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The S650 Mustang is here, and it’s already claiming its territory on the asphalt. Whether you’ve got the GT with the Gen-4 Coyote or the Dark Horse, one thing is certain: the factory wheels are heavy, and they aren’t doing you any favors at the drag strip. To put that power down and shave seconds off your ET, you need a dedicated drag pack.

In the world of modern muscle, two names dominate the conversation: Weld Racing and Forgestar. Both brands offer specialized setups for the S650, but they cater to different priorities. Are you looking for the absolute lightest rotational mass to chase a world record, or do you need a high-performance setup that won’t break the bank for weekend track visits?

Let’s break down the Weld vs. Forgestar debate so you can select the right setup for your Mustang.

The Pursuit of Speed: Why Wheels Matter

Before we dive into the brands, let's talk tech. Drag racing is won and lost in the first 60 feet. Reducing rotational mass is the most effective way to improve your acceleration. Every pound you remove from the wheels is worth significantly more than weight removed from the chassis because the engine has to physically spin that weight.

Lighter wheels mean your S650 can reach its powerband faster, your brakes can stop you more effectively at the end of the track, and your suspension can react more quickly to track imperfections. Both Weld and Forgestar understand this, but they achieve their goals through different manufacturing processes.

Weld Racing: The Professional’s Choice

Weld Racing has been the gold standard in drag racing for decades. When you see a 7-second car at the track, chances are it’s sitting on Welds. For the S650 Mustang, Weld offers premium forged options like the Belmont, Laguna, and the legendary RT-S series.

Push the Limits of Weight Reduction

Weld’s top-tier wheels, particularly their three-piece forged lines, are the lightest options on the market. By using a three-piece construction, Weld can optimize the thickness of the barrel and the design of the face to maximize strength while minimizing every unnecessary gram. If you are chasing every thousandth of a second, Weld is the answer.

Build with Forged Strength

Weld wheels are fully forged. This isn't just a marketing term; it’s a manufacturing process that compresses the aluminum, making it denser and stronger than cast wheels. This allows Weld to create thin, aggressive spokes that can still handle the massive torque of a boosted Coyote engine launching on a prepped surface.

Select the Iconic Look

There is an undeniable "cool factor" with Weld. Whether it's the polished finish of a classic Alumastar or the sleek Beadlock look of a Belmont, Weld wheels scream "performance." They tell everyone in the staging lanes that you aren't playing around.

Shop Weld Wheels with Confidence at DTX Performance: https://dtxperformance.com/sitemap_products_1.xml

Forgestar: The King of Value and Versatility

Forgestar took the market by storm by offering "Rotary Forged" (also known as Flow Formed) wheels. This process starts with a specialized casting that is then spun and heated to form the barrel, resulting in a wheel that is significantly lighter and stronger than a traditional cast wheel, but much more affordable than a fully forged three-piece Weld.

High Performance, Real-World Budget

The biggest draw for Forgestar is the price point. You can often get a full set of Forgestar F14 or D5 drag wheels for roughly the cost of two rear Weld beadlocks. For the enthusiast who wants to go fast but also needs to budget for an aftermarket exhaust or a supercharger kit, Forgestar is the ultimate value play.

Modern Style for the S650

The Forgestar F14 is a modern classic. Its mesh design looks right at home on the sleek lines of the S650 Mustang. While Weld leans into a more traditional "dragster" aesthetic, Forgestar offers a look that transitions perfectly from the street to the strip.

Remarkably Competitive Weight

Don't let the lower price fool you. Forgestar wheels are remarkably competitive. While they are slightly heavier than a top-tier Weld three-piece, they are significantly lighter than your stock Mustang wheels. For 90% of S650 owners, the weight difference between a Forgestar and a Weld won't be the deciding factor in a race: the driver’s reaction time will be.

S650 Fitment: 17-inch vs. 18-inch

The S650 Mustang comes with a few fitment hurdles, specifically regarding the brakes.

1. Standard GT Brakes: Most 17-inch drag wheels will fit over the standard GT rear brakes without issue. This allows you to run a "big and little" setup: 18x5 or 17x5 fronts with 17x10 rears.
2. Performance Pack/Dark Horse Brakes: If your S650 has the larger Brembo rear brakes or the electronic parking brake, fitment gets tighter. You may need to stick with 18-inch rear wheels or look into specific high-clearance 17-inch options.

Weld and Forgestar both offer S650-specific offsets to ensure the wheels sit flush with the fenders and don't rub your suspension components under load.

Comparison: Weld vs. Forgestar at a Glance

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Weld If:

• You are building a dedicated track car.
• You want the absolute lightest wheel possible to maximize performance.
• You prefer a traditional, high-end drag racing aesthetic.
• Budget is secondary to performance and prestige.

Choose Forgestar If:

• You daily drive your Mustang and want a "Drag-and-Drive" setup.
• You want a modern look that complements the S650 styling.
• You want the best performance-to-dollar ratio in the industry.
• You want to save money to spend on other mods like a Kooks Header setup.

Browse our Performance Collection: https://dtxperformance.com/sitemap_collections_1.xml

Completing the Build: Beyond the Wheels

Upgrading your wheels is just the start. To truly dominate, you need to look at the whole package. Once you've selected your Weld or Forgestar pack, consider how your Mustang breathes. An aftermarket exhaust and high-flow headers are the perfect compliments to a lighter wheel setup. By increasing horsepower and decreasing rotational weight simultaneously, you create a car that is unrecognizable from its factory form.

If you’re running a 2024+ Mustang GT, check out these Kooks Stainless Headers to really wake up that Coyote:

Why Shop DTX Performance?

At DTX Performance, we don't just sell parts; we live this life. We know the S650 platform inside and out. When you buy a drag pack from us, you aren't just getting boxes at your door: you're getting expert advice on fitment, tire pressure, and track setup.

• Expert Support: Not sure if those Welds will clear your Brembos? Give us a call.
• Fast Shipping: We know you have a race next weekend. We get your parts moving fast.
• Curated Selection: We only carry brands we trust, like Weld, Forgestar, and Kooks.

Explore more S650 Upgrades: https://dtxperformance.com/sitemap_products_3.xml

Final Verdict

The "Weld vs. Forgestar" debate doesn't have a wrong answer. If you want the apex of engineering and aren't afraid to pay for it, Weld is your brand. If you want to go fast, look great, and keep some cash in your pocket for tires, Forgestar is unbeatable.

Either way, you're making the right move by ditching the heavy factory wheels. Your S650 was built to run: make sure it has the right shoes for the job.

Ready to build? Shop the full catalog today at DTX Performance.

Need help deciding? Reach out to our team of experts. We promise to only send you good things: like more horsepower and faster timeslips.

Shop with Confidence. DTX Performance.