Widened wheels

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#2098
Posts: 367
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Widened wheels

Post by #2098 »

Any thoughts or experience having the OEM wheels widened to 9". I would like to run 275 40 17, but do not know of anyone that makes a Cobra wheel with the correct offset. I have seen a few places that widen stock wheels, but was wondering if anyone had experience with them or the safety issues they might pose,

thanks

Mark
1968 GT Coupe (sold)
1993 SVT Cobra #2098
2002 GT Convertible (sold)
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Goose17
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by Goose17 »

There have been many Shelby owners that have had their wheels widened. I haven't, but friends have. There are 2 main players people use:

Eric Vaughn:

http://www.ericvaughnmachine.com

Weldcraft:

http://www.weldcraftwheels.com

Sometimes a new back is welded in (one weld) and other times a middle section is welded in (2 welds). I have never heard of any failures or dissatisfaction.
'11 GT500 FR750 2.9 Whipple, '04 Mystichrome Terminator vert, '02 Mustang GT, 00R, '93 Cobra #1447, '89 Mustang GT vert.

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#2098
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by #2098 »

Looking at Weldcraft. The said the 1.5" would go to the inside, Im not sure how much clearance there is so Im going to check. Maybe Aaron knows, hes the Cobra expert :D
1968 GT Coupe (sold)
1993 SVT Cobra #2098
2002 GT Convertible (sold)
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buddha
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by buddha »

I used Weldcraft to do my wheels......they do awesome work. I can dig up a post I did over on SVT Performance for the details.

With the factory backspacing and the extra 1.5 inches, things get really tight fast in the wheel well. I ended with custom made spacers and wheel studs to make it work on my red car.

If I were to do it again, grab a set of the aftermarket ones and widen those. While the backspacing isn't OEM, it gives you the needed room in the wheel well without the need for a spacer or longer studs.
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Red 11' GT500 with a VMP
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buddha
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by buddha »

Here was that thread from back in 06'.

http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/sh ... t=widening

Another option if you stick with the stockers is to run a spacer with the studs built in. I looked at that option but wasn't real comfortable with that setup and the power my car makes.
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#2098
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by #2098 »

Interesting that you say that as I have Replicawheels on it now in black, i was just trying to get away from the edge and cutting the tires. I havent rolled the fenders, but i have moved the fender edges up some and actually am using door edging to protect the tires....
1968 GT Coupe (sold)
1993 SVT Cobra #2098
2002 GT Convertible (sold)
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#2098
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by #2098 »

So reverse the quad shocks and use a 5/16" spacer and it will be all good ???
1968 GT Coupe (sold)
1993 SVT Cobra #2098
2002 GT Convertible (sold)
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buddha
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by buddha »

#2098 wrote:So reverse the quad shocks and use a 5/16" spacer and it will be all good ???
Put on aftermarket control arms and ditch the quads altogether. If you have the aftermarket wheel, you won't need a spacer.
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#2098
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by #2098 »

Thinking of using the OEM wheels...
1968 GT Coupe (sold)
1993 SVT Cobra #2098
2002 GT Convertible (sold)
dbrennancobra
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by dbrennancobra »

Why? Keep em stock and put some nice tires.

Or get a GT and make a low rider :wavey:
2004 svt Cobra Mystichrome Convertible STOCK
1967 mustang Coupe STOCK Red/Black - SOLD
1993 Cobra STOCK Red/Black #1264 SOLD
[youtube2] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_2pl2ye ... e=youtu.be [/youtube2]
Meegs
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by Meegs »

LMR wheels. 17x8.5" plus another 2"

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BrettT
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by BrettT »

Oh yea! Now that's saweet, like to to see more pics of them on the car. Still have the quads on?


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Meegs
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by Meegs »

Quads? What quads?? LoL, no team z relocated upper and MM Xtream lowers.


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buddha
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by buddha »

Dem's some meats on the back. What size tire did you end up with?
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Meegs
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Re: Widened wheels

Post by Meegs »

315/35r17 Nitto NT05
Used the Steeda 2.5" wheel studs which are made by ARP but only sold through Steeda. I think you would have to pull the axel for 3" and not sure if they would protrude too far for the cover.

Still ended up using a Maxium Motor 1/4" wheel spacer on driver side. Nothing on passenger side. That's wonderful 90's Ford manufacturing for ya!

I'm probably going to sell them and do the same thing to a 5 lug wheel. That way I can also drill them for a 5/8" stud instead of the standard 1/2".
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