So I've had a set of 18" Exel TZ-10's laying around for MONTHS:


...that are just dying to be put on my car, but I have an R56. The TZ-10's are drilled for a 12mm lug bolt, but as we all know the R56 has 14mm.

I know this topic has been semi-discussed before, but I want some advice/help

Originally I was just going to have the holes machined out to 14mm...simple. But upon further inspection, the tapered part of the stock lug bolts won't fit into the holes, even if they were drilled out to 14mm. So I'm guessing I'm going to have to go to a stud conversion kit. Which got me thinking, if I have to convert to studs, why don't I just get a 14mm->12mm stud kit, which I used to see around here. Interestingly enough I can't seem to find them anymore.

So I guess my question is what should I do? Should I:
A) Not have the wheels drilled, and try to find a 14->12mm stud kit. How safe are these anyway? I don't know if I trust them, and have heard never to run studs like this as they are weaker than if you were to just have a single sized stud...

B) Still have the wheels drilled and find a 14mm stud kit for them

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Personally, I'd tap em to 14mm and then get a set of aftermarket chrome lug bolts like those sold through discount tire direct. The cone seat is smaller than the oem bolts, making for a fit into the smaller holes.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...riesWheels.jsp

But it's a personal choice and decision.

 

Thanks...its more work and money, but in the end I think I'd be more comfortable going that route.

 

if you are looking for a 14mm to 12mm stud kit, Way Motor Works sells the TSW stud conversion kit. http://www.waymotorworks.com/m14-to-...rsion-kit.html

 

Way lists the conversion kit: M14x1.25 to M12x1.5. I've been running these with 5mm spacers for about 6mths without issue.

Edit: Nice synchronized posting with minirage, no?

 

yup, that's pretty funny

 

Go with the tsw stud kit from way. I've been running this set up for two years now without any issues whatsoever on my 08 mcs.

 

You gotta remember all 2002-2006 MINIs had 12mm bolts. From my experience a high % of the track MINIs use the 12mm studs as it so much easier to change wheels. I have the TSW 12mm studs on the street and track without any problems.

 

I just saw this thread yesterday and made me think: hey what about my nice SSR type-c wheels I picked up the other week. The previous owner said they were on a MINI and I saw looked like the fitment was a match.

However, I was caught out by the 14mm vs 12mm lugnut issue. I thought i had done all my homework yet you can see that I missed this critical piece of info.

Now I need to decide: keep them or get a stud conversion? Not sure which to do right now.

 

i'd definitely go for a stud conversion rather than have the wheels drilled. the TSW ones that Way has is out of stock at the moment. has anyone tried the studs from Evasive Motorworks?

http://www.evasivemotorsports.com/me...HEELMATE-STUDS

 

Stud kits are safe... and they are nice because you can add spacers and adjust offset very easy to find the fit and stance you like. Just buy a high quality kit with high grade studs. I believe the factory studs are grade 10.9

 

This is a great thing to hear as I'm considering a wheel package that requires M12's instead of M14's.

- Erik