I tend to think if I were running STS that 215/40-16 is exactly the size I would want. First, my car would be lowered and I would want it to be even lower for autocross. I might even pursue 15" wheels if they fit. Less rotational inertia, less rollover. No huge bumps to worry about when autocrossing.
With another set of wheels, who cares about aesthetics. I would worry about putting 7% more miles on the car if I drove it everyday that way. In my case with 50,000 miles already and no plans to sell, an extra 3,500 miles on the odometer at 100K might be OK.
I am seriously considered just that size for my next set of tires. I wonder if the 6.5 inch wheel is wide enough, it certainly is not optimal. But my biggest concern would be clearance issues on a 98 SVT with stock wheels. Wheel spacers could take care of that.
Fastest Contour at SZ 2002 Auto-X. 10th in PAX out of 125. CEO of FOGEY(Fast Old Guys Emasculating Young-uns), Inc. Terry Haines, Chairman, Senior V.P.s: (alphabetical)JavaContour, Jet Mech, MFE, SeicoRacing, SVTSTS, Vern Kilburn. If your not a member, yet, wait a few years. I'm not just the CEO, but I'm a member, too. Working with the rank and file to get the job done right!
Historical:
63 TVR (1K in 74), 75 TR-7 (paid cash new), 79 RX-7 (zoom,zoom), 81 RX-7GSL (autobahn-driven),82 Mustang GT (autobahn-driven), 85 Mustang GT (SE Division F Stock Solo II Champ), 86 MR-2 (3rd SE Division D Stock), 88 Civic DX (had 1st born and still owned MR2) 92 Sentra SE-R (all go and no show), 98 EO SVT Contour (FTD SZ 2002). 02 Altima 3.5SE 5 spd!!!
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