[cmiovino]

If you're on the stock suspension right now and 'might' get lowering springs, you probably don't need a 17x9 with a 255.

With autocross, you really have to think about what class you want to go with. If you're just getting started, get some 17x7 wheels and a good 225/45/17 to learn on. Something like the Conti ECS for even those Falkens you mention. Get out there, have fun, and learn in a street class.

Worst thing you can do is slap on some 255's for multiple reasons. First, this bumps you to STX, which you'll instantly be noncompetitive in and will probably lose interest in autox as a whole. Second, the 255's a wide tire, thus covering us driving mistakes - but admittedly not as bad as running 255's in a super sticky tire like the Yoks/RT660's. Third, 255's weight a good bit more than 215/225's, so even though you're keeping the wheel weight the same, the tire weight goes up, and being on the outside of the wheel setup, the car will be slower in a straight line now too.

Lowering spring comment too - most lowering springs are crap. Not enough spring rate for the right height change, so you end up negatively effecting handling for autocross because it's likely you'll hit the bump stops on hard corners, effectively sending your spring rate through the roof and upsetting the car. Upgrading the struts on a 2014 keeps you in the street class and is going to give you a better daily ride too - I'd spend your money there and possibly with a front swaybar to combat the body roll (again, keeping you in street class).

If you do go the 17x9 route with 255's, just understand you're probably stunting your driving growth longer term. And if you're doing that, at least go with an STX-lite build with a header, tune, front swaybar, and coilovers over lowering springs (much better). Doesn't mean you need to build it exactly to the class, but at least that gives you a fighting chance locally at events. Again, I'd still say stick to the stock class initially.

I do get that a lot of people don't aim to be competitive and just want a car to look good with wide wheels/tires and lowering springs. But I do think it's not the right path if it's something you want to get into on even a moderate basis. I see way too many people show up with all kinds of cars, random modifications, get put in higher classes, get destroyed, and not come back or lose interest. I've also see a fair share of drivers run modified cars, rely on the car's mechanical grip, and not develop as a driver well.