I purchased a sapphire cosworth and it has standard 16 inch escort cosworth alloys on car now. Tyres on car now are 205x50x16. Previous owner changed springs & shocks because tyres were rubbing arches. Car is sitting too high now.

I am fitting back standard shocks & springs on car and i require to fit standard 16 inch escort cosworth alloys. If i fit same tyres 205x50x16 back will i still have same problem with rubbing arches?

I require to purchase new tyres. What size tyre can i fit without rubbing all four wheels arches. Can i fit 205x45x16? Are there any advantage in fitting a wider tyre? Whats the best brand of tyre to purchase for this car? I was going to purchase a Pirelli "P" type because theses have a wall that will protect the edge of alloy wheel when i hit a side of a footpath. I require a tyre for road use only and in wet weather as i live in the republic of ireland.