What size wheels and tires for 1966 mustang will fit

## Wheel and Tire Size Guide for 1966 Mustangs

### Introduction

Determining the optimal wheel and tire size for your 1966 Mustang is crucial for its performance, handling, and aesthetics. This guide will provide you with comprehensive information and recommendations to help you make the right choices.

### Factors to Consider

Before selecting wheels and tires, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

– Intended Use: Are you building a race car, a daily driver, or a showpiece? Different uses require different wheel and tire specifications.
– Suspension: Modifications to your suspension system can impact the wheel and tire size that will fit.
– Brake Clearance: Ensure that the wheels and tires you choose do not interfere with your brake calipers or rotors.
– Ride Quality: Larger wheels and tires may provide better handling but can compromise ride quality.
– Overall Aesthetic: The wheel and tire combination should complement the overall style of your Mustang.

### Original Equipment Sizes

The 1966 Mustang came equipped with the following original equipment sizes:

– Standard: 14×5 steel wheels with 195/75-14 tires
– Pony Package: 15×5 steel wheels with 195/70-15 tires
– GT: 15×6 steel wheels with 200/65-15 tires

### Recommended Sizes

Based on experience and industry best practices, the following are recommended wheel and tire sizes for different usage scenarios of a 1966 Mustang:

1) Daily Driver:

– Wheels: 15×7 or 15×8 with 4.5-5.5″ backspacing
– Tires: 225/60-15 or 235/60-15

2) Performance:

– Wheels: 16×7 or 16×8 with 4.5-5.5″ backspacing
– Tires: 245/45-16 or 255/45-16

3) Race:

– Wheels: 17×8 or 17×9 with 5.5″ backspacing
– Tires: 275/40-17 or 295/35-17

### Backspacing and Offset

Backspacing is the distance between the mounting surface of the wheel and the rear lip of the wheel. Offset is the distance between the mounting surface of the wheel and the centerline of the wheel. These measurements are crucial for ensuring proper fitment and avoiding clearance issues.

The recommended backspacing for a 1966 Mustang is typically between 4.5″ and 5.5″. A wheel with too little backspacing may make the tire rub against the suspension or bodywork, while too much backspacing may cause the wheel to sit too far inside the fender well.

### Tire Selection

When selecting tires, consider the following:

– Tread Pattern: The tread pattern affects traction, performance, and road noise. Choose a tread pattern that suits your intended use.
– Sidewall Height: The sidewall height, expressed as a percentage of the tire width, influences the handling and ride quality. A lower sidewall profile provides better handling, while a higher sidewall profile offers a more comfortable ride.
– Load Rating: Ensure that the load rating of the tires you choose is sufficient for the weight of your Mustang.
– Speed Rating: The speed rating indicates the maximum safe speed for the tire. Choose a speed rating that matches or exceeds your expected driving speeds.

### Conclusion

Selecting the right wheel and tire size for your 1966 Mustang requires careful consideration of your usage requirements, suspension modifications, and aesthetic preferences. The recommendations provided in this guide are based on industry best practices and offer a good starting point for your search. Ultimately, the best choice for your Mustang will depend on the specific combination of factors that are important to you.