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The Shelby Mustang GT500 is a powerful muscle car with some insane horsepower numbers: 500+ for the 2007 to 2014 model years and upwards of 720 horsepower for the 2020-2022 years. Due to the amount of horsepower these Mustangs produce, it's important to have tires that can put that power down on the pavement for optimal performance. The last thing you want is a GT500 at the drag strip just sitting there spinning tires and blowing smoke.
The good news is that if you need tires for a Mustang Shelby GT500, you're in the right place. We cover the best tire options, how to choose the right size, and when to replace your tires. Furthermore, we have some tips to help your tire replacement job go smoothly for any DIYers.
How to Size a Mustang Shelby for Tires
Sizing tires for a Mustang Shelby is easy when you know where to look. You can usually find your vehicle's tire size in the owner's manual, generally in the glove box. You can also check the tire for size by reading the tire sidewall. You'll find a group of numbers and letters to help determine the size of Mustang Shelby tires. For example, 2020 to 2022 Shelby Mustang tires are 305/30R20 in the front and back.
If you don't know how to read a tire, don't panic—we can help. The first number is the width in millimeters across the top of your tire, and the second is the aspect ratio, which indicates the percentage of the width as the height of the tire profile. The last number indicates the wheel diameter in inches, and it helps find the correct rim diameter for your Mustang Shelby GT500.
Depending on the application, you may want to alter the size of your Shelby Mustang tires. For example, if you're doing a drag racing setup, you may want smaller front tires and bigger ones in the back. Altering the brakes, suspension, and other components can also change your tire size options.
Best Tires for a Mustang Shelby GT500
The best tires for a Mustang Shelby GT500 vary based on your needs and how you plan on driving. For example, you may want slicks paired with small front tires if you plan on drag racing at the track. However, slicks aren't street-legal, so you'll have to have all-season or radial tires for highway and street driving. Thankfully, we have three examples of tires that work great for the GT500 to help you narrow your options.
2007-2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Tire Sizes
Front 255/45R18, Rear 285/40R18
2010-2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Tire Sizes
Front 255/40R19, Rear 285/35R19
2013-2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Tire Sizes
Front 265/40R19, Rear 285/35R20
2020-2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Tire Sizes
Front 305/30R20, Rear 315/30R20
When to Replace Your Mustang Shelby Tires
Tires don't last forever, especially on a powerful car like the Shelby Mustang GT500. While rotating your tires can prolong their lifespan, they won't last forever if you drive the car hard. While these vehicles come with good tires from the factory, you need to replace them every 25,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on how you drive. If you frequent your local drag strip, you might have to replace them every 5,000 to 25,000 miles, but they can last for more than 50,000 miles if you're driving at highway speeds and without driving in situations where the tires will lock up, spin on the pavement, or wear from hard cornering at fast speeds..
A good rule of thumb is that your tires must be replaced when the tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. Other signs that it's time to replace tires for a Mustang Shelby include poor traction, hydroplaning, and, of course, flats, blowouts, and damage to the tire.
How to Replace Your Mustang Shelby Tires
Replacing your Mustang Shelby tires is the same process as replacing tires on any other vehicle. The first step is to find the appropriate size and quality tire. Once you have the right tires, you can follow the steps below to install them.
- You should have all the tools you need to do the job, including a lug wrench, tire iron, bead breaker, floor jack, and the new tire.
- Secure the vehicle with the parking brake and leave it in park (automatic transmission) or first gear (manual transmission).
- Turn the lug nuts on the wheel counterclockwise. Only turn them enough to reduce their resistance; it's not time to remove them yet.
- Jack the car up and remove the lug nuts and the wheel from the vehicle.
- Deflate the tire by removing the valve stem. Then, use a tool to press into the valve stem to deflate the tire.
- Use a bead breaker tool to break the seal between the tire bead and the rim.
- You can remove the tire from the wheel by placing it between the bead and the rim with a tire iron. Don't use too much force to avoid damaging the rim. If you have access to a tire-changing machine, you can also use one.
- Remove the tire from the other side of the rim; it should be easier now.
- Clean the rim and new tire to prepare it for mounting.
- Place one side of the tire onto the rim; you may need a tire iron or tire changing machine to stretch the tire over the rim.
- Work the rest of the tire onto the wheel by choosing a starting point. Then, work the bead over the rim until the tire is on.
- Inflate the tire with an air compressor.
- Install the wheel on the vehicle.
When replacing the tire, make sure you balance the wheel. Replace tires in pairs at minimum, if not as a full set of four.
