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There is a firewall to shock tower brace that is part of the reinforcement package for both level 1 and 2, but it is high enough up to not be an interference item with any size tire.

Speaking of tires, going to 17s is only going to net a small increase in performance compared to a good 15" tire. You'll probably see a better increase with the lighter weight 17" wheels than actual road holding power from 17" rubber. Light weight 15" wheels with sticky rubber is still a good match for a 17.

The biggest increase in driving performance comes from the suspension system. Look at it this way, changing a good 15" set up to a 17" set up is much like changing a 2.5" exhaust to a 3" exhaust. You'll gain some performance, but not a huge amount for the amount of cash outlay of the change. Upgrading your entire suspension system is like swapping out a low compression smog motor for a purpose built performance mill, the difference is huge.

Good gripping, 15" tires are available from Goodyear, Hoosier, Avon, American Racer, Towel City, and Mickey Thompson. Speed ratings are still available in S, T, H, V, and Z depending on vendor and size. Pricing is, unfortunatly, getting up there and is comparable to cheap 17" tires now.



Tony- are those 15" tires you speak of in the 26-28" height range, or are they like a 245/50, which is 24.6" tall?

that's the nice thing with 17's and 18's is you can get some pretty sticky tires in heights tall enough not to make our cars look like they're riding on skateboard wheels. while not a max performance tire, but an all season performance tire, a 255/50R17 BFG KDWS or Bridgestone RE750 have a lot more grip due to tread compounds (and sidewall stiffness) than most commonly available 27" tall, 15" tires (say a 225/70, or even a 255/60).

now with the mustang GT's base tire being a 235/55R17, you're starting to see a lot of offering of max performance tires in that size.

1976 Spinnaker White Plymouth Duster, /6 A833OD
1986 Silver/Twilight Blue Chrysler 5th Ave HotRod **SOLD!***
2011 Toxic Orange Dodge Charger R/T
2017 Grand Cherokee Overland
2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude (holy crap, my daughter is driving)