I am having some second thoughts and still have time to change or cancel my order. I have a 4th generation max with H&R springs.

I was mostly looking to improve performance over stock with looks as a secondary consideration.

I am going with 17 x 7 inch Evo 5s.

I know 235/45 is popular with some but I will not do that as my personal feeling is that they are too wide for 7 inch rims. I recognize there are many who do this and respect their opinion but I'm sticking on that one.

The tech at carmodifiers.com (here in Canada) was quite firm that I should go 215/50 17. It gives basically 0% difference in speed. There is no chance or rubbing with the H&R drop. He felt that 225/50 17 according to all his information represented a possibility of rubbing and we wouldn't be allowed to reccomend this size. Since the 215 s were cheaper I saw no reason to think there was anything but an honest motive.

Also there are 2 offset choices. 42 or 35. I know many people like a flush fit but 35 is right at the maximum offset and 42 was slosest to stock 40 offset so this has been reconmened by the supplier and several other shops.

My concern is with the tires Will 215/50 provide the same level of handeling as 225/50?

Will the lesser sidewall height look silly on my max?

Is there any chance 225/50 would rub (I will take 0 chances with this )

Should I cancel my tire order and get the tires locally and go with 225/50or will the 215/50 give me the improvements I want?

 

Stock offset of SE rims is 45mm. 235/45/17 would be fine with either offset but i would get the 42mm. If you can't get a 8" wide rim the 7" would be "OK" but the tires will not look as flush but offer you more curb rash protection.

 

w/ 7" wide wheels, I would stick w/ OEM size tires