I am considering buying the FR500 18x9 rims for my 02 Mustang GT. I believe the stock rim is 17x8. My hope is the rim will help fill in the wheel-well gap since the GT's come factory with a lift-kit - :P Will a larger rim such as the 18x9 provide more ground clearance and/or fill-in the fender-well?

I purchased the Bullit suspension kit Part #: M5400A which will improve the handling along with a slight drop of 3/4". Will I need wheel spacers if I go with the FR500 18x9 rim? If so, what size and why?

I also noticed there is an improved front lower control arm from Ford racing Part #: M3075D which will allow more clearance for a larger tire. Would this be something to consider if I choose to purchase the FR500 18x9 rims?

I was also trying to compare the Ford racing FR500 rims with the aftermarket replicas. Besides the price, what the performance differences?

I want to begin with my mini-project but I want to complete everything all at once. Since I have to install the Bullit supension kit, I want to knock-out everything else as well.

Comments and suggestions are welcome,

Thanks!

If you properly plus-size the tires (match the outer tire diameter to stock) then the outer diamter will not change. If you get the proper tires, the diameter should not change, and will not affect the wheel gaps.

The width of the rim although will allow the rim to fill the wheel well out more from side to side. This will improve the appearance overall.

With the Bullit Suspension kit, you will not need wheel spacers. The Bullitt kit only lower 0.75 inches, so its not too drastic.

The replica rims are fakes. That is really the only difference. We are considering removing them from our site due to moral issues. First they're a direct copy of intellectual property of Ford. Second they're made in a country for almost slave labor (hence the price)...

Other than that, they're great!!! :)