And that's why I said "you're welcome". I figured you wouldn't re-appear for another week.
My thoughts:
- don't go much wider than 8" on the front unless you want to bust your nuts trying to get the tire to fit (the fenders are factory rolled, I'm talking about coilovers, mad camberz, etc). It also depends on your taste. I'm not a fan of crazy stretched tires and I think they look silly on the BRZ. If you don't mind staggered you can do that. I prefer same size all around as I don't like not being able to swap front to rear. 10mm rear spacers will give decent flushness on both front and rear.
- the 8" rim will hold a 225 tire nicely, which sits in the front wheel well quite nicely around +45 offset.
- I read a lot that 18" still works okay for handling and traction if you're not a track demon. If a poofteenth of a second is important you may wish to stay with 17". Personally, I feel 17" rims have no place in my life except maybe as cheap winters.
- go light. I'm a firm believer in reducing unsprung rotating mass. Unfortunately, this means you're looking at (nice looking) rims pricier than $1200.
My personal faves:
TSW Nurburgring
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30046Rays
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9394