Ford Contour (2000) Wheel Fitment
Ford Contour (2000): 4x108 bolt pattern, 63.4mm center bore, OE 15x6J ET49. Forged wheel fitment specs from ANKUSI.
✓ Verified by ANKUSI's Engineering Team — IATF 16949 & ISO 9001 certified forged wheel manufacturer, TÜV/SFI/VIA compliant. See our factory & certifications →
Wheel Size & Offset at a Glance
| Configuration | Wheel Size & Offset |
|---|---|
| Flush Fitment | 16x7J at ET38 offset |
How to Read Wheel Offset & Measurements
Use these two references before ordering: the left diagram shows where each spec (PCD, center bore, offset, width and diameter) is measured on the wheel; the right diagram shows how positive, zero and negative offset shift the wheel face relative to the hub centerline.
ANKUSI Engineering Expert Advice
Most of the engineering value in a forged wheel over a cast one shows up in rotational mass, not outright strength — both can meet the same load rating, but the forged piece gets there lighter. On a sedan platform tuned for everyday balance, that weight saving is felt directly in steering response and ride quality.
The Ford Contour ships from the factory on a 4x108 bolt pattern with a 63.4mm center bore and a 15x6J ET49 wheel. Our flush reference for the Ford Contour is 16x7J ET38.; our maximum aggressive reference is 17x7.5J ET35. — beyond that, expect clearance issues against the fender liner without further modification.
Ford Contour OE Wheel Specs
The Ford Contour ships from the factory on 4x108 bolt pattern wheels with a 63.4mm center bore. The stock wheel size is 15x6J ET49, offering a balanced ride that suits most owners without any rubbing or clearance concerns.
Why the factory spec works for most owners:
- Balances ride comfort with steering response and highway efficiency.
- Wide tire and wheel availability at the factory diameter keeps replacement costs low.
- Lower unsprung weight than larger aftermarket wheels helps ride quality and acceleration.
- Guaranteed clearance against brake calipers and suspension components.
Flush Fitment
For a flush look without any body modification, most Ford Contour owners run 16x7J ET38. This setup tucks the wheel face closer to the fender lip while staying within safe load and clearance limits.
Maximum Aggressive Fitment
Owners chasing a more aggressive stance push to 17x7.5J ET35. Lowering springs; 16x7.0J ET38 BBS SR wheels; standard brakes; Michelin Pilot Sport 3 205/50 R16 tires. Clearance should be verified before ordering, especially on lowered cars.
5-Tier Configuration Options
A – Factory-Style: 15x6J ET49
Recommended setup: Factory-matched forged replacement
Economy impact: None
Best for: Daily drivers, warranty-conscious owners
Appearance 5/10 | Comfort 10/10 | Install difficulty ★☆☆☆
Estimated cost range: $$ (OE replacement)
B – Comfortable Upgrade: 15.5x6.5J ET40
Recommended setup: Direct bolt-on, factory suspension
Economy impact: Minimal
Best for: Owners who want a mild upgrade with no compromise
Appearance 6/10 | Comfort 9/10 | Install difficulty ★☆☆☆
Estimated cost range: $$ - $$$
C – Balanced / Flush Fit: 16x7J ET38
Recommended setup: Flush forged wheels, stock or mild lowering
Economy impact: Slight increase
Best for: Enthusiasts wanting a flush look daily
Appearance 8/10 | Comfort 7/10 | Install difficulty ★★☆☆
Estimated cost range: $$$
D – Aggressive: 16.5x7.5J ET37
Recommended setup: Wider forged wheels, coilovers or lowering springs
Economy impact: Noticeable increase
Best for: Show-and-drive builds
Appearance 9/10 | Comfort 5/10 | Install difficulty ★★★☆
Estimated cost range: $$$$
E – Max Aggressive: 17x7.5J ET35
Recommended setup: Lowering springs; 16x7.0J ET38 BBS SR wheels; standard brakes; Michelin Pilot Sport 3 205/50 R16 tires.
