I hope I can post this.... If I can't would one fo the mods please delete it. I was looking at the Ti wheel bolts for the 430 on eBay and that got me thinking. Would there be any interest in these for our cars? I wouldn't have the fancy box that those parts come in but I do have access to the material, the machines and the expertise to produce these.... So, are any of you interested in a set of Ti allen head wheel bolts for your 355? And at what price point would it need to be? Daniel (Ricambi), would you have any interest in these? Michael
what are the benefits? Weight savings must be trivial.... are they less likely to unscrew (that seems to have happened to a few of us)?
I can't see any benefit other than weight savings. And as you said, that would be minimal. I wonder why the factory went that route.... My interest is purely from a visual standpoint. I don't know why you woould experience a fastener wanting to unscrew. If the bolt is designed to be under tension (Stretch) at it's installed torque it should hold tight.
The ti bolt/lugs weigh half what their steel brothers do. I could weigh a regular set and let you know what the savings is. If you reduce the wheel mass you increase accel/decell. I have the 18 challenge wheels and front girodisc rotors. Those changes made a big difference. I am interested in a set, but am not willing to pay more than a grand. New ones are 2K, and used sets can be found occass. for 1K. Scott
You can buy them right from the OE maker in italy direct no trouble http://www.poggipolini.it They are a fastener company and make very pretty fastners like those on the challenge car plastic window which are really hard to find. While really cool and a great way to knock off some unsprung weight, I question the intelligence of Ti wheel bolts. You got steel hubs, Ti bolts, Magnesium or aluminum wheel....I'm thinking corrosion, torque problems, yield points...I'm thinking too many owners just "set-it and forget it". I think the only reason Ferrari owners don't have their Ti bolted wheels fall off more is that they really don't drive the cars many miles. But...I'm no metalurgist or structures guy just a hillbilly. Here is the little jewel right here....enjoy Image Unavailable, Please Login
Another advantage could be looks----The stock chrome ones seem to chip rather easily if you are not real careful and then they rust quickly..