A mate of mine at work has just bought a mark 5 escort XR3i cabriolet and wants to fit a set of 17 inch alloys to it. The car is at standard ride height at the moment and he intends to keep it that way, what he wants to know is what is the maximum diameter and width of wheel he can fit to it without having any rubbing issues as he doesnt want to mess around rolling the arches or taking an angle grinder to it.

 

Stick to around et38 and 205/40r17 tyres and it'll be sound.