Would it be possible to change to a smaller wheel as long as it clears the rotor? I know the bolt pattern is 5x115 but I could not find info on making this change. Veto me if this is a bad idea. Thanks.

what really matters is overall diameter of the tire. you also have to consider wheel offset when looking

So, for my tires now, its a 235/55ZR17, so i need to keep the overall diameter around 2*235*0.55+17*2.54*10 = 690.3mm? I am not familiar with the wheel offset? And i just need a centimeter of clearance for the rotor from the inside diameter of the inner wheel? Im sure someone has done this, i hate to waste your time. I am looking to get a smaller tire tire width as well.

I'm just curious is all, why the need to go to a smaller wheel/tire?

235mm times 55 percent = 129.25mm
you have to change that to 5.09 inches times 2 for upper and lower
ad to rim height 10.18 plus 17 = 27.18 inches.

by offset i just meant some of the cars that came with 15in tires may have a different tire position relative to the center of the car. so just because most gms come with the same bolt pattern doesnt meen its going to clear because it may stick out or in to much.

15 in tires are way cheaper and easier to find. i got 17'* on my 07 monte and they are stupid expensive, you would think its less rubber but its another example of price gauging because they are normally on fancy cars

and

To answer both of you, yes, I find 17s to be needlessly expensive (+$150 per tire). Also, as its my only car, in Michigan, driving in the snow on 235/17s is, shall we say, "fun."

I would not mind 15" or 16" tires. Thanks for the note about the offset, i will do some more research. Do either of you know a good brand for the wheel/rim? Also, what tire width would be reasonable?Tires i feel fine selecting, but i admit i have a lot to learn about the wheel/rim design. Thanks again.

i figured you were going to be looking for something in the jy, like a steel wheel for snows. or are you looking for something that looks nice? tire rack lists the backspace as about 6inches on a 7 in rim

I was looking for something nice looking, if possible. Alloy would be great, but I am not picky.

You should be really careful, I don't think that 15" rims will clear the calipers on the SLE brakes.

Maybe set your sights on 16" rims, but even then, it may be a gamble.

Only way to get 15'* on there is to swap to SE brakes, but I would say that hardly justifies the end result, not even counting the 15'* will leave you hurting badly for handling. Ask me how I know #205/70R15 FTL

Another common size used by many vehicles is 225/60R16'*, which may help drive your price down. Maybe check out some 18'* as well, I have heard that 17'* are somewhat of an odd size, and the pricepoint reflects that.