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Old 09-29-2021, 11:07 PM   #33
949 Racing
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Drives: Miata, GT350, FR-S
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Lugs!

0.264lbs | 120g - 949 Racing 7075 T-56 forged aluminum -5 lugs 12x1.25. 24g each
http://949racing.com/lugs-valves.aspx

Our lugs are not designed to be the lightest. That's folly. As a race team with few national championships, we focus on durability and serviceability. We use a 19mm hex instead of the smaller 17mm hex. This make a stronger lug. We also run the threads all the way to the end of the lug. The flange on the bottom forms a positive stop to the socket to aid in fast installation.

We have used these lugs in our enduro cars where we're changing all four tires, four times during the Thunderhill 25 hours. We use cordless impact guns to remove and install. no torque wrench. Guns calibrated to deliver roughly 100 ft-lbs. Zero issues.

Primary benefit for a HPDE, autocrosser or race car is that if you cross thread the lug, the lug dies but saves the stud. Having a ruined stud can end your race on a 4 lug car. We can't take that chance. As a bonus, they shed heat a bit better than steel or titanium lugs.

Steel lugs wear out too. We have found that steel or our forged alloy lugs last about the same. For light users, say 2 auto-x a year, they'll last pretty much forever. For enduro teams racing 4-6 times a year plus practice HPDE events, they'll last 2-3 years, about the same as steel lugs in the same use.

Pro tips:

-Regardless of lug brand, always re-torque lugs after first drive on new wheels. They will be loose.

-Retorque when wheels are cold. So right before yo go out each HPDE session, not right after you come off track.

-Hot lugs expand, aluminum more so. A 19mm socket will be a tight fit on a hot 19mm lug. We use 3/4" impact sockets for hot lugs.

- Always rotate lug at least one full turn by hand on stud before hitting it with ugga dugga. NEVER start a lug with the gun.

-Do not lube lugs or studs. That just attracts dirt that grinds your lugs to junk. Just plain clean parts will work best. If your OCD burns and you need to put something on, dry graphite lube is the only thing you should use. That's what NASCAR uses.

-Replace lugs when they feel wobbly on the stud, or have damage thread or any other damage you feel might compromise its structural integrity

- Real talk. Lugs, like so many other thing on a track car, are consumables. Don't expect them to last forever. Strictly street use though, they should pretty much last forever.
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Last edited by 949 Racing; 09-30-2021 at 01:57 PM.
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