You have an interesting idea which should work fine. I'm a little curious about changing from 17" wheels to 16" wheels. The tire sizes mentioned should not cause any problem. There are some discrepancies in the tire sizes that have been mentioned. That you should be aware of:
205/50-16 = 24.1"
215/45-17 = 24.6"
235/40-17 = 24.4"

recomended 17" size
215/40-17 = 23.8"
Luke

------------------
Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist (ASE Certified Master Tech)
The Tire Rack
(click banner at top of the page
to visit Tire Rack)