Wheel bolts for track? Have you upgraded?

[BGrade]

I am just starting to mod my GTI for track days. One concern is the wheel bolts. Have any of you upgraded the wheel bolts or done something like a stud conversion. A quick google search found these. Main question is, Is there a reason to upgrade them? Do the factory ones work fine? Is it worth it for the convenience of quicker wheel swaps. Feed back would be appreciated.

https://www.racingline.com/stud-nut-kit

 

[jay745]

The factory lugs are fine, only reason to convert is to make wheel changes easier and faster. Personally I don't have a problem with lug bolts. I have been eyeing some titanium lugs but I'm fairly deep down the weight savings rabbit hole, there's really no need for them other than chasing about a pound.

 

[Cliff]

I replace the lug bolts every couple of years as they do fatigue with repeated wheel changes. The same concept holds true for studs. USP's Spulen bolts seem of good quality and are reasonably priced. I ditched the factory bolts almost immediately as I didn't want to keep messing with the plastic covers.

 

[jmason]

I have used the stud conversion for a number of years, including 3-4 years of track days. My current choice is Rennline. They have rounded noses, allowing for easier alignment with the holes in the wheels.

I presume the wheels you are currently using are ball seat. Just make sure that your bolts/lug nuts match the wheel, either ball or conical seat. Also, if you are or or going to use wheel spacers, you will likely need longer bolts/studs.

 

[Will_]

I switched from bolts to studs and much prefer it. They make wheel changes very easy and allow me to run spacers up to 20mm without needing to change anything else.

Motorsport Hardware sells good quality studs/spacers at fair prices.

 

[BGrade]

I have used the stud conversion for a number of years, including 3-4 years of track days. My current choice is Rennline. They have rounded noses, allowing for easier alignment with the holes in the wheels.

I presume the wheels you are currently using are ball seat. Just make sure that your bolts/lug nuts match the wheel, either ball or conical seat. Also, if you are or or going to use wheel spacers, you will likely need longer bolts/studs.

I not sure if I have ball or conical yet. I currently have and aftermarket set of wheels and gorilla locking bolts. I just have to see which ones I have at the moment. I will check out the Rennline ones. Thank you. I don't intend to run spacers.

 

[burgerkong]

If you're going for studs, MSI Racing makes the best in the business, bar none. They have low friction coated nuts, as well as the more traditional hi-vis NASCAR nuts.

Personally I wait for McGard 50 pack bolts to drop to $50-ish on amazon and scoop them up, have enough for a lifetime. IMO McGard also is one of the best quality lug bolts you can buy, and they chrome plating is excellent, albeit very limited lengths available.

 

[MrFancypants]

The main reason to switch to studs is for easier wheel changes, otherwise bolts are just as safe.

 

[SonicBloom]

If you are getting studs and using stock wheels or aftermarket that require ball seat (like Neuspeed), just be sure that you get R13 (not R14) lug nuts. You can also use conical lug nuts with ball seat washer adapters (also make sure R13) but they seem easy to lose. Most places do not specify if they are R13 or R14.

 

[MonkeyMD]

Personally I wait for McGard 50 pack bolts to drop to $50-ish on amazon and scoop them up, have enough for a lifetime.

When do they drop to $50? Never seen them below about $200

 

[sandmangti]

I have used Titanium from USP for a few years. Love them. Do not rust and stay clean.
Very smooth threading in. Good quality hardware. Do not have big salt issues in Tennessee but after being on my car 2 years straight, I removed this week and they look perfect. Clean with no rust.

 

[burgerkong]

When do they drop to $50? Never seen them below about $200

I have my camelcamelcamel price watches on lmao. But I know they've dropped to that price at least twice. I've picked up 2, 50 packs that way, and one of their installation kits (with 4 locks) for $40 as well. Gotta be patient!

 

[MonkeyMD]

That's crazy. I paid over $200 for mine. Oh well

 

[riceburner]

i did it mostly for the wheel changes as others mentioned, partially for looks (the ricer in me) lol

 

[reverend_sean]

I run Motorsport Hardware studs. I am happy as my wheels always seem to stay on the car. https://motorsporthardware.com/