what size tire can i use with my factory 17'' wheels. i was thinking 245/50R17 or 255/45R17 will either of these work without rubbing.

I'm pretty sure 245 will still work fine, 255 you might have some rubbing with the wheels at the steering lock

Ya, the general consensus is 245'* are cool, Alot of 255'* rub. Probably because of car spring wear differences and tire manufacturer.

3800performance.com lists the 245-45-17 drag radial as ideal without rubbing or bumping of any kind... look at it... its nice... but kinda pricy

will the shorter sidewalls on the 245/45/17'* effect the speedo much? has anyone switched to these and seen any adverse effects? anyone have to get the speedo recalibrated? i was also looking at some 235/50/17 any input on those?
i will need new shoes come summer just starting my research now. i dont want to kill the gas mileage as im getting approx 34mpg hwy,

go to google and type "tire size calculator", it will link you to sites that can give you the info on how much difference would be in your current tire size and other tires... and if there is too much difference consult a shop or dealership on re-calibration.

Tire Size Calculator

Tire Size Calculator - tire & wheel plus sizing

check Home - Discount Tire Direct look under cool tools they have a calculator that will help you.

my friend owns a tire store here in town, i went in to talk tire size options with him, he said that the 245 series tires weight capacity is approx 200lbs less than the stock size. He was hesitant to suggest a different tire for me due to this reasoning, wondered what consensous on here was with this.
stock size weight capacity is approx 1700 lbs
245/45/17 was onlt 1400lbs or so
235/50/17 was about 1565lbs

with the weight on the bonne if i push it into a corner will the weight shift and G-force cause a blowout?

G-force wont necessarily cause a blow out, but it can cause sidewall weakening and subsequent separation of the sidewall from the tire at a later date. The weight reduction in load capacity for the tire comes from the decrease in the mount of surface contact the tire has with the road, the decrease in sidewall height and internal tire construction.

The biggest effect of g-force is the inability of the tire to grab the road. This is due to vehicle suspension issues, weight transfer, vehicles center of gravity, speed rating of the tire and tire width.

I would trust what your friend tells you and follow his/her recommendation.

The biggest thing will be the offset of the wheels. You can count on a 245/50 being safe. I run 245/45 which is a little shorter tire. When turned all the way I have more then a inch of clearance. The way I look at it I could add another 20mm without a problem. But if you have less offset then you can't do this. If you can fix 255s then use those. My 245s simply don't hold the road. So I'm considering getting some 265 drag radials.