Titanium Wheel bolts

OK, I have a 430 spyder with OEM wheels and will be installing some beautiful 20" dark grey HRE P47's on it with Ferrari OEM wheel caps. I've been waiting for over 6 months for a set of MPSS tires that have been back ordered forever.

I am thinking of replacing my standard chrome OEM wheel bolts with titanium ones, more for aesthetics than performance since I like the duller titanium look or even the dark titanium colour with the dark grey wheels. This is likely a stupid question but I have to ask:

Is there any metal composition and/or quality difference between the OEM titanium bolts versus quality aftermarket titanium bolts? Strength and/or any differences would be appreciated.

Thanks
FN

 

I don't think there is any difference between the quality aftermarket and the OEM. But, there is a set of OEM for sale in the ads section. They are asking $900 and the is pretty good.

 

I've been contemplating the same switch. There are several threads about titanium bolts if you do a search. Might shed some "lite" on the matter

 

I run these on my M3 without issue - multiple track days. You can also order them in custom finishes - like brushed vs. polished etc.

TIKORE - Precision Products - Titanium Lug Bolts and Lug Nuts

Good luck!

 

Great Info. Aside from the design, these titanium bolts have similar specifications to OEM and other aftermarket providers, but at a better price. Not sure what the difference is between bolts for OEM wheels versus aftermarket wheels is? I have my OEM 19" wheels but plan to use my 20" HRE P47's as well... I'll contact them and get clarification.

Thanks,
FN

 

The two key issues are the shape of the seat and the length of the bolt. I don't know the wheel thickness for the HREs vs the OEM wheels. If they are close, you are probably fine. If the HRE it thicker by very much or you use spacers you need longer bolts.

As for the seat shape: people ignore or don't think about this but it is critical. If the seat is the wrong shape, the bolt won't lock up against the wheel properly and it could work loose over time & miles. There are a few threads on here that give the shape and slope of the seat (I don't remember off the top of my head). You would need to verify that issue against your target wheel for any aftermarket maker.

NOTE: I skipped bolt strength. I assumed you have already considered the different grades.

 

^^^^ THIS is super important!

S

 

"As for the seat shape: people ignore or don't think about this but it is critical. If the seat is the wrong shape, the bolt won't lock up against the wheel properly and it could work loose over time & miles. There are a few threads on here that give the shape and slope of the seat (I don't remember off the top of my head). You would need to verify that issue against your target wheel for any aftermarket maker."

..Yes it is very important to maintain the proper seat To the hub boar. In a majority of applications this is the wheel centering function to the hub and the hub extension is to support the weight.

We offer TI wheel bolts that are basically a copy of the "challenge or Speciale" with the proper angle seat, flange and matching 17mm drive head. They are produced from aircraft grade 5 Titanium that gives you the same tensile strength as steel. Wheel bolts come as a kit with the 17mm socket and 2 wheel hangers and 20 bolts. we stock in Polished and black finish. the finish we use is not a powder coating. it is Titanium Nitride, this process adds a hardening layer to the surface.

We would be happy to through a special deal to out Fchat peeps...

David

 

Thanks everyone for the valuable information and input on this issue. Heard back from HRE and they confirmed that the wheels I have (based on their serial numbers) were manufactured to utilize Ferrari OEM bolts thus, I'm clear to go ahead with my existing bolts or bolts with the same physical specs as OEM.

Only issue now is my S.O. likes the "chrome" look even though I don't think it matches the dark charcoal wheels.... LOL. I'm still thinking non-polished titanium will blend better with the wheels and the carbon fiber Ferrari centre caps. As a bonus, I just received a call from the tire dealer that my MPSS for the rears arrived yesterday and are available!

Will get the tires mounted and then put them on to see how the chrome bolts look .... before I order new titanium bolts.

Cheers
FN