[Crash]

I still have a lot to learn with cars in general, but I'm thinking of competing in some stock class autocross/rallycross events sometime in the future. I'm looking at a rallycross setup using 15" or 16" wheels, and I don't have a clue as to what tires would be best.

I feel like 15's would be good for off road and absorbing the bumps, but the brakes on the FiST are pretty big, and maybe cooking the brakes could be an issue?

Concerning the width, is a thinner wheel better for off-road performance? Would 15" steelies work alright or would it be too much weight?

Again, I'm pretty wet behind the ears with stuff outside the stock specs, so hopefully I don't sound too much of an idiot.

 

[Smokin]

You don't want steel wheels. They break.

I use Sparco Terra 16" with snow tires. You'll get plenty of advice on which tire, but the narrower the better. (185 or narrower).

For Prepared RX I use Sparco Pistas 15" with Black Rocket BR22 rally tires and BC Racing coilovers set at +2".
Works like a charm... All aftermarket wheels made to fit a Fiesta ST will fit.

 

[Firesail]

I mounted my winters on 16 x 7 Rota slipstreams offset is only 40 but they work well for me with Nokian Hakka 2's.

 

[phlandry]

I got some ~2004 focus wheels off of craigslist for super cheap they clear the brakes just fine and are definitely better than steelies. I put some 185/65/15 Cooper Weathermaster snow tires on them for rallyx and although that bumps you up to prepared class but really helps the car handle the bumps better. I ran them plus a few other setup tips I got from PF National Champion Smokin this weekend and ended up 1st place in Prep 2wd beating out a couple of good drivers in the class. This is after being really frustrated last year running in stock class with 205/40/17 snow tires and never making it to the podium.