Hello everybody,

I have some SSR Comp R wheels (16 x 6.5) on my Mini with a 44mm offset. Currently I am using the stock lug bolts.

I am considering adding 3mm spacers to create a look where the wheel is a bit more flush with the wheel arches. Pilo Racing sells 3mm spacers and the product description says that you can use them with the stock lug bolts.

My question is do I have to consider using longer lug bolts with the wheels I have now? Would their be any safety issues from the bolts being to short and not being able to properly secure the wheel?

I appreciate everybodies response in this matter.

Cheers,

Daniel
San Jose

 

You should use longer bolts with a spacer, 50 mm (Stock=37 mm)

Rule I read was you should have 7 turns of the thread into the Hub

 

Not sure on the seven turns, but if you put the bolts in and they are not at least flush from the far side of the hub then I'd suggest studs. If you put them on and can see thread lands in the hub where your bolt should be...that's not good. The hub flange is only so thick- and full engagement of that flange is a must. Threads beyond that however are of no use. Just crawl under there and have a look-see, it's not that hard to do.

 

The correct amount of thread engagement depends on the bolt diameter and thread pitch. This info is on TR's web site and I have also seen it included with wheels I bought from them. In the case of MINI's 12x1.5 mm bolts the min. amount of thread engagement is either 7 or 7.5 turns, my bad memory. The factory bolts only offer 7.5 turns on my 16x6.5 Factory wheels so I would not meet the min. engagement since a 3 mm spacer would take away 2 threads of engagement. My 15x7.5 SSR comps are thinner in the Hub area by about 2 mm than the o.e. wheels. Different wheels will have different hub thicknesses depending on a number of things. SSR's being forged do not need to be as thick to be as strong but a 3 mm spacer would still be pushing it on stock bolts. Ask Pilo how much thread engagement you will have with the stock bolts and the 3 mm spacers when properly torqued. Don't settle for "about 7 threads" get a number, 6.75, 7.0, 7.5 something. I bought 1.75" screw in studs for mine which gave me another 1.5 threads of engagement. What I really wanted was a 2" or 50 mm total length stud but I never could find any.

edit, I just checked TR's web site, the min. number of turns for a 12x1.5 mm is 6.5 But a 12x1.25 requires 8 turns.

 

as a long time tool maker , I have always used the standard practice of maintaining AT LEAST 1 1/2 times the major diameter of the bolt/screw for adequate thread engagement.More doesn't buy you any more strength, but less is suicide.

 

Yes. And I agree with you both fully. If you look close you'll notice the hub is only so thick. While I don't have one in front of me, I'll wager it's about 18mm thick (the suggested 1.5X) thus all this counting turns can so easily be done by just looking at what's left when the wheel is bolted up. It's a no brainer- you don't even need to know how to count. If the bolt does not sit at least flush wth the back side then it's too short. Look or feel for it that's all it takes.

 

I agree, you must have full engagement on the Factory hub. So to see if you will still have F.E. before you buy the 3 mm spacers just torque down your SSR's then back off two full turns and check to see if the bolt is at least flush with the back of the hub.

 

Its nice to have the time difference. I posted this right before I went to sleep and I wake up and I have all this information.

I think I'll have to check if the bolts reach "FE". I did not know the bolts would actually portrude out the back side of the hub. I'll check them tonight.

My guess is that the stock bolts would be short. And its not worth taking the risk especially since I tend to over exagerate the corners and bends. - Maybe there is no overkill when it comes to safety.

Thanks everybody - Daniel

 

I would use the 3mm with stock lugs for street if I can get 6.5 to 7 turns.

If I was going to track it, i would get loner lug bolts. with hubcentric
wheels, a lot of the load is already off the lugs anyway and on the hub.

Im no expert about how strong the lugs or studs are, but if you have 6.5 to 7 turns, usually you're okay for street. Even if you have 8 turns, if the lug
is weak, it will still break.

Have fun. :smile:

 

Just checked TR's web site and edited my earlier post. The MINI's 12x1.5 mm bolt should have a min. engagement of 6.5 threads. Of note a 12.5x1.25 requires 8 threads.

 

I just installed 2 pairs of 3mm wheel spacers to my MCS equipped with 16x7.5 (43 offset) and there is no rubbing whatsoever with HSport Springs. I also used the stock lug nuts as it had plenty of turns...6 3/4 turns instead of 8 full. I am most certain that this setup is safe while the wheels flushes out more to fender arches. Looks hot. :=)

So you are good to go bud! Cheers!

 

The replies are unanimous. I ordered the spacers and hopefully they'll be enhancing the already smashing good looks SSR comp R's by this weekend.

I'll post pics next Monday night.

Daniel

 

I also have '4' 5mm spacers for sale if anyone is interested. They are brand new never used. Let me know. Thanks.

Sam

 

Sam, socars (sp?) is looking for offset spacers for his R90's at his H&R
Spacer thread. I think the 5mm would go perfect for what he's after.