rim width?

hey all, redoing my suspension within the next month and i want to get rims next summer. my ? is how wide of a rim can i put on my 96 ex? i want to do 17 x 8 with a 225 40 is this too wide? most places say a 215 but a 225 18 40 works. i don't get it.

Most tires can handle 5-10mm smaller or larger rims without rolling off the lip or looking too goofy, that's why the 225 would work. I have 17x7 with a +43 offset on my 95 and it fits close to, but inside my fender. I guess if you wanted to run 8" with normal steering clearances go with ~+68 offset or if you want it to fit in the fender go with a ~+15 offset, or somewhere in the middle. Or go with 8" in the back and 7" in the front....but you lose tire rotation abilities... my $0.02

word, thanks alot gonna do the 225 40 17. on some bronze rays daytona 707's