I want to switch from the oem lug bolts to studs with tuner lugs. RDNZL is an late 06 which has the m14x1.25 bolts, and I'm running 17" R90's. The M14x1.25 to 1.5 stud kit will keep me at factory size, but does not allow very many choices for tuner lugs. The m14 to m12x1.5 allows for a vast assortment of tuner lugs, but since the R90's have 14mm holes would this be a problem? I'm not sure that the stud going from 14mm down to 12mm would be strong enough and couple that with the larger holes in the wheel. Am I reading too much into this? Opinions please. Thanks in advance Cheers Mr. Jim
If you get the TSW (Now Way?) 12mm stud kit, the lug nuts are conical and won't require a spacer/etc to seat the wheel correctly. I've been running the 12mm spacers on my late model R52 and had no issues. I believe the old TSW site also mentioned about the conical seating lugs being just fine for the wheels, even on a wheel cut for a 14mm lug originally. Best best would be to give Way a call and confirm this. And yes, the 12mm lug will allow you many more options for wheels then the larger 14mm will.
45K+ miles, numerous track days and even a few full tilt Dragon runs and nary a problem with the 14mm x 12mm studs over multiple sets of wheels. The TSW nee WMW studs are strong.
All the '02 - early '06 cars had 12mm studs, but I have to say, they looked pretty small to me, especially when you're running big brakes and large wheels with fat rubber on them. I feel better with the 14mm studs on my car.... Bigger is always better, just ask your girlfriend...
Another thing to look at is the nuts. I like Turner's nuts better than the spline drive ones in the TSW kit. The flange is twice as big, and the hardened steel hex head will take an impact wrench no problem. Their studs are kind of long for street use - they have a big "bullet nose" that makes wheel changes easy but sticks out way more than the TSW studs. Turner Motorsport - Item# TWH9952B17 - TMS Black 17mm Wheel Nut Turner stud and nut on the left, TSW stud and nut on the right:
As far as lug nuts go these are as the kids said at one time "da bomb" Kics R26 Kics Project Racing Nut Composite features super light-weight thin-wall construction using strong light-weight OEM quality materials. Kics Project designed to ensure best contact with an oversized rotating taper seat that provides positive centering of a wheel bolt head in the wheel. 26 grams each. A little spendy though at around $200 for a set of 20 + 4 locking.
I think the kids call that "ninja" these days. That sort of meaty flange shouldn't give you any trouble with the 14mm holes.
Thanks for all the input! I also spoke with Way and he said there's no problem as long as they are used with the tapered lug nut. At least I could always switch back to the bolts on a seriuos track day should arrise. Minidave, it's not the size but how you us it.................remember we drive MINI's
I was either gonna go with these: or these: HYPERLUG Extended Aluminum Lugnut (12mm x 1.50) 20pack BLACK Any preference? Cheers Mr. Jim
I was gonna get these, but they left the post 06/06 R53s and R56s out in the cold with no 14mm studs.
I never asked TSW but I always assumed the issue was with the impact wrench loosening up the studs at the hub... not with the nut being too soft. Humph.
You're not wrong. I think the impact wrench warning is a little of both concerns. That's one reason to take the time when installing stud conversions to really clean out the bolt holes in the hub and give the red loctite a chance to set.