I'm thinking bout getting some bling bling rims (17" gunmetal volk gram lights), which are 17x7.5 with 40mm offset. Those specs are correct right? I Plan to run a 215/40 tire (either kumho 712s or parada spec 2's).... So first part of my question is: are there any problems running this wheel/tire combination (on a '98 200sx)?? i know 205/40 is the 'proper' plus size, but I figure a little extra width will give me better grip (the difference in overall diameter is like 1.6% or something)? I think I saw Hotshtsr20 post saying he has 225/45's on his 17's, so 215/40's should be fine right (fitment wise, nothing rubbing, etc.)? Also at 215/40 am I at significant risk of damaging wheels because of too little sidewall, etc. from daily driving? I don't mind having a harsh ride (hey i'm young i can handle it i think), but i wouldn't want my wheels to get damaged from going over a little pothole.

Now the second part of the question, these are pricey rims, and I would cry if someone jacked them... Thus, do wheel locks actually work? If they do, which brand/type are the best ones to get McGard, Gorilla, anything else? Will adding an aftermarket security system help too like a viper, clifford, or whatever? My car won't be garaged..... so is this safe? or is it inevitable that my rims will be jacked, if thats the case I can easily save the money I would've spent and just put some good rubber on the stock 15's and put the rest of the savings to boooooooooost....

thanks!

GO BOOOOOOST!!
I have 17 and nobody messes with mine. but I also live in Fort Worth, texas. I don't know what the crime is like in your city. my tires don't rub unless I turn all the way to the right and they rub on the black wheel thing. I love my wheels, but they are heavy. i would put wheel locks on anyways.
If you get rims you should have full coverage insurance. just in case and save your paper work and take a pictur of you car with them on. so if they do get stolen you can get new ones.

I had a 99 SE Limited Sentra and I had 215/40/17's on it and this is with a 1.5 drop. I never rubbed. I live in Utah and the roads are pretty shitty here and I hit small potholes and never had and bent rims or blown tires. I have run both tires that you are thinking of and I personally like the Kumho's better. I ran SCCA with both tires and the Kumho actually performed better. I think the only advantage of the Paradas is the cool looks and the wet traction but besides that the Kumho's are cheaper and handle better than the Paradas. (IMO) Get both locking lugnuts and an alarm if you can afford it. I have the Alpine SEC-8028 and if anybody tried to raise my car up and steal my wheels my car would definitley go off. If you even kick my tires the alarm gives a warning chirp and if it happens again the alarm will go off.

I have a 98 200sx with 2in drop and I run 215/40/17 just fine.

I also have a 98 200 and mine is slammed. I never rubbed w/ the 205/40/17. As a matter of fact I'm barely rubbing w/ 215/35/18. You'll be fine with the 205/40's. As for security. Just get good brand wheel locks and alarm. It doesn't really matter, it depends on your preference and options you would want. Around our neck of the woods, it doesn't matter how much security you have if they want your rims the'll try to get it. If you do decide to get the wheels just save the recipt. Insurance can always buy you a new set.:D

does insurance automatically cover it, if i have a receipt, and evidence such as pictures or something? i'm not too sure what policy its under, since it is insured under my parents name but we have GEICO... anyone have experience with GEICO... we never had to claim anything *** my family doesn't get in accidents :knock on wood: but i have heard some bad things about GEICO on the internet (we used to use AAA but GEICO is soooo much cheaper) and another thing is, i am getting a hookup from a friend for the wheels, so hopefully i can get a receipt out of it..... but we'll see. :rolleyes: i guess without a receipt, if my wheels are jacked, theres no hope at all huh? -- and to those people that have run 215/40/17's is there a noticeable improvement in grip, or 205/40/17's and 215/40/17's don't make a difference in handling

Hey, I have 215/40/17 on my nx and I have the same rubbing issue as stated by Mike sr20de. In the two locations that you are in, I would definitely suggest locks and also an alarm. But, if someone wants ur rims bad enough, locks and an alarm aren't going to do much to professionals. Best option is to save it for the boost.

i say got the wheel locks and the alarm i got the sam alpine one as SR20RACER that was the first to go in my 96 200sx se-r iam getting the rims and lowring springs installed soon and iam getting the whell locks the same date iam going to pu on 2 wheel locking nust per tire