Wheel and Tire sizes that will fit

I am looking for some information on what is a good size/backspace/tire size for 17" and 18" wheels.  I'm looking to get myself a set for Christmas, but unsure of the best options to choose.  I like the American Racing Casino's.  I notice a lot of popular wheels are somewhere between the 35 to 45mm offset, but I'd like to get the wheels set in there enough for the widest tires possible (225, 235,245).  Any info would be greatly appreciated!!!  Also, does anyone know for sure if Monte's are 5x114.3 or 5x115?
Let me know what you've got on yours, if they rub, if you wish you would have went narrower, wider, anything.  Thanks again!

i just put on some new 17's today actually.  they look great.  i mounted 225/55/17's on the wheels.  they are the same size as the factory tires for 16's.  the new tires are alittle wider because the wheels are 17x7.5 compared to my old 16x7's.  be careful with putting different size tires on the car without reconfiguring the computer because you could have engine and tranny problems if you put smaller or larger tires on the car.
 
i personally like the 17's....i dont like 18's they are too big....but thats just my opinion. happy hunting!!

I have 8.5 x 17's with 255-45 tires.  Don't know anything about the backspace.  They seem to fit nicely.  I do have a very little rubbing at times, especially with a passenger in the back seat.  The only thing is there is not a wide variety of tire sizes for 17 inch wheels, at least not anything that I want.  You can look in my profile for pics.

rchurch - wheels look great! What kind are they?

harvardale - have any pics? what kind did you go with? 

I'm not sure...Helo or Haro maybe?   I just picked them out and had them put on, I didn't pay attention to the brand.  I guess I can look on the lug cover and see. 

helo is what those are

i went with sport edition wheels from tire rack. i took some pics and i will have them up by tomorrow sometime.
 
i also went with yokohama avid trz tires.....and i am MORE than pleased with them so far....they are the best tires i have ever driven on.

Lets see some pics on the site for easy referance.

 

Wheels look GREAT on that car! 

your bolt pattern is 115x5.  i have 114.3x5 on my car and they fit with no problem.  i work at a shop and we install these on gm's all the time without any problem.  the wheels on my car are 18" with 235-40r18 and they look pretty good.  i will post some pics as soon as i can.

 so 5x115 and 5x114.3 fit the monte carlo no problem?

you shouldn't have any problem as long as you have the correct offset.  your offset should be +35-+45. 

im going with 235/75/15 on my 2nd gen monte...will post pics of it in a few days when i have fitted them....