So I think I’ve decided on tires. I want something eye catching and I want something that’s going to help me keep my HP going to the ground. Burning out is fun but not when you’re trying to hook up with the pavement.

I want to use AR Torque thrust and keep the 16” rims. I’m cool with that because they didn’t have 55” rims in the 60’s!

So I’ve done some calculations and I’m going to attempt to fit 295/50 R15 tires under the rear of my Mustang.

Before anyone gets all freaked out, I love fat tires but I don’t want to change the gear ratio of my rear end with a tire change. I currently have stock 215/65/R16 which translates to 27” of tire. My new size will translate to 27.61. A taller tire will give it slightly stouter feel on take offs. It makes the gears “taller”

Let’s do the math on the stock tires

215 X .65 = 139.75 This is one side wall
139.75 X 2 = 279.50 This is both side walls
16” X 25.40= 406.40 Rim diameter converted to MM
406.40 +279.50= 685.90 This is the overall height of the wheel and tire together
685.90 / 25.4= 27” MM converted to inches

Now let’s do the math for the new tires…I know, this is fun!

295 X .50 = 147.5 This is one side wall
147.5 X 2 = 295 This is both side walls
15” X 25.4 = 381 Rim diameter converted to MM
295 + 406.4 = 701.4 This is the overall height of the wheel and tire together
701.4 / 25.4 = 27.61” MM converted to inches

This will give me an 11.61” wide tire in the rear and keep the overall height of my tires the same. I should never have any troubles on dry pavement with this set up. I have absolutely no idea what I’ll need to do in efforts to get the tire snugly under the car. I might have to move shock mounts and tub but hey, that’s what it’s all about isn’t it!

And before you ask, yes, it’s possible to get 295/50/R16. I'm going to go with BFGoodrich Radial TA tires!

I like the way it steers so I’ll likely keep the 215/65/ R16 in the front.