New and confused...

[ssmith]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the site and to the fusion. However, I've been a ford owner for the last 20+ years. I recently purchased a 2013 Fusion Energi Titanium. It was the last 2013 I could find and given the rebates and financing, I could not pass it up. I'm really wanting to put some aftermarket wheels and tires on it though without too much fuss. No lowering or anything else. I find bits and pieces of info scattered around but can't put it all together. Please help

 

I'm looking at the Niche M129's with some low resistant tires. I'd like to go with 18's or 19's. What is the bolt pattern, offset and width I need? Also tire suggestions would be great. Do I need new TPMS or can the OEM ones transfer over?

 

Do you void any warranty with larger wheels/tires?

 

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you,

Scottie

Edited August 20, 2014 at 10:56 PM by ssmith

[HotLap]

Scottie, I cant help you as I'm in the same boat, just purchased a new Energi and want to upgrade to the 19" wheels.  However, I'm not sure how much they will penalize the fuel mileage and performance vs the 17" stock wheels.  I

m probably going to go with a set of 18 or 19" take offs, but would like feedback before I make the change.   The 17's are too small (IMO) and I'd like a bit tighter handling (larger rims with shorter side walls).

 

Anyone who has done the wheel swap, chime in?

[CT3113]

Good questions Scottie. I felt the same way...ended up buying some Niche 129s...unfortunately they sent the wrong bolt pattern and now sit in my garage waiting for me to sell them. Reordered...but the 129s were back ordered with no estimate for availability so went with the 130s (black).

 

Been really happy with the look (much better than stock IMO). I went with 18" wheels...didn't want to go overkill...especially since I didn't want to lower my car. I also had tires from a previous car that fit perfectly. I do think the car would look better with a slight drop... But I just don't want to so it. Still looks good without it.

 

I have Niche 130's ... 18x8" ... 5x108 Bolt Pattern (or 5x4.25) ... 40mm offset ... Continental Extreme Contact DWS Tires. No issues with rubbing or fit. Overall...very happy. The M129s look amazing in person...but I am really happy with the M130's too. Doing it again I would pick whatever is available fastest!

 

I did order new aftermarket TPMS sensors...was torn if I wanted to put snow tires on the factory wheels or just sell them. Still undecided on that one. I also had to get a programming tool on Amazon to reprogram the new sensors ($25). I'm sure you can use the old sensors, but would have to pay to have the tires removed, sensors switched, and tires remounted (factory tires) depending on what you plan to do with them.

 

I did notice a change going from the stock 17s with low resistance tires to the slightly wider (235) 18s without low rolling resistance tires. I was able to get 75-80 mpg on my typical 46 mile commute...now avg 65-75. Biggest noticeable difference is my coasting, so I guess the low resistance tires must help. Let me know if you go for it (you won't regret it)...I'm really curious how much the low resistance tires help. Would have gone with them myself if I didn't already have tires in the garage!