how much tire clearance would i have if i removed the guards

 

Are you doing this for racing purposes or what is on you mind. The heal gaurd is there for a particular reason, to keep your foot and leg in one piece. If you take them off just be carefull, no more injuries.

 

Not knowing what atv you're talking about, it's hard to say. Most of the time a 22" rear tire is all you can get with the heel guards in place but sometimes even then they have to be bent out of the way. If you need to go larger than 22" I suggest using a longer swingarm.