Lightweight wheel nuts - opinions?

Who here runs lightweight wheelnuts? If you do, what's the consensus, in terms of whether it is a worthy mod?

I read somewhere that they can warp more easily than standard nuts, no idea how much truth there is in that, so its over to you guys who have had some real world experience.

Lightweight wheel nuts?

I'm not entirely sure anyone would use these for the sole purpose of them being lighter than their standard 'heavy' equivalent.

Do you actually know how much weight you save anyway per corner?

I think standard Toyota nuts are around 50g. Light weight nuts are around half that at 25g, some even less. So 25g x 20 nuts = 1/2 kg of unsprung weight, not a great deal, but every little helps.

Also, the main consideration is cost. If I have to buy some from Toyota OEM nuts, I am looking at around £120 for 20 OEM nuts! Lightweight wheel nuts like the Ultralite ones, can be had for around £70 (the auction below is for 16):

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Ultralite-black-lightweight-wheel-nuts-12x1-5-16-pack_W0QQitemZ350165192773QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Wheels_tyres_Trim_Nuts_ET?hash=item350165192773&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

So you're saving £££ and weight at same time.

Not worth it as they sit too close to the hub to really have a noticeable difference. In qualifying times in toca where 0.003 secs make a difference it's worth it. In normal driving it is not.

However changing your alloys to light weight alloys though makes a BIG noticeable difference.

That's a false price comparison. The OEM Toyota nuts only fit OEM wheels, so if you have aftermarket wheels the OEM nuts won't fit, and if you have Toyota/Lexus wheels the Ultralite nuts won't fit (and, anyway, you can find OEM nuts on eBay for a lot less than 120 quid).

However changing your alloys to light weight alloys though makes a BIG noticeable difference.

I am going for stock Supra 17s.

Issue is though, as I mentioned, the lightweight nuts are HALF THE PRICE of OEM nuts, so I guess unless people advise against the lightweight ones for a good reason eg. will warp easily, come off etc. I will get them as I am not paying £100+ for OEM wheel nuts that weigh twice as much.

But yes, if you have some OEM wheel nuts already, it is not worth the expense changing

Yeh OEM alloys are pretty light.

That said, my old 18" advans are considerably lighter than 16" OEMS

If you're going for stock 17s then aftermarket nuts will not fit, as has been said already.

If you're going for stock 17s then aftermarket nuts will not fit, as has been said already.

If that is the case, then bugger Does that mean my only choice is lofty OEM wheel nuts then?

If that is the case, then bugger Does that mean my only choice is lofty OEM wheel nuts then?

I would think so mate, sorry.

If you go to toyota and ask the parts guy to get you wheel nuts but instead of getting car specific nuts ask him to look them up under accesories, they are £1.99 each instead of £6 odd. They are not open ended like standard items but are made for standard toyota alloys.

Pick up a set of stock brake discs, then a set of stock wheel nuts, then tell me whether you think lightweight nuts will make any noticeable difference For sure you are reducing unsprung weight and rotational inertia, but the money would be FAR better spent elsewhere, like lighter wheels, and lighter discs and bells.

If you go to toyota and ask the parts guy to get you wheel nuts but instead of getting car specific nuts ask him to look them up under accesories, they are £1.99 each instead of £6 odd. They are not open ended like standard items but are made for standard toyota alloys.

Thanks for that

Pick up a set of stock brake discs, then a set of stock wheel nuts, then tell me whether you think lightweight nuts will make any noticeable difference For sure you are reducing unsprung weight and rotational inertia, but the money would be FAR better spent elsewhere, like lighter wheels, and lighter discs and bells.

You're right no doubt, I was just looking at it from the point of view that if I could get them (I cannot I have been advised), then then not only with the lightweight nuts be lighter, but also half the price, so a win win

Incidentally, Chris, any particular lightweight discs spring to mind? Tarox by any chance?

The only way you'll get a significantly lighter disc is by spending a load on a race type casting from the likes of AP, Alcon or Brembo, and having separate bells made to mount them.

Those names sound distinctly expensive I think I will stick with stock thanks (for now )