1HotSVT,
I believe you meant to say that the 205 tire was "shorter"; e.g. shorter sidewall & overall height of the wheel/tire combo instead of "taller" than the 215. laugh

showtime,
Some owners, like 1HotSVT, have been able to install 225 series tires on the OEM (or aftermarket for that matter) wheels without any interference problems, but it is not recommended.
The proper size for a 16 or 17 inch diameter wheel is a 215 series.
The only combo I know that will work is a 225/40 or 225/35 on a 18 inch wheel.
Probably the reason some can use a 225 tire on 16 or 17 inch wheels may be due to assembly line tolerances being rather loose.

Luke @ The Tire Rack could likely explain this better.

1999 SVT Contour, #2140 of 2760, Tropic Green - Medium Prairie Tan
Koni Sport struts; TSW Blade wheels; Nakamichi, a/d/s/, Boston Acoustics, Infinity I.C.E.

1989 Saleen Mustang, #89-0408, too many mods to list here