Tire recommendations for desert rallying?

[AnArmyOfJuan]

I'm thinking about getting a set of 15" wheels, and running some 205/55 R15 tires for off road use in the deserts of SoCal. My question is, since true all-terrain tires don't seem to be available in that size, would it be better to go with Summer performance tires or All Season tires?

 

[Hijinx]

First off, you don't want to take summer or all-seasons off-roading in the desert. You WILL get stuck because a.) tread pattern isn't designed for it and b.) your car doesn't have the clearance.

Furthermore, even if you have the money to find the tires, you still need to have your suspension set up for it.

Do some research on the WRC cars and you'll understand just how much more is involved. If I'm being honest, the fact that you asked us (the forum) indicates you don't have the resources to do this kind of thing.

 

[dyn085]

First off, you don't want to take summer or all-seasons off-roading in the desert. You WILL get stuck because a.) tread pattern isn't designed for it and b.) your car doesn't have the clearance.

Furthermore, even if you have the money to find the tires, you still need to have your suspension set up for it.

Do some research on the WRC cars and you'll understand just how much more is involved. If I'm being honest, the fact that you asked us (the forum) indicates you don't have the resources to do this kind of thing.

I could only like this once.

 

[AnArmyOfJuan]

So, long story short, don't drive your FiST on dirt. Gotcha.

 

[KKaWing]

Maybe a set of Sparco Terras

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=W29046001LG&wheelMake=Sparco&wheelModel=Terra&wheelFinish=Light%20Grey%20Painted&showRear=no&autoMake=Ford&autoModel=Fiesta+ST&autoYear=2015&autoModClar=

With Conti DWS

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ExtremeContact+DWS&partnum=045WR6ECDWS&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Ford&autoYear=2015&autoModel=Fiesta%20ST&autoModClar=

or BFG Comp-2 AS

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+COMP-2+A%2FS&partnum=045WR6GFC2ASXL&vehicleSearch=true&fromCompare1=yes&autoMake=Ford&autoYear=2015&autoModel=Fiesta%20ST&autoModClar=

 

[CanadianGuy]

Also check the team oneil website/facebook. They could recommend things including a whole rebuild if you so coose.

 

[Hijinx]

So, long story short, don't drive your FiST on dirt. Gotcha.

I apologize if I'm coming off as a dick... Here's the thing, if you go out in the gravel on A/S or summers you're going to have a bad time. Those are asphalt/tarmac compounds/treads. Also, your suspension is designed for asphalt/tarmac. That's not to say that the car is incapable of hitting the gravel/snow/mud with a decent set of tires; Team O'Neil put that "to the test." I've personally been on gravel/dirt mountain roads and I'm here to tell you not to do it; A/S and summers don't have the bite. You might as well be running summer tires on the snow/ice. Sourcing gravel tires will be the most important thing. If you want to get sort of serious, you're really gonna want to sink some money into a decent suspension set up...

Off-roading is not for feint of pocket. Personally, my pockets are too weak-stomached to do it.

 

[Phoenix104]

I'm going for the same style of build. Rally > Track

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After researching options, I found some nice D2's (They only make the Asphalt style for the Fiesta though) http://autoplicity.com/7578931-d2-r...rally-series?gclid=CILO7OOK8MYCFZKBaQodXZ0HiA

But personally, I got in contact with Team O'Neil Rally School and they had 2 options that they sell people. A $600 bilstien replacement shocks and a $2800 46mm monotube Bilstien set.

I fell that they know best, so I trust O'Neil. Once I save up, I plan on picking up the 46mm set.

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As far as rims go, the 15"x6 steel spares will work great as starter rims. Just need to buy three more. They go for ~$60-$100 online.

And tire, find a Rally team in Cali (There are quite a few I believe) and see if they will sell you their take-off's (Used Tires) Most rally tires are 15-16" rims size and 185-215 width. Most teams will sell their tires for ~$50-$150.

Those are the best options that I have found. Hit me up if you need any more info =) Hope to see you on a Stage!