I just ordered some 17x9 Shelby Torq Thrust M wheels and I am going with 255/45-17's for tire size. I'm aware it is a one inch smaller diameter than the factory size. WHat I need to know, is anyone running the 17x9 Torq Thrust M wheels on a S197 Mustang ? Tire rack includes 2 wheel spacers with the wheels I just found out. I called American Racing and they say there's no reason why you would need them. I'm not sure I believe them because this same guy told me that the 17x9 had a 2 1/2 - 3 inch lip on the wheel. Tire Rack's spec says it has a one inch lip... The last thing I want to have to do is put wheel spacers on brand new wheels.. Any information would be appreciated..
As a side note, presently my car has 18x9 American Muscle Deep Dwish bullets and with the BFG KDW2's mounted on them they weigh 55.6 lbs each... The 17x9 Torq Thrust M's with the tires I'm getting weigh 45 lbs. A 10 lbs per wheel/tire combination is huge and it could only help the performance of my car..
Posts: 2215
Joined: 6/8/2006 From: SF Bay Area Status: offline
What you need to do is compare the off-set of the wheels you have to the wheels you want to install. The off-set is usually stamped inside of the wheel. The easier way to figure out clearance is measure the back-spacing of both wheels and will see how they match up. I find it hard to believe you NEED spacers, but the person recommending them may think the tires will not look good without them (it is possible you need them due to major differences in back-spacing as well). If not, it is YOUR car and you decide if it looks good or not. Personally, I have 1/2" spacers on my 10.5 Saleen replicas because I want the tire to run just up to the edge of the fender so it fills out niceley. I had to install longer lug bolts to support the spacer, but was worth the look I achieved. I LOVE this look and figure you will probably have a little more space inside and out with your new wheels.
***HERE*** is a webpage that will help you understand and measure the back-spacing.
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17 inch Torq Thrust M - need spacers ???? - 
