They are also handy for longer studs, incase you want to run odd size wheels and need to use spacers. The lug should have at least 7 full turns to be considered secure to the car.

 

since the lugs are so close to the center of the wheel, they really arent going to make that much of a difference in rotating weight. being so close to the center of rotation they create such a small moment that it is probably negligible as compared to if you were save 10 grams at the edge of the wheel. and saving 40 grams in unsprung weight is also negligible when compared to a 200 pound suspension set up. my two cents

 

If you spend $1200 on a set of the lightest wheels on the market, $900 on chromoly lower control arms, $300 on some lightweight springs and then $300 for a lightweight flywheel, are you really going to skip on $65 to lose as much weight as possible?

 

especially considering how serious mike is. as hes said before, .001 seconds can make the difference between 1st and 2nd plcae, .05 seconds could mean the difference between 1st and 4th. it all adds up.

 

Most definitely. I missed out on some money this past month by 0.009 seconds. I could have had $100

At STS at Nationals 3rd and 10th place were separated by 1 second.

Look here 4th and 5th were separated by 0.001 seconds!

http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/na...sults/sts.html

 

ive lost in soap box derby races by .001. i could have won by tucking in my shirt a little tighter, or eating a burger right before the race.

 

Rightie'o

 

if you wanna spend the money go ahead, but the math says they dont really matter, i know i am a mechanical engineering student. the effect that they make is about the same as a pebble, or a 2 in square piece of gravel is gonna effect your run. you wont even notice.
but congrats on your winning, but I am SURE that it is you superior skill that makes you win and not some lug nuts. but, if i could find some nice looking, locking, light weight lugs, i would buy some too.
later