Wheel Studs vs. Lug Bolts

[s3saloon]

I am looking to purchase a set of Vorsteiner vff-103 wheels and from what I have read, they suggest using conical seat lug bolts. Does anyone have experience with this (maybe not with this wheel, but another aftermarket brand)? I am trying to determine if I need just lug bolts, or if I should run studs instead?

Would appreciate any input!

[m3brad]

Do you frequently swap your wheels? If so, I'd go with "studs".

[LJO]

You just need conical jug bolts. Studs are an option, but not needed.

[s3saloon]

Do you frequently swap your wheels? If so, I'd go with "studs".

I don't, but I have a set of studs from a previous car that I can throw on there.

that's pretty standard -- aftermarket wheels pretty much all use conical
there's not as many options for bolts as there are for nuts, but there's still some conical lug bolts out there

To confirm, the OEM lug bolts are NOT conical?

[s3saloon]

Most OEM lug bults and lug nuts are not conical, majority are ball or flat.

Appreciate the input. Thanks guys!

[WildHareMS]

Most OEM lug bults and lug nuts are not conical, majority are ball or flat.

Really? You don't think it's a toss up between conical and ball? I think I've only really seen flat on 3/4 ton and larger trucks.

[slo_s3]

When I had the vorsteiners I ran studs and loved the look due to this. Vorsteiner told me that I was fine to use my OEM lugs () so since I wasn't sure of the lug size I just went that route.

[WildHareMS]

Lexus OEM is flat
Audi OEM is ball
Aftermarket wheels are mostly conical (Enkei, Rays, BBS, the list goes on)
370Z Sport OEM is conical (wheels made by Rays)
etc.

Okay, by flat you're meaning a mag wheel shank style with a washer.

[s3saloon]

When I had the vorsteiners I ran studs and loved the look due to this. Vorsteiner told me that I was fine to use my OEM lugs () so since I wasn't sure of the lug size I just went that route.

Do you remember the length of the stud you used? Trying to see if mine poke too far

[2015S3]

I am going through this same debate, I am debating between the 14mm to 12mm route as there are tons of bolts available or the 14 x 14 route.

I have 10mm spacer fronts and 15mm spacer rears, so I need 10 & 10 to get the correct sizes.

[s3saloon]

One last thing...would these work?

http://www.amazon.com/10pc-14x1-5-Co...0_SR160%2C160_

Not sure if 14x1.5 and the length are compatible

[slo_s3]

One last thing...would these work?

http://www.amazon.com/10pc-14x1-5-Co...0_SR160%2C160_

Not sure if 14x1.5 and the length are compatible

I used these, but there was a ton of length on them: https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2804053/ If I were re-ordering them I'd have gotten the ones that are 56mm long as opposed to 70mm (from ECS that is). Don't wanna say for certain that the 47mm will be ok, but they may very well be.

[slo_s3]

One last thing...would these work?

http://www.amazon.com/10pc-14x1-5-Co...0_SR160%2C160_

Not sure if 14x1.5 and the length are compatible

here's a photo for reference:

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

There's not too many differences between running a lug bolt or studs and lug nuts. Both will secure your wheels just fine. It's really all personal preference. There may be a slight difference in cost though. At least with lug bolts if you want to run a spacer you can just buy new bolts and throw the spacer on and reinstall the wheel.

Using studs you need to go an extra step and remove not only the lug nut but the stud as well to swap it for something longer if you don't have enough length to accommodate the spacer.

On the other hand you do have more options for lug nuts if you want different colors, shapes, styles etc.

Jason

[s3saloon]

Thanks everyone. Appreciate all the input!