question about bigger wheels??
 

will 17x9 wheels fit in the front or will i need spacers?

What's the offset

offset is +35

I have 255 40's on the front and 255 45's on rear with no spacers and no problems

Why would you run those sizes? They are 1in overall diameter bigger in the front and 2in in the rear over stock.

A 17x9 should fit but I would probably do a test fit first. You can get a 17x8 and use spacers to get the flush look though since they come in 5mm increments.

I did check with my friend who runs 17x8.5s in the front of his mk3 with no problems but he could not remember the offset. And supraturbo_mk3, you never answer my question. But if you look up on unsprung weight you will find that extra weight on the tire is very undesireable for many reasons.