S550 Mustang GT500 Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide

  • Updated

2020-present S550 GT50 Mustang wheel and Tire Fitment Guide

 

52296396622_a78213537f_5k.jpg

Vehicle Covered in this Guide
2020-present 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. 

 

Bolt Pattern Thread Pitch Center Bore
5x114.3mm M14x1.5mm 70.5mm

 

Forged Designs 

VS-5RS

VS5RS1810ET25_Brushed_2K_01-500.png

Order Here

 

 

 

Performance Street & Track

Wide fitments for enhanced performance

button-ordernow.png

52297875850_79f9e9755b_6k.jpg

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)

 

 

Drag Race Fitments

For maximum straight line traction and lowest ET's

button-ordernow.png

IMG_0290.jpeg

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

 

 

 

Hardcore Track & Race Fitments

All-out performance for fastest lap times

button-ordernow.png
52296394147_d11b9559f6_o.jpg

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
    • 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 305/30-20
    • 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)
  •  

 

About Camber Plates 

s550.jpg

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.

 

Still have questions?

Fill out our Fitment Recommendation form
Call us: 925-245-0773
Email us: support@apexraceparts.com