The official payment phase for the 18" EC-7 Mustang Group Buy is now open, and will be for the next 7 days.
We have generated a healthy amount of interest up to this point, and now is the time to place your official order.
APEX EC-7 Mustang specific wheels were were formulated to meet the demands of performance driving enthusiasts of all types. Many companies tout messages like this, however we are going to break down where and how this wheel creates value for our clients.
Fit Matters
A design fit to win
The EC-7 wheel includes details specifically implemented to enhance the Mustang owners' track day and street performance experience. An optimized car setup begins with the right wheel and tire fitment, and without model-specific attention, maximum performance is compromised. These wheels were developed exclusively for S197 and S550 chassis, and will work in either square or staggered applications. Most fitments are direct bolt-on solutions, however aggressive square fitments utilizing the 18x11” EC-7 wheels will require spacers on the front axle for proper inner strut clearance. This not a compromised fitment, it is the only way to outfit an S197 or S550 chassis with the highly desirable true-rotatable 11” square fitment.
Simply put, our wheel was designed for long-term durability without sacrificing performance and fit, while also adhering to APEX’s mission of maximizing value. Corner carving & track enthusiasts: this is your wheel.
Brake Clearance - Spokes
Spokes that work for you
If the spokes of a wheel don't clear your brake calipers, then the wheel can’t be used at all. We made sure these wheels offer ample brake clearance, effectively clearing a variety of aftermarket BBK’s as well as popular factory BBK’s like the S197 14” and 15” GT500 Brembo BBK’s, as well as the S550 Performance Package Brembo BBK. The S550 GT350 would require our 19” EC-7.
Brake Clearance - Barrel
A lot of room in a tight space
Designing a wheel with spokes that clear a Big Brake Kit, is only half of the battle. The inside of the barrel needs to be large enough to physically fit large calipers and rotors. Be warned— not all wheels are made equal. The barrel of the EC-7 wheel offers unmatched caliper clearance because wheels shouldn’t limit your choice of aftermarket brake kits, and brake kits shouldn’t force you to run oversized wheels. We 2D modeled most Big Brake Kits available in Solidworks and tweaked the wheel design of the EC-7 prior to production in order to fit as many kits as possible.
Face Profiles
One design, many levels of beauty
The EC-7 wheel is available in three increasingly-concave face profiles; The shallowest face provides increased caliper clearance on narrow applications, while the deepest concave face reduces weight and creates a stunningly aggressive appearance on low offset and wide-width applications. The APEX EC-7 design offers these 3 face profiles in both 18” and 19” sizes.
Spokes
More than just a pretty face
The curved spokes of the EC-7 serve many purposes, both in terms of form and function. The split "Y" spokes were carefully evaluated from every aspect to ensure light weight and remarkable strength. Their curved design increases brake calipers in almost every application, allowing the EC-7 to fit where the ARC-8 design simply cannot. The unique curvature of each face profile reduces center pad material as they are optimally selected for each unique width and offset. The lack of a deep front lip and spokes that connect directly to the barrel's lip, producing a rigid wheel with even load distribution.
Hub Center
Form follows function
Race wheels can't just be light, they need to function in a high performance environment. Unlike the narrow lug recesses of most other wheels, the EC-7 wheel features bored-out lug recesses that easily accommodate over-sized race lugs and beefy impact sockets. This allows for quick and easy wheel changes and prevents chips and scratches from tools.
Hub Centric
No rings or adapters here
All APEX EC-7 wheels are purpose built for select vehicle applications, and centering rings are never required for any Mustang S197 or S550 application. All 5x114.3mm bolt pattern wheels feature a direct-fit, 70.5mm center bore.
Wheel Hardware
Original Equipment or Aftermarket, it all works
The EC-7 wheel can be used with all OEM and aftermarket mounting hardware with a 60° tapered seat. Lug bolts, wheel locks, and stud conversion kits all work perfectly. The EC-7 wheel also accepts wheel spacers without issue. The shallow rear chamfer allows the wheel to remain hub centric even when 5mm flat spacers are used. The chamfer is deep enough to clear the chamfered lip found on some aftermarket spacers that would typically cause improper seating of the wheel and, therefore, wheel vibration.
TPMS Sensors
They all fit
TPMS sensors, which monitor tire pressure, are one piece of technology that can't be compromised. The attention to OEM compatibility on the EC-7 wheel doesn't end with center caps. All APEX wheels accept OEM and aftermarket equivalent TPMS sensors, and any standard sized metal or rubber valve stem.