17" width recommendation: 8.5" vs. 9"
 

I currently run a set of Wedssport 105N in 17x9 +35 with Michelin Pilot Sports 245/40/17. Car is stock in terms of power. Car is predominantly street with about one track event per year (HPDE).

I feel like it's slightly too much tire. It grips great, but the steering feels a little number and less "on rails". I'm not concerned about lap times and more concerned with overall feel and driving experience, so I'm considering a slightly smaller wheel and tire.

Wedssport makes the 105X, successor to the 105N, in 17x8.5. So I'm thinking to move down just a bit to that coupled with 235 tires.

Thoughts? If that's the right wheel/tire mix, what offset do folks suggest in 8.5?
I realize these are minor changes and a nice "problem" to have.

235 tires are fine on 9" wheels. If you think you might even want to go down to 225, 8.5" would be better. Otherwise you'd actually gain a bit more feel from the extra stretch of 235 on 9" wheels.
I'd try 235 tires on your current wheels before spending money on new wheels.

I'm running 17x9 +35 with 235/40R17 tires as my track set, but also ran them on the street for a bit and it was great.

Agree a 225/45 will give you more of what you want. A 8.5 can work with 225 though it'll look a bit more stretched.

Try 235 or 225 on your 9" wheels.

Which Pilot Sprt tires are you on, there's like a gazillion different ones! Tire choice will be more important for steering feel than wheel/tire sizes...

What’s your alignment settings? Could be more important than the wheel and tire changes you’re looking to make.