yeah stick to the 17's.
particularly If you have worn shocks and struts on that 97.
the ride can get very rough.
Get bigger rubber and add side skirts and it will round out the look quite well.
here's a pic of my 18's with the new skirting. No lowering springs needed.
I'm going to put the rear tires up front (245) and get 275's for the back once
the fronts are good and shreded at season's end.