-up, sometimes you can purchase a nearly new set(19x9/9.5 with 255/275 tire) and you won't be able to tell the difference..except for the better handling,add in the strut tower bracing and lower k-brace and shield and you're golden!

smithhead · Oct 27, 2024

geezer stang said:
a lot of people get rid of their "performance pack wheel/tire" set-up, sometimes you can purchase a nearly new set(19x9/9.5 with 255/275 tire) and you won't be able to tell the difference..except for the better handling,add in the strut tower bracing and lower k-brace and shield and you're golden!

There actually was a set near me but someone else got them before I could. But for the price I could have purchased a new set, and I really want a square setup.

smithhead · Nov 9, 2024

I went ahead and got a set of 255/45-18 Continental EC DWS yesterday and just put them on the stock wheels. They don't look like they are too much for that wheel. Anxious to see how it drives but I think I'll be happy with a little extra grip. If it isn't enough then I'll get another set of wheels and summer tires next year.