With winter coming up I was thinking of installing 16" early Bonneville wheels in place of the 17'* due to the fact that the 1994 SSE I used to own went through snow very well. The all season 235- 17'* are terrible in winter conditions. If 16" wheels won't work and I stick to the 17'* has anyone had good luck with the Firstone Winterforce snows?

As long as the bolt pattern is the same, the 16'* will work. Of course you will be closer to the ground and your speedometer/odometer will be off.

Not if he selects a tire with a higher profile that ends up with the same rolling circumference.

Better check your clearance on the brake calipers. It should be OK though.