[Edmund K]

Hi all, I have spent the last several weeks going through google searches, forum searches, and generally making my head hurt trying to find the differences between the chrome Bullitt wheel offered by American Muscle and the original Bullitt wheels from Ford. I'm interested in the general difference in looks (is there a difference in width or shape of the spokes?), quality (how does the chrome hold up after any length of time, general fitment of center caps or spinners if i should want to change them).
I have found a set of 17" OEM chrome Bullitts on New takeoff.com with 235/55 tires for just under $1200, and American Muscle has their 17x9 chrome Bullitt package with 255/50 Nitto tires for just a little over $1200.
Am I agonizing over nothing? Are the two wheels essentially the same overall?
I am hopeful you good members out there will be able to shed a little light on this and help me decide which to buy, as I am ready and finally able to make the purchase. Thanks for your insights!

 

[2014_GT]

I went through the same thing with my old '05 a few years back. The biggest issue with aftermarket wheels is finding a center cap that will fit. If you're cool with the center caps that come with the aftermarket wheels, then it's all about price. Otherwise, you'll be frustrated because OEM Ford center caps will not work with the aftermarket wheels. Just my $0.02.

 

[JBert]

As usual, the answer is: "it depends" . . . . on what you want most.

I think the quality of the OEM wheels is probably the best of all the options; the finish probably will hold up the best on the OEM wheels.

But, the sizes of the OEM wheels are limited - pretty sure the widest available are the black FRPP Bullitts which are 18x8.5" wide. So if you want a wider wheel, you must go elsewhere.

By the way, American Racing wheels are made in China!

 

[AMWill]

Hi all, I have spent the last several weeks going through google searches, forum searches, and generally making my head hurt trying to find the differences between the chrome Bullitt wheel offered by American Muscle and the original Bullitt wheels from Ford. I'm interested in the general difference in looks (is there a difference in width or shape of the spokes?), quality (how does the chrome hold up after any length of time, general fitment of center caps or spinners if i should want to change them).
I have found a set of 17" OEM chrome Bullitts on New takeoff.com with 235/55 tires for just under $1200, and American Muscle has their 17x9 chrome Bullitt package with 255/50 Nitto tires for just a little over $1200.
Am I agonizing over nothing? Are the two wheels essentially the same overall?
I am hopeful you good members out there will be able to shed a little light on this and help me decide which to buy, as I am ready and finally able to make the purchase. Thanks for your insights!

Hey Edmund,

you bring up some great questions and I'll be glad to shed some light for you.

Our wheels are replicas of the original wheels that Ford came out with but are made to accommodate a wider variety of sizes, finishes, etc

All of our wheels are meticulously tested for structural and visual flaws and will come with a lifetime warranty on the structure of the wheel and a year warranty on the finish of the wheel.

I am a huge fan of the Bullitt Chrome Wheel & NITTO Tire Kit myself and feel as if you will be too!

I hope this clears up some confusion and let me know if you have any questions!


-Will

 

[Edmund K]

Thanks, Will, for your clarification on the design and style cues of your Bullitt wheels, as well as the quality assurance. I decided to go with your American Muscle wheel and tire combo, and actually ordered it last night. I'm looking forward to seeing these in person on my car, and will post pics when they arrive. (I think I may have bought your last set, as they came up "out of stock" after I made the purchase! )
I definitely wanted some wider tires, and this seems like the best option; OEM looks with the ability to customize further

The car is primarily a fair-weather-only "date mobile" for me and my wife, so it may not see any road action here in southern Ohio for quite some time. But I'll be ready when Spring comes, that's for sure!
And thanks for all the advice and insights from my fellow Mustang enthusiasts!

 

[Edmund K]

Wow! Already got an email saying the order is being shipped! So far so good!

mexican.gif

 

[AMWill]

Thanks, Will, for your clarification on the design and style cues of your Bullitt wheels, as well as the quality assurance. I decided to go with your American Muscle wheel and tire combo, and actually ordered it last night. I'm looking forward to seeing these in person on my car, and will post pics when they arrive. (I think I may have bought your last set, as they came up "out of stock" after I made the purchase! )
I definitely wanted some wider tires, and this seems like the best option; OEM looks with the ability to customize further

The car is primarily a fair-weather-only "date mobile" for me and my wife, so it may not see any road action here in southern Ohio for quite some time. But I'll be ready when Spring comes, that's for sure!
And thanks for all the advice and insights from my fellow Mustang enthusiasts!

Wow! Already got an email saying the order is being shipped! So far so good!

mexican.gif

I'm glad to hear you went for them Edmund!

You will not disappointed, I can assure you that!

Make sure to post up some pictures when you get them on the car, I know they will look great!

What are your plans for her down the road post wheels/tires?

-Will

 

[Edmund K]

Will, I really like the looks of the pre painted MMD rear spoiler,
and there could be a suspension project before the summer's done.

Other than that, I'm going to really enjoy showing off the Mustang's new tires and rims around town! We started planning for the wheels and tires two years ago, and it's a major moment for us to have made the purchase; I feel lucky just to have the car at all, since we have four kids to clothe and feed, and so our Mustang is considered the "fifth child"!

 

[AMWill]

Will, I really like the looks of the pre painted MMD rear spoiler,
and there could be a suspension project before the summer's done.

Other than that, I'm going to really enjoy showing off the Mustang's new tires and rims around town! We started planning for the wheels and tires two years ago, and it's a major moment for us to have made the purchase; I feel lucky just to have the car at all, since we have four kids to clothe and feed, and so our Mustang is considered the "fifth child"!

Edmund,

I get that all too well!

This child just doesn't cry as much as long as you are nice to it!

The MMD spoiler looks great and will look awesome on your S197.

In regards to suspension, you can never go wrong tightening everything up!

Let me know if I can be of any more help!

-Will

 

[Edmund K]

Okay, here are some before and after pics, with the so-called "premium" (snoozer) wheels, and now sporting the awesome new Bullitts! Thanks for everyone's input and advice!

 

[ZGrand]

Much better. Love the chrome Bullitts.

 

[AMWill]

Okay, here are some before and after pics, with the so-called "premium" (snoozer) wheels, and now sporting the awesome new Bullitts! Thanks for everyone's input and advice!

Edmund,

All I can say is that they look absolutely wonderful coolbeans.gif

The new wheels completely transformed the exterior of you already beautiful Mustang and I'm glad you're enjoying them!

Glad I could help and let me know if you have any further questions, you know where to reach me!

-Will

 

[Bill'sFive.0]

Big difference, car looks great.