I just ordered a set of 17X7.5 rims and 235/45-17 tires. According to Tire Rack, they should be a direct fit. Anyone else here running this combo? Is it possible that I'd need spacers? Man, I hate shopping for rims and tires more than anything else, but at least the first part of the decision making process is complete.

 

Should be alright if you got the right offset.

 

Doesn't sound like enuff room for a 215/55/17 to me..

I tried to stuff my paw in between my oe 215/50/17 Firestone tire & spring perch...I couldn't get my big ol fingers in..But room enough for 225/50/17..

 

I just had 4 new 215/55/R17 Yokohama Avid Envigors installed on my 2007 2LT yesterday.
I wanted the 55s for two reasons.
One: I wanted a bit less of a low profile look.
Two: My GPS always stated that my car with the stock Firestone 50 series tires had a speed descrepancy. When my GPS had me @ 65MPH, The speedo in the dash said 62.
Now with the slightly taller 55 series tires, the GPS and speedo match perfectly.

 

So how close are they to the front spring perchs ??

 

At 26.35 inches diameter, gonna be damn close. He's got two things going for him. 215 width and that tire has a very rounded corner profile. I'd like to see pics of that clearance.

 

I also would like to see pictures of the clearance on the strut and also the fender at full lock. Tracksentinel, can you post a couple if you have the time? Also, is it possible that different struts have different clearances? I have Monroe struts on my HHR now, the clearance seems to be the same as stock but when you are pushing the limit on clearance it could be the difference between rubbing and not rubbing. One more thing on the struts, I couldn't turn the OEM struts, the bearing in the mount that allows the strut to turn when you steer was completely frozen on both of them, that was porbably putting a little stress on some of the steering components.

 

There may be some variation between strut brands, but it's doubtful it's anything that would make a meaningful difference for this clearance issue.

 

They were perfect. Almost the same diameter as the stockers, but enough wider to look good. BTW, the wheels were a 42 offset.

 

Stock 17" rims are 42mm offset..

Stock 17": 215/50/17 = 25.5
................215/55/17 = 26.3

difference of approx .800" or just over 3/4 inch O.D. That's not exactly "almost same diameter as stockers"

Can we please get a pic of the front wheel top & strut pad ??