Lug Nuts, do they matter?

[NJA]

Originally Posted by jonnyozero3

I was looking for the "why" behind such decisions. Not just, "I like x". That doesn't help me learn.

They're strong (forged steel), fairly lightweight, cheap to replace if needed, one-piece design

Those would be my reasons for choosing them

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by jonnyozero3

I can pick something purely from aesthetics, but I'm not sure what tradeoffs are worth it.

You're posting in the Track/HDPE section... Aesthetics should take a back seat.

60degree conical steel. Open end if you have extended wheel studs or closed if you want to maintain some type of OEM look. Keep in mind that some clubs may want to "see" that your studs are longer than the nut. Some even have a rule that the stud must protrude 3 threads past the nut. I have dealt with this in the past. Also, upon quick visual inspection you can readily see if one is significantly loose.

And why steel? Because if you're tracking, wheels are going on and off the car a lot and lugs/studs are going to be subjected to lots of heat. Aluminum is soft.

I personally think that anything other than something like the picture below (for our purposes) is a waste of money.




But if you got the coin and you also want your lugs to "look pretty" then to each their own. Go on with your bad self. The forged alloy ones at 949 racing are a good value for "pretty" lugs.

[jonnyozero3]

Thanks, Rice. Can I call you that? (lol)

"Purely from aethestics" was a poor choice of words. I'm definitely a function > form type of person (Or else I wouldn't have sold my 330hp car to get the BRZ). That said, the BRZ is so gorgeous, as a DD I want to keep it that way, while I learn how to be better on the track as much as possible. If there are functional + great looking options + affordable for any mods, that's what I'd prefer. Might be a bit "bad self" or vain, or just wasting money, but I personally don't mind a smidge extra expense for something that looks nice too. That said, if all the good-looking options are worthless in function, I'd never choose them. It's a grey area/moving target on where to draw the line based on personal preference. I'm enjoying this car enough the I'm spending time and energy on even small decisions like lugs.

Appreciate the thoughts. Those 949 lugs look the part, are not too expensive, and are light and (I assume) strong. Thanks for the suggestion...I might pick them, actually.

Edit - those 949s are 12x1.5. I thought we required 12x1.25 on the FT86. Doh.

If I get them, I will probably walk up to my car and chuckle at my "pretty lugs". Thanks for that. Oh well, taking her to the track for the first time today, so nothing else matters. TGIF.

[Miniata]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

60degree conical steel. Open end if you have extended wheel studs or closed if you want to maintain some type of OEM look. Keep in mind that some clubs may want to "see" that your studs are longer than the nut. Some even have a rule that the stud must protrude 3 threads past the nut. I have dealt with this in the past. Also, upon quick visual inspection you can readily see if one is significantly loose.

And why steel? Because if you're tracking, wheels are going on and off the car a lot and lugs/studs are going to be subjected to lots of heat. Aluminum is soft.

I personally think that anything other than something like the picture below (for our purposes) is a waste of money.




But if you got the coin and you also want your lugs to "look pretty" then to each their own. Go on with your bad self. The forged alloy ones at 949 racing are a good value for "pretty" lugs.

I've used the simple open-ended steel lug nuts like are pictured above on most of my autocross cars for the last ten years or so, usually Gorilla brand. No problems with them, saved weight over most of the stock lugs I've had, and cheap. I did end up with a set of those 949 lug nuts for my Miata, but they were basically free, I needed something small to take my coilover/wheel purchase at 949 over the $3k mark to get 5% off, so I just kept adding lug nuts to the order until it topped that mark.

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by jonnyozero3

Thanks, Rice. Can I call you that? (lol)

Edit - those 949s are 12x1.5. I thought we required 12x1.25 on the FT86. Doh.

I've been called worse and here you go.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_2?rh=n%3A15684181%2Cn%3A15706571%2Cn%3A1 5706581%2Cn%3A15706641%2Ck%3A12+x+1.25%2Cp_n_featu re_keywords_browse-bin%3A2912781011&page=2&keywords=12+x+1.25&ie=UTF8 &qid=1366423601"]Amazon.com: 12 x 1.25 - Open End / Lug Nuts / Accessories: Automotive[/ame]

Get ready to live.

[jonnyozero3]

Welp, didn't go too nuts (pun intended).

Picked up a set of McGard spline drive lugs w/the locks:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/McGard-65554CN-Chrome-SplineDrive-Installation/dp/B00200Q1OM/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER"]McGard 65554CN Chrome SplineDrive Wheel Installation Kit (M12 x 1.25 Thread Size) - For 5 Lug Wheels : Amazon.com : Automotive[/ame]

They seem light-ish, are locking, two-piece, steel, and not horrendously expensive. And the chrome works since it takes on the color of the wheel around it. So, not too garish either. Works for me for now.

[mrk1]

I have drop engineering nuts. The factory nuts worked on my Team Dynamics but they scared the seats so I wanted a larger contact service.