On the stud subject, make sure your studs extend past the wheel on front or back if you race. If you have a thick wheel, you may need longer studs to pass inspection no matter what tires or how fast you are.
So what is the standard for axles then ? My car is running 11:80s full weight with stock axles. Probably not a good idea. John B.
As per the 2010 NHRA rule book: The threade engagement on all wheel studs to the lug nut, or lug bolt to wheel hubs, must be equivalent to or greater than the diameter of the stud. Length of the stud/bolt does not determine permissibility; length of the engagement between the stud and lug determines permissibility. What they are saying is that if you have a 7/16" stud, then the lug nut your using must engage the lug stud at least 7/16" minimum or greater. If you have a 1/2" stud then the lug nut must engage 1/2" minimum or greater. Think about it a minute, what purpose does a stud that sticks through the lug nut 2" past the lug nut serve to make it any stronger? Once it gets past the lug nut its just hanging out there and doing nothing (although it looks pretty cool).
You got it. Besides they will only look at that stuff once your car really sticks out and goes ridiculous numbers. They are going to look at cages and seat belts before any rear end components. Unless your car appears to have obvious looking trouble...RUST BUCKET/ hacked together looking... They probably will never give you a second look. IF you race on a BIG race day sponsored by NHRA or IHRA then you too will have issues as you must go through a tighter tech inspection. Local race days held at your local track will only inspect basics like coolant over flow double spring on the throttle electric shut down (if you go fast...11.50 and faster) SEAT BELTS (they are usually #1 priority and helmet) HAve fun and do not worry too much about tech.
While we're talking about wheel studs. I've got the factory stud diameter, however I have threaded 1/2" holes in the aftermarket axles as well. What studs do you use if you switch to 1/2"?
Every track we have travelled to this year have required every car to pull a lug nut off if it was closed end to make sure the stud was long enough to catch the "nut" are of the nut, and not just the shoulder. Front and back. Too many wheels coming off of cars at the big races I guess. No big deal if you are set up correctly. Safety first.
When using slicks, Tech will want you to have open lug nuts. This is to make sure the the nuts are not bottoming out. No acorn nuts . Like its already been said if its a 7/16" stud that much is to stick out. You should be able to use the stock studs with stock wheels . Well until they break that is. Upgrading to 1/2' studs is easy. They dont need to stick out a mile.
Moser, Strange, SUmmit, Jegs will all have the 1/2 x 20 thread count screw in stud bolts. Just ask they will guide you. 3" is most common Some will have hex head bolts with lock washers some will ne machine screw with Allan head bolt. Good luck. Jim
