[MikenOH]

due to the larger brakes.
17" wheels make great sense; !7" rubber is less expensive and more sizes are available.
The stock 7" front and 8.5" rears can be had for $500+ shipping. 8.5"s all around are probably the smart bet. Having said that, the stock sizes I mentioned above will be competative with 225/255 Victoracers.Next year I'm going to try 245/45/17 Victoracers all around on my stock widths rims, which I hear will work.

At end, the $ looks like this:

Stock 17" rims: (e) $600 delivered

17" Victoracers: (e) $750 delivered and mounted

So for roughly $1300-1400, you're ready to roll and have fun.

BTW, a fellow in our clun runs a 2002 S with the stock rims and 225/255 Victoracers and comes in FOA with regularity. I'd also recommend going to an EVO school for auto-x if you get a chance. You'll learn more in one day than a year or two on your own trying to figure it out.