Which do you guys like better?

[Black Magic]

I highly doubt you would be able to bend those 18"s

 

[Explorer46L]

Originally posted by Black Magic
I highly doubt you would be able to bend those 18"s

Everyone says that but I DID in fact bend my last 18s. They were Gara chrome 18's with 255/5518 Pirelli Scorpion AT's. And no I don't go off road at all. Roads in Ma can get bad because of all the snow. And I drive around the city a lot where some roads are terrible. 18s are bendable. Also bent 2 16" rims(Mille Migs) on my 2000 Miata.
Hey BlackMagic - BTW, do you think the 18s would have less rubbing problems? They are both 24mm give or take a mm. And they are both 9" wide. Would the fact that the rim is 18" tall change the clearance at all? I know the Saleens must fit because the real XP8 had them. But would the 17s be a problem? I say no only for the fact that they are the same offset as the 95 Cobra R rims and the same height and width and EE sells 95 Cobra R's for my 02 with 275/50 tires.

 

[Black Magic]

Originally posted by Explorer46L
...Hey BlackMagic - BTW, do you think the 18s would have less rubbing problems? They are both 24mm give or take a mm. And they are both 9" wide. Would the fact that the rim is 18" tall change the clearance at all? I know the Saleens must fit because the real XP8 had them. But would the 17s be a problem? I say no only for the fact that they are the same offset as the 95 Cobra R rims and the same height and width and EE sells 95 Cobra R's for my 02 with 275/50 tires.

Well, I was a bit worried for you trying to fit 9" 17's on there. I would think that there would be a problem there. I think that they would be hitting something. I have 20"x9" and they are pretty close with a +25 offset. Most likly the lower control arm or swaybar. Look at my page ---===HERE===--- I think the Saleen Replica's you are looking at are Mustang Replica's not Explorer. So be careful. I think that the 18's would be easier to fit than the 17"s. Now that I looked up a pic of a Saleen X maybe they are mostly the same.

I hope I helped a little. Let me know if you have anyother questions.

 

[Black Magic]

Oh, and since your's is an 02 four door all this might be totally useless and untrue. I would sugest asking John V. At EE. They have an 02 with Bullit wheels.

 

[MO_GUY]

i definately like the larger 18" wheel. makes it look slightly lowered if the photoshop job is correctly sized.

 

[Explorer46L]

Originally posted by Black Magic
Oh, and since your's is an 02 four door all this might be totally useless and untrue. I would sugest asking John V. At EE. They have an 02 with Bullit wheels.

Well EE sells 17x9" 95 Cobra R's and 18x9" Cobra R's. I emailed them and they said that they would fit my '02, which I clarified had the new suspension set-up. He also suggested the tire sizes that I listed above. So I figured if the 03 Cobra's were the same offset, height, and width of the 95 Cobra R's then it should be no problem. Same deal with the 18" Saleens. I know they have the Bullits but I don't like them at all. They aren't really custom looking and I don't think they sell them in chrome. I really only like the two wheels that I listed above. I know that 285 seems damn large, but EE said they would fit my truck. And yes, the replicas are meant for Mustangs, but only have a 24mm offset which is nice and have plenty of load rating fudge room. I don't tow anything so I should be fine. Any other comments on the weels Black Magic?

 

[Black Magic]

No not from me. I say go with what you think is the best! Just don't skimp or make a decision that you will later say "I wish I would have..."

 

[Explorer46L]

I hope you didn't misunderstand. I wasn't asking for any more comments with malice. And what you say is good advice. I guess I have a bit of fear that neither wheel will fit in the end, even though by all means they should. Honestly the main reaon for not getting the 18" Saleens is because of bending. I have bent a few wheels in the fast so it is a real concern for me. But I love the 17's also, and they are just as wide which is great. But you honestly think a 17x9 will fit with 275's? I would call up EE but they don't have the 03 Cobra's or the Saleens so I don't want to bother the guy for nothing. Know what I mean? Oh yeah, and in the end the 18's are only like $100-200 more expensive. So price doesn't even factor into the decision.

 

[Black Magic]

I know, I didn't take it wrong. I was just saying I don't have anyother advice. Just that ultamitly the decison is yours as long as the fit is good and no rub.

You can ask me anything you want. Don't worry about that. I don't take offence.