I'm hoping to upgrade to 23"x8.5"x15" M&H slicks, for next year's drag racing season. I have used BFG DRs last season, both 225/50/15 and 255/50/16s , but with a VSLD automatic launching on nitrous, I need more traction... And yes, the short 23" M&H is my plan. I really like the lower-geared launch using the 23" 225/50/15 DRs, but they don't have enough traction.

I think the Ford 4 1/2 5-lug bolt pattern is the same as our Maxes (5x144.3mm) and I have seen mention of others using Mustang wheels, but what things do I look for in buying a used Weld wheel or other 5x4 1/2 15"wheel?? I'm looking for a 8"-10" rim.

How much offset do I need, what can I use to center the Ford wheel on the Max hub, and what should I look for in 15"x8" or 15"x10" Weld wheels? Lots on EBay, I see. I'm not worried about clearance issues with the body - I tighten the suspension down when racing.

I welcome any ideas from the racers........

13.61 ET 102 MPH last season

 

they fit third gens and third and fourth gen wheels are interchangeable so my first guess would be yes

 

the bolt pattern is actually 5x114.3. I believe they run a pretty low offset. somewhere in the low 20's.

 

I thought that both patterns at least had the same spacing - I wonder why so many Japanese cars use 5x144.3mm ?? So offset needs to be considered, as well as the taper and fit of the lug nuts?

 

yes!!!!!!!!!! mercury wheels fit my car.

 

Mustang Cobra wheels are 17x9 +20 5x114.3

 

Depends on the year, the 97-98s that I've looked into were 17x8s. These are the same ones that many 3rd Gens have on their cars. Not sure what the offset is, but they are typically 5x114.3.

 

Did you use the stock maxima lug nuts with the Mercury wheels ???

 

Yeap! they fit perfect with 235/40/18's no rubing or anything.

 

The 17x8 mustang and some Cobra (ie..98 cobra see avator) are 5x114.3 and have 30mm offset. The ones in my avator clear my cobra/300z bbk with no spacers. But others will not. So becareful if that is your intention. But the mustang has a large hub bore and hubcentric rings should be used. I might have my set still. I'd have to dig for them

 

Buttonhook, what was the offset of the wheels you used?

 

Actually, I want to find a pair of 15x8 or 15x10 steel wheels to mount M&H drag slicks on. Where can I find the hubcentric rings to center the wheels? I could buy Cragars, but don't know about the centering problems with these.. Any thoughts ????

I also need better front brakes than stock w/metallic pads, for the strip. Trying to stop usually causes bad vibration from the rotors warping while stopping. This hasn't been a permanent warp - yet - but better brakes, that fit under stock 15" wheels, are needed. 0-102-0 MPH in 1/2 mile is tough on brakes.

 

I'll have to check. they are 18X8 but I'm not sure of the offset I'll keep looking.
between 35-40mm can get it for sure but that is really close

 

look at the max on the right , this is from the last DNE meet

 

Also know as a 4.5" bolt pattern. I seen a mazda rx7 with mustang rims on it, not bad.