Firestone Firehawk Indy 500

LikeabossTM

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2011 GT Convertible...

I have two sets of OEM rims (2011/2014), both 19 x 8.5, both sets have nearly new winter tires on them. I'd like to put summer tires on one set, skipping all seasons as an option, maximizing summertime performance.

I've nearly settled on the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 as the summer tires. Are there any horror stories, or personal experiences I haven't already read on the review sites, and/or how do you find yours holding up over time?

Also, I'm torn between selecting 245/45/19 (7.5-9 inch rim) or 255/40/19 (8.5-10 inch rim). The load range increases with the bigger tire, as does the weight, by a pound (or maybe it's a kilo). Do you think the wider size will still be a benefit? Will it look better and provide added performance too?

This is a daily spirited driver with weekend country road corner carving thrown into the mix, primarily.
 

stkjock

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Can't speak to the model, however, 255/40s IMO will look better and give better tracktion
 

fast Ed

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Last summer we put a set of those Firestones in 265/40R19 on 9.5 wheels on a 2017 Ecoboost A6 that I had for a demo. Only had it for about 18,000 km, but I was very impressed with the performance of these tires especially considering the price point. Good traction dry and wet, good ride, only downside I would say is the noise level on older road surfaces vs. a premium tire like a Michelin PSS. I'm considering a set of these for my SVO for street rubber.

The 255/40R19 on the 8.5" isn't ideal, but Ford did use that as an OEM combo on the 2011-2014 V6 Performance Pack cars.


cheers
Ed
 

nawagner

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I've heard nothing but positive reviews and have decided on these over Cooper RS3-S when I wake my car up from the winter slumber.
 

LikeabossTM

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Excellent, thanks. I think I'll try these in 255s and report back after I get a few miles on them.

In fact, I think Ford is running a tire price match til end of March, so getting a couple of quotes and just going there for the work will be easy.
 

ox white

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I have them on my 14 GT. 255 front/285 rear. They have roughly 5k on them and have worn well. Wheel spin has to be intentionally induced now. No more surprises. Highly recommend.
 

mrfatride

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I have them on my 14 GT. 255 front/285 rear. They have roughly 5k on them and have worn well. Wheel spin has to be intentionally induced now. No more surprises. Highly recommend.

what size wheel are you running on the 285 rear? pic of it mounted?
 

ox white

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19x10. I'll try to get a pic later. They're Boss 302 LS wheels.
 

kazman59

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I want 305/35 20s but they're not in stock anywhere. I've sent two emails asking if there will be another production run with no response.
Weak sauce.
 

RED09GT

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thanks. i have 18x10's thinking about the 275/40 and want to see the profile of the tire when mounted
I have 275/35 20's and they have a mild amount of stretch, to me they look just about ideal.

Although not the same aspect ratio, this will give you an idea of how the 275 looks on a 10" rim.
 

LikeabossTM

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Just placed my order for the 255s. Parts guy said there were only 4 left in 'the warehouse', should be at the dealership Monday afternoon.

I don't know what that would have meant had that warehouse not had any. Maybe it's a local warehouse that could be restocked in short order, but I'm glad I called while it's still cold none the less.
 

dmfracer

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Missed this the first time I read through the thread - see if it's not too late to order them in at least 275mm width. 255mm is a joke on a V8 Mustang. Way too skinny.

Just placed my order for the 255s. Parts guy said there were only 4 left in 'the warehouse', should be at the dealership Monday afternoon.

I don't know what that would have meant had that warehouse not had any. Maybe it's a local warehouse that could be restocked in short order, but I'm glad I called while it's still cold none the less.
 

LikeabossTM

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Missed this the first time I read through the thread - see if it's not too late to order them in at least 275mm width. 255mm is a joke on a V8 Mustang. Way too skinny.
A 10.82" wide tire on an 8.5" rim sounds like it'll look ridiculous and handle poorly.

I'll stick with the funny 255s.
 

LikeabossTM

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Potentially useful update... service department called me today and asked if they could keep my wheels for a couple of weeks and do the swap first week of April. Reason being that Firestone will be running a manufacturer rebate program starting in April, and my purchase will qualify if they wait til then to invoice me.

Score.
 

Aerofinz

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A friend has about a year's use on Firehawk's on his very aggressively daily driven SHO and loves them. He's much happier with them over the Michelin Primacy's he replaced (in fairness, the Primacy's aren't rated as aggressively in terms of a performance tire).

Side note, I run 285/35/19's front and back (square setup) on two different '07's, both with '10-'12 OEM split spoke Shebly GT500 wheels. I am currently running Goodyear Eagle F1's (OEM) on both cars.

VS_285.jpg VS_285_f.jpg

VS_285_Front.jpg

VS-side.jpg
 

tabstang

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I like the idea of the "square" setup - those rims are 9.5" wide, correct?
 

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