Say I order tires that are 215/40-17 and 235/40-17

That yields sidewalls of 86mm front and 94mm rear.

Is this a problem?

Thanks,
-Aaron

 

Those tires would be a problem. The different height tires front to rear can be enough to throw off the anti lock brakes on the car and both tires are shorter than stock so you are going to have a bigger gap in the wheel well. I would go with the 215/45R17 and 245/40R17.
If I can help let me know.

 

Thanks for your response Jim.

The sizes you recommended sound perfect, but the tires I want dont come in those sizes (if only you had a nickel for every time you've heard that!)

I have work emotion wheels 17x7 +42 and 17x8 +47

Would a 225/45-17 and 255/40-17 tire combo work? That yields sidewalls of 101.25mm and 102mm. Is that too much tire for the wheel (or fender) to handle?

If the above is not possible, could you recommend a tire that is available in the sizes you suggested (215/45R17 and 245/40R17) I'm looking for something that can do double duty, on the street and serve as a contender on the track.

Thanks again,
-Aaron

 

You can also try 205/50R17 and 225/45R17. With the offsets that you have the 255/40R17 is not going to fit without rubbing. In the 215/45R17 and 245/40R17 take a look at the Kumho MX. For the money they are an excellent tire that will perform well on the track.
If I can help let me know.