Mazda RX-8 18" alloys compatability

[Bongo??]

Hello folks.
I`ve read on here that some of you have 18" RX-8 alloys on you`re Bongo`s.
What would you say is the best size tyre to keep the speedo reading correct and what is the load index for the bongo?
My Bongo is a V6 RWD.
Are there any issues that may arrise from these wheels ie ball joints wearing etc...
THANK YOU ALL..

[francophile1947]

Tyre size calculator here http://www.tyresave.co.uk/tyresize.html
225/45x18 are the closest, but will give a very firm ride - 225/50x18 would be better.
If you haven't yet got the wheels, most find that 17" wheels have a wider and cheaper choice of tyres with the correct load rating.

[mister munkey]

Thats the sore point Franco. I used to have RX8s, they look superb on a Bongo but the tyre choices on low profile firm walled options are limited to the expensive end of the scale. The load index needs to be at least 92 for the front & 96 on the rear.
My first set of alloys a few years ago were from a Ford Probe, the inner walls split after 2000 miles as they were only 87s & I didn't realise back then how important this stuff was.

Rumour has it that one particular well known Bongo specialist in the north west used to be able to supply correctly rated tyres for 50 quid a corner but when I asked they quoted me £460 for four.

If I remember correctly I ended up getting a set of Hankook 225/50/18 100s for about £90 each.

There were never any other technical issues using these wheels apart from the remarkable ability to kerb the rims, all the time. Be very very careful when parking up & adjust your mirrors so you can see where the back wheels are at crucial kerb touching moments.

[kloonsy]

Thats the sore point Franco. I used to have RX8s, they look superb on a Bongo but the tyre choices on low profile firm walled options are limited to the expensive end of the scale. The load index needs to be at least 92 for the front & 96 on the rear.
My first set of alloys a few years ago were from a Ford Probe, the inner walls split after 2000 miles as they were only 87s & I didn't realise back then how important this stuff was.

Rumour has it that one particular well known Bongo specialist in the north west used to be able to supply correctly rated tyres for 50 quid a corner but when I asked they quoted me £460 for four.

If I remember correctly I ended up getting a set of Hankook 225/50/18 100s for about £90 each.

There were never any other technical issues using these wheels apart from the remarkable ability to kerb the rims, all the time. Be very very careful when parking up & adjust your mirrors so you can see where the back wheels are at crucial kerb touching moments.

What wheels you running now Chris? thinking of selling my RX8's

[mister munkey]

I swapped my scabby RXs for a set of new looking chunky 15" ones with SparkySSS last year. BDC did a fine refurb job on them for him but I'm much happier with the ride (& cost of tyre replacement) with what I have now.

[P-Med]

I've got 225/55/18 Achilles Desert Hawk tyres fitted to my RX8 alloys, which actually correct the speedo to read exactly right (verified with a GPS speedo on my phone). The tyres cost me £360 in total.

[Mark Norton]

After taking advice no less than 235/50 R18 or the ride will be harsh. I have Achillies Desert Hawk tyres £360 fitted, no problems with fouling the front bumper and the speedo is spot on.
I will be fitting 235 or 225/55's next time, but I believe this size requires slight trimming of the inside of the front bumper or the tyres foul it on full lock.