Sorry, I honestly didn't pay attention to the part about the load rating being an issue. Now that I look at it, I agree. Stay away from the 83 rating. The SVT is about 3100 curb weight. The door jam should say somewhere around 4000 as the max weight including passengers and cargo. The Contour is about 63-64% front weight biased. Having a max load you are well over the rating of the front tires. The load ratings do include the weight transfers under braking for example because there is a lot more force than a couple hundred pounds. But, I would really stay away from the 215/40R17 stricly for the load rating issue as Tony said.
You think the sidewall is too tall on 215/45R17? I think it is too short, at least with a stock ride height. I'll have to take a picture of 215/45R17 next to a 225/45R17 for you. I have many pictures of the stock 215/45 tires, specifically
this one that shows how little protection there is for the 7" wide rim. I really didn't like how it looked, or the protection. Like I said, I'll have to get a pic of the new tires because IMO it looks a lot better. I understand that you want a specific look, as did I.
No 225/40R17 on Tirerack. One on Discount, Nitto 555. I don't know anyone who uses Nittos in any kind of racing environment. It may be a good tire, but I don't hear much about them besides from people that put them on cars that used to have 14" wheels. Of course they will be better than the T-rated crap they had before.
215/45 or 225/45 is what I'd get size wise.
The KWD is a grat tire. It was either the best or second best I ever had, but the only set on my SVT so hard to judge. The tires that I have heard are at least equal and quieter are:
Michelin Pilot Sport
Yok AVS Sport
Yok Parada Spec 2
Falkin Azenis Sport (dry only and very short trear life)
Bidgestone Potenza S-02 & S-03 Pole Position
Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP
Maybe the new Yok AVS ES100
And there is a new Goodyear tire that looks very impressive, the F1 GS-D3
