Upgrading Tires/Wheels w/o lowering?

[Talino]

Hi all... Cool site, just found it!

Need suggestions/help. 'got a Civic Ex coupe 2001. I want to upgrade my tires/wheels to 17" without the need of lowering but not looking like an off-roader (if possible). I only use the car for normal daily driving, no racing. Since I'll be ordering online a package already balanced, I would just like to mount them when they come.

What size tires should I use? Some tire sites say 205/40/17, 215/40/17, and 205/45/17. 17" or 17.5" wheels? What would the tire pressures be? Should wheel alignment be necessary?

'appreciate any input.

[Talino]

Daannnng!!! No one seems interested in my plight. Anyhow, I got the tire and wheel sizes recommended by discounttiredirect and tirerack -- 215/45/17, whalentire recommended 205/45/17. Got a decent set for $720 on Enkei RS/Goodyear eagles w/ free shipping. Since I got change left, what do you guys recommend? Should I just install them when they come and have it aligned. Or should I have "toe-in, caster, camber stuff thingy" done first b4 aligning.

Never mind about the tire pressure. I'll go ask one of tire stores around. C'mon guys help me out. Stop mesmerizing on your wheels! You guys seem hohumm 'bout this case.

[strodda]

about the alignment, sure you should get one, just to make sure everythings ok. and they should adjust toe and all that during the alignment. they did with me anyways.

but about 4x4ing, you cant do much about that if you dont wanna lower it. youll probably stay about stock size and gap, since youll have bigger rims, but thinner tires.

[Talino]

Yeaaaa Strod.... :flash: thanks man. 'guess i shud lower it then. I'll go check out the other threads for the lowering stuff thingy. How low and how how much cud I expect to pay. Shud I do this before aligning? Thx agin Strod.

[strodda]

yea, do everything you want to the suspension before you get it aligned. id say lower 1-1.5", that way you wont have to worry about rubbing, it should just be enough to get rid of fendergap. thats what i did. i didnt want to tuck at all, just got rid of gap... and of course i didnt wanna have to go sideways over every little bump.