Economy impact: Significant increase
Best for: Show builds, weekend cars
Appearance 10/10 | Comfort 3/10 | Install difficulty ★★★★
Estimated cost range: $$$$$
Performance Comparison Matrix
| Wheel Spec | Tier A | Tier B | Tier C | Tier D | Tier E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Spec | 15x6J ET49 | 15.5x6.5J ET40 | 16x7J ET38 | 16.5x7.5J ET37 | 17x7.5J ET35 |
| Economy Impact | None | Minimal | Slight increase | Noticeable increase | Significant increase |
| Appearance | 5/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Comfort | 10/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 5/10 | 3/10 |
| Install Difficulty | ★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆ | ★★★☆ | ★★★★ |
| Cost Range | $$ (OE replacement) | $$ - $$$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$$ |
| Best For | Daily drivers, warranty-conscious owners | Owners who want a mild upgrade with no compromise | Enthusiasts wanting a flush look daily | Show-and-drive builds | Show builds, weekend cars |
Real-World Reference Cases
The following builds are compiled from typical ANKUSI customer configurations for this platform and are illustrative, not individually verified real-world builds.
Case 1: Daily Driver (Factory-Style)
Profile: Commuter prioritizing comfort and reliability.
Setup: 15x6J ET49 forged wheels, factory suspension.
Cost: $$ (OE replacement)
Outcome: No clearance issues, factory ride quality retained.
Case 2: Balanced Enthusiast (Balanced / Flush Fit)
Profile: Weekend driver wanting a flush stance without sacrificing daily usability.
Setup: 16x7J ET38 forged wheels, mild lowering springs.
Cost: $$$
Outcome: Flush fitment with acceptable ride comfort for daily use.
Case 3: Show Build (Max Aggressive)
Profile: Show-and-shine build prioritizing stance over comfort.
Setup: 17x7.5J ET35 forged wheels. Lowering springs; 16x7.0J ET38 BBS SR wheels; standard brakes; Michelin Pilot Sport 3 205/50 R16 tires.
Cost: $$$$$
Outcome: Maximum aggressive stance; clearance verified case-by-case.
Decision Guide
Offset & Backspacing Reference
Backspacing is calculated as: wheel width (in) / 2 + offset (mm) / 25.4 + 0.5.
- OE 15x6J ET49: backspacing ≈ 5.43"
- Flush 16x7J ET38: backspacing ≈ 5.5"
- Max 17x7.5J ET35: backspacing ≈ 5.63"
Use our offset & backspacing calculator to fine-tune your fitment, or contact ANKUSI for a custom forged wheel quote for your Ford Contour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bolt pattern (PCD) does the Ford Contour use?
How many lug bolts does the Ford Contour use?
What does a flush wheel fitment look like on the Ford Contour?
Do I need wheel spacers for my Ford Contour?
How do I calculate wheel backspacing for my Ford Contour?
What's the difference between wheel offset and backspacing?
Can I run staggered wheels (different sizes front and rear) on my Ford Contour?
Wheel Installation Reference: Torque, Thread & TPMS
Thread & Fastener: M12x1.5, conical-seat lug nut.
Factory Torque Spec: 136 Nm (100 ft-lb). Covers most Ford passenger cars and crossovers (Fusion, Focus, Escape and similar) on M12x1.5 studs.
TPMS: Vehicles built before the 2008 model year were not federally required to carry factory TPMS in the US, though many manufacturers adopted it earlier; verify whether your specific build has TPMS before ordering sensor-compatible wheels.
Tire Pressure: Always set tire pressure to the value on your vehicle's tire placard (driver's doorjamb or glovebox), not the max PSI printed on the tire sidewall — this is trim- and tire-size-specific and stays the same reference point when you switch to a different wheel and tire combination.
Reference data compiled from published OEM service specifications and cross-checked against independent repair sources; always confirm against your owner's manual or door-jamb placard before installation.