Some help on tires.

Im going to be in the market for some rims shortly. I'd really like to get some Smoothie 2's but i can't find any in my price range. I've also been considering C6 Z06 rims. Probably 17x9.5 or 18x9.5 up front and 18x10.5 in the back. But i have a few questions first.

Are there any advantages to running a 17" rim in the front rather than a 18" rim other than a little cheaper tire?

Does anybody have any suggestions on what rims look unbelievable on a black 96 SS?

And would 18" rims lift the car any compared to my stock salad shooters?

Also i'd really like some 315 (i love the way they look :D ) tires in the back and probably 275's up front. I dont really need drag radials or anything cause i'll only go to the 1/8 mile track a few times this year. I need a cheap tire since these rims are going to set me back a few. This is my daily driver so something that will last a while. I drive less the 5,000 miles a year.

Can anybody suggest some tires for me, and where to get them.

Are there any advantages to running a 17" rim in the front rather than a 18" rim other than a little cheaper tire?
The larger the diameter of the wheel, the more energy it take to bring it up to speed. Larger wheels eat up more energy, slowing the car down. Probably not enough to worry about.
And would 18" rims lift the car any compared to my stock salad shooters?
No. You need to keep the outside diameter of the tire the same. This is accomplished by using a lower "aspect ratio" (the "35" in 275/35-18). Basically, you would progress:

245/50-16 = 25.65"
275/40-17 = 25.66"
275/35-18 = 25.58"
285/35-18 = 25.85"

As long as you keep the outside diameter close, the car will not sit any higher with 18" wheels.
Can anybody suggest some tires for me, and where to get them.
Pick a wheel size, then pick the tire size, then pick the specific tire brand.

Some people just like the staggered look, but I actually hate it. It usually leaves too much sidewall up front and looks a little goofy compared to the back. I have 18x9.5 all around.

Check out tirerack and discounttiredirect for tires. I had a hard time choosing between the Nitto 555 and BFG gForce T/A KDW2, butwent with the BFG in the end.

Thanks for the replies. This is going to be a street/show car and i'll have different rims/tires for raceing, so im not worried about more rotateing mass with bigger rims. Can anyone recomend a reasonably priced 275 and 315 tire that would suit my needs.