Semi-staggered

No, go for 18s or 20s! The 20s really made a difference in my car.

ZMagnum,
Plus, I'll sell you my 245/40-20s (same outside diameter as 215/65-17) super cheap (like $200 for all 4) here in a few weeks when I get my 255/45-20s. They are actually in great shape -5,000 miles. All you'd have to do is get 20" wheels.

As far as the limiter, my dealer service guy here in CG showed me that our cars can be reset on the StarScan for the 225/60-18 V rated or the 235/55-18 V rated (again same OD as 215/65-17). When I get the new tires, I'll get a picture of the StarScan readout.

Will do. I also plugged the 215/65-17s into the tire size calculator and you are right, the 255/55-17s are the same OD as the stock tires. I went to Discount Tire online and they have Kumho Ecsta 711s in that size for $99 each.

I just checked Tire Rack and they are $74 each AND Discount will match Tire Rack's prices. I know because they did on my new tires.

There are some guys here on the forums that have them and like them. They are Korean tires like the Hankooks. I've had the Kumhos on a few of my Miatas and they are great tires.

I just looked up that tire in 255/55-17 on Kumho's website and they recommend 7.0-9.0 inch rim width on that size.

Here's the link. Check for yourself http://www.kumhousa.com/Products/PtnDetails.asp?mainCatID=1&PtnID=711

According to dodge.com, your SXT aluminum wheels are 17x7, not 17x7.5, which is still ok according to the Kumho chart.

Anytime, glad to help.