Titanium wheel bolts

[Orchardbike]

Quick question. I’ve been thinking about buying the GRP titanium wheel bolts (I’m adding lightness!), but I noticed that they’re all standard bolts in other words no anti theft puzzle bolt. So if I fit them my wheels could be stolen, but if I fit only 4 and 1 of the old steel bolts to each wheel, they’ll be slightly out of balance. Obviously the bolts are close to the centre of the hub and therefore the effect should be minimal.

What are people’s thoughts on here? Would I notice the slight imbalance?

Thanks

 

[Kaz]

you're overthinking this (which is the right of every car owner to do lol) - just get studs in whatever material (I use steel from GRP) and then get a set of ti lug nuts with a wheel lock

 

[kitkat]

I don't use wheel locks -- I don't really park it in areas where wheel theft would be an issue.

 

[Beachbum]

Quick question. I’ve been thinking about buying the GRP titanium wheel bolts (I’m adding lightness!), but I noticed that they’re all standard bolts in other words no anti theft puzzle bolt. So if I fit them my wheels could be stolen, but if I fit only 4 and 1 of the old steel bolts to each wheel, they’ll be slightly out of balance. Obviously the bolts are close to the centre of the hub and therefore the effect should be minimal.

What are people’s thoughts on here? Would I notice the slight imbalance?

Thanks

I must admit to thinking that wheel thefts in the UK had dropped massively in the last decade. To the point its no longer a massive concern.
I may be wrong, but I am not sure the puzzle bolt is really needed anymore

 

[me73]

The truth is keyed bolts won't stop someone who's looking to steal your wheels.

 

[B r I a n]

These wheels only fit on a Lotus Emira - very small market that could be easily tracked back. Wheel locks are not going to stop anyone but a casual crook. Recommend removing them before you loose the key.

 

[mr.suntorytime]

yeah concern is overblown... if someone does steal them it will take them years to sell lol.

 

[netsinah]

I looked into this titanium bolt "save weight issue" but for me, the weight saved was too minimal, to justify the cost. But that's just me. Here's a comment made by Eagle7 about the weight difference (underlined quote below, with key lines highlighted):

My set just arrived in the mail. My Alfa Romeo Giulia uses steel lug bolts which are the same size as the Emira, so assuming they'd be representative of the weight, I weighed all 20 of those, and all 20 of the titanium lug bolts.

20 steel lug bolts weigh 2 lbs 13.4 oz
20 titanium lug bolts weigh 1 lb 8.4 oz – 1 lb 5 oz lighter than steel set

You're saving 5.25 oz per wheel corner with the titanium set.

And you're right; they were very nicely packaged and look great.



And here's the Forum thread where I found his post:

Stock Emira Wheels and Tires

my order was initially based on their stock fitment details for the Emira (PCD, ET Dia, width etc) I have to confess to assuming the seat taper angle would be standard. I went to some effort in checking PCD, CB, ET, but didn't check seat taper. I made some alterations to the design of the visual...

www.emiraforum.com

Now having said that, this is "unsprung rotational weight" and if you're a "dedicated track rat" or someone willing to pay whatever it takes to squeeze every oz of weight off your car, then titanium bolts might be just the trick. I mention the likely weight savings, since I was messaging with someone over a year ago and once he realized the likely weight saving, he changed his mind. As always, your car; your money. And I'm the same as others about the "locking lug bolts" since a hammer and chisel will easily get one off, plus you've reduced your weight reduction by 20% with non-titanium "locking bolts", if that's your focus. I've long stopped using them on my vehicles w/o problem, but admittedly, I don't park in "risky areas".

 

[B r I a n]

The T-60 torx head may help discouraging casual criminal. A couple months ago I saw them on a Emira, I personally really liked the look of them. The color and Torx head gives them a bespoke feel.

 

[Orchardbike]

Thanks all for the comments, food for thought!

 

[Steve24]

Anyone who buys titanium bolts would (should) be well aware that the weight saving is minimal.

They just buy them anyway because they want them and they like the idea of a little less weight. I’m going to buy them when I buy the lighter wheels because, well, why not?

It’s a bit like the CF stuff. Surely no one really thinks they’re transforming the weight of their car but they buy it because they like it.

 

[Thirdgen89gta]

Honestly, Titanium in a lug bolt/nut application scares me. This is an application where I'd want steel.

I wouldn't mind converting to Studs though as I hate Lug Bolts just on the concept. Studs are so much easier to install/remove wheels with.

 

[VL3X]

I don't use wheel locks -- I don't really park it in areas where wheel theft would be an issue.

Imagine trying to sell stolen Lotus wheels. The wheels don't fit any other vehicle and there are like 50 of us and we all know each other.

 

[NJemira85]

Imagine trying to sell stolen Lotus wheels. The wheels don't fit any other vehicle and there are like 50 of us and we all know each other.

I’d totally buy your stolen wheels tho

 

[Six Speed Stephen]

Look at all these crooks recommending you get rid of your secure bolts !