So Im looking at some Continentals and the price difference for 45 vs 50s is huge! My car isnt lowered and I dont plan to lower it any time soon (if ever). Im afraid dropping to the 45s might look a bit wonky, but was wondering if maybe someone has done it and can comment?
I drive an 02 VR-X which runs 225/50R17 stock.

I run 235/45/17 on my tj awd check my photos in my profile and my avatar

According to this tyre calculator (http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp?item=Wheel-Tire%20size%20comparer&sw1=225&ar1=50&bd1=17&rw1=7.0&et1=46&sw2=225&ar2=45&bd2=17&rw2=7.0&et2=46&text1=225%2F50R17&text2=225%2F45R17), using 225/45 profile tyres over 225/50s (which is the OEM size as per your tyre placard) will mean your actual speed will be approximately 4% less than what is showing on your speedo, assuming everything else in the system is 100% accurate which is never the case — you'll be doing around 96 km/h when your speedo says 100. More importantly, and this is also shown in the table on that calculator, the overall diameter of the tyre is 24 mm shorter than original, which is not within the legal ±15 mm limit set out in Vicroads' Vehicle Standards Information Sheet No. 8 (https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/~/media/files/documents/safety-and-road-rules/vsinumber8guidetomodificationsformotorvehicles.ash x?la=en) (VSI 8: Guide to modifications for motor vehicles; all other VSI's can be found here (https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/vehicle-safety/vehicle-standards-information)).

If your looking for cheaper tyres the 235/45/17 would probably be your best bet as this is one of the most common tyre sizes so it is generally cheaper and within 13mm of your original diameter.. A couple of tyre fitters have mentioned 225 profile tyres are generally more expensive as a lot of euro cars use this width tyre, not sure why that would make them more expensive but anyway

Wombat- Doesnt look bad really.
Hyphen- Thanks for the info. I wouldnt mind my car being 4% out. Though the legal side does bother me a tiny bit. Any idea why its a legal issue? I get it being an issue raising whats showing on the speedo. My dads car is 8% out and thats from factory. Apparently they are allowed to be up to 10% off. Thats what I recall reading anyway!
Hyphen- Ive always understood that increasing the width of the tyre beyond being flat with the wheel will decrease handling. So not sure I want to widen it.

I wouldnt be fitting 235 45 17 to a 7 inch wide rim

Neither would I.

225/50/17 isn't an uncommon size, all I can suggest is that you shop around.

Sorry I thought they were 7.5 inches as most rims that are 7 inches only run 205-215, so ignore that and don't go a 235 ha ha

I guess the answer was kind of obvious... Though good to have confirmation.
Will be leaving Bridgestone RE002s and hopefully making a worthy upgrade. Time will tell!
Thanks for all the posts!

i have 235/45/17 on the vrx rims, and have had no issues, even passed a road worthy with them. i do alot of spirited driving and must say it sticks to the road like glue

I suffered massive sidewall flex with a 235 45 17 tyre on the stock tj vrx 17s changed back to the 225 50 17 and the car handled 100 times better!

plus 235 tyres on a 7" wheel are illegal

Many great reasons not to go 235! Id imagine that the extra grip gained by the extra 10mm will be lost and even more when in turns. Having the more of the cars weight shifting further past the wheel with the extra sidewall flex. Makes sense in my head anyway...