Titanium Lug Bolts?

I just got my new Advan wheels. I'd like to lower the unsprung weight even more via titanium lug bolts (A savings of just over 1/2 lb per wheel)
However, I've read some semi-scary info about them possibly not being safe, long-term. This is probably just with track use, where the hubs can get very hot, and it could even be an overblown concern there.

But does anyone know? Has anyone used them for street-only use, and for a long time with no issues?
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Also, the Rison brand seems like a really good deal. Grade 5, and for a much lower price than US retailers. Does anyone know if the company selling them is legit? (Seems "too good to be true." )

 

With rumors of failures, do you really want to take the chance? If you are not racing, then do you really need to lose 1/2 lb per wheel? If you are majority street use only, I wouldn't bother. Switching to a light forged wheel will lose you the weight where it matters most. Go with high quality steel bolts, and drive with confidence.

 

"With rumors of failures, do you really want to take the chance?" Thanks, but that's a non-answer.
I'm looking for some real world facts.
FWIW, Porsche uses titanium lugs on all their street cars, so ......

1/2 lbs per wheel of unsprung weight is significant. The cost is not horrific, so IMO they're worth trying, if it's safe.

 

I agree with njaremka.

Cheers,

Charlie

Ps: mind your manners please.

 

You're right, it is a non-answer. Sounds like you want them, and you're looking for validation. I did a little googling, and seems like they may not be AS bad as I thought. Most titanium bolts claim to be made from stronger materials compared to steel bolts. I'm not convinced galling won't be an issue threading them into steel hubs. Most recommend using anti-seize to prevent galling. However, anti-seize will change the torque value when tightening them up.

As for weight reduction... You'll get bigger gains from swapping for light weight wheels, than you will for swapping to lighter lugs. Since the lugs are concentrated towards the center of the hub, the rotational inertia change will be less compared to the wheel. Most of a wheel's weight is closer to the circumference of the wheel. Any weight change around the circumference will have a greater effect on the rotational inertia, and have a bigger impact in acceleration changes. Physics, after all.

So, really, if you want to spend the money on them, go ahead. Will you have any issues with them? Probably not, based on my quick 5 minute research..

 

That's interesting, I hadn't read that before.
But most manufacturers recommend using anti-sieze (on the threads, not the seats) so wouldn't the recommended torque from those same manufacturers be correct? Hmm ....

As for the weight, sure it's not really rotational, but it's still unsprung. I have no idea if another 1/2 lb per corner will be noticeable, but it MIGHT be.
I already have the lightest wheels possible (Advan TC-4) so my other options are lug bolts and possibly aluminum control arms. - The latter being a MUCH larger investment, since I'd also have to pay for labor.

And yes, I want to use them. I don't want "validation" I want confirmation that they are safe. Why does that bother some of you?
Sheesh .....

 

I wonder how many F1 drivers would notice that difference...
If you decide to go with them, this would not be an item I would choose based on price alone.

 

All of them. That's why F1 cars use magnesium bolts.

Who knows if you'll notice on a street car, but the less unsprung weight, the less jarring it is when you hit a bump or pothole, especially when turning.

 

This reminds me of a missive by Lance Armstrong when asked how a person could remove 6 ounces from their bike to make it go faster. He said it's much easier to remove six ounces from your body. 32 ounces of unsprung weight is going to accomplish nothing. Lose two pounds and save the money.

 

I had to search to see which car you had…. F57 convertible. As heavy as that car is, you’re not going to notice the 1/2lbs per corner saved from titanium lug bolts. You will most definitely notice the change from the heavy boat anchor wheels to the new Advans. When I had my R55, I noticed the wheel change from the OEM 20 lb wheels to my 17 lb ND Miata wheels.

 

You probably could save the weight on the tires instead of the lugs, as their weights vary by at least that much even within the same size category. I agree with @njaremka; I noticed a significant difference going from the MINILITES (should be renamed MINIANCHORS) to Enkei PF01s for the track.

 

So, no one can actually answer the question?

I'm thinking the worry is overblown, and will just take the chance. Maybe check them once a year for cracks, or whatever.

 

these were fitted to my car but removed prior to my purchase (so I can add very little to this discussion) to reduce the sticker price …

 

Nice, lost a whole 1lb from the car by switching to titanium lugs, then probably added it back by using spacers. . I’ll admit, they are flashy, if that’s what you want.

 

What????


Which manufacturers? For a matter of fact, BMW does not allow using anti-seize on lug bolts. For a matter of fact, Audi and VW do not allow using anti-seize on lug bolts. For a matter of fact, Porsche does not allow using anti-seize on lug bolts. I'm able to prove it if even neccessary.
So, which manufacturers are the majority you claim? Prove it if you can. If not stop telling lies publicly.

.

 

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1356233

https://brixtonforged.com/brixton-fo...bolts-branded/

https://www.uspmotorsports.com/produ...-27mm-75017827

 

My bad, I meant magnesium wheels, of course. Fi uses titanium bolt.

Mind your OWN manners, bud. The four manufacturers of TITANIUM BOLTS that I queried said to use anti-sieze, then adjust the torque by about 10%. And no I'm not going to waste my time proving it to you.

FWIW, I got the Rison bolts. Took a chance as the price seemed too good to be true, and they are from China, but they came promptly and appear very well made.
And yes, slightly under 1/2 lb saved per wheel. Can't say for sure if I feel the difference, but I'm happy with my decision.