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Hi guys, my 2019 Grand Sport has the black wheels with stock chrome lig nuts. I would like to change to black lug nuts. Can you tell me the size/shape and any recommendations?
Whats the preferred socket with an insert to protect these for install ? I purchased some black lugs a couple of months ago and failed to purchase the socket ...thanks in advance
I used these on my 11 GS, my 16 Z51 and my new 19 GS. They work great and are easy to install and remove. You need the 19mm size for the C7. They are subtle and get rid of the OEM lug shine. Take less than 5 minutes to install all 4 wheels.
Whats the preferred socket with an insert to protect these for install ? I purchased some black lugs a couple of months ago and failed to purchase the socket ...thanks in advance
With the lugs I purchased, no special socket needed as they are not painted they are Black Chrome
Of course I dont use an impact wrench , just a regular 1/2 drive ratchet to spin tight then finish off with my torque wrench
Interesting. someone mentioned another lug and gave the Amazon link. It came up and said "does not fit your car."
When searching for a prior Vette I had found a fancy McGard "Tuner" black lug that also did not say it was for a Vette. It also had the correct thread and tapered seat. Called a McGard Tech and found out why! He said some of their fancy lugs have the correct thread, seat and angle but are designed for shorter stud, small foreign cars and MAY not have enough depth and COULD bottom! Worse thing is to have one or more lugs that when you torque to 100 ft-lbs did so because the stud hit the inside! He recommended their 64015 Lugs designed for Vettes, the ones I provided in the the link. If using a fancy looking lug. I'd check to be sure they aren't bottoming. As I often use for checking clearance, stick a small pea size piece of clay on the end of the stud, install the lug. then remove and check the thickness of the clay to sure it's not bottomed.
FWIW, the Currie narrowed 9" Ford rear in my tubbed Street Rod came with long studs. Needed long lug nuts. JEGS had lugs used for racing where some sanctioning bodies only allow open lugs so in inspection they can be sure they are not bottomed. Mine are Chrome with black plastic screw-in inserts that can be removed for inspection when racing. An example is in the pic below, although not what I am using.
None Maring Scoket
As far as a socket that won't mar the lug surface, have used the one shown below for 10 years on my C6 Z51, C7 Z51 and my current Grand Sport. It has a hard plastic insert INSIDE not the cheap ones sold that say "no maring" BUT only have a thin plastic outside to "protect the wheels" but do nothing for the lug nuts! I get upset at the marketing pitch for some that don't say it's only for the wheel. Some even have colored insides that don't look like steel- BUT THEY ARE- use a magnet! The colors are for a mechanic using an air powered wrench and have nothing to do with reduced maring of the lug!
If I felt I needed to protect the wheel I would just wrap my socket with electrical tape! BUT it can only be used with hand tools and a torques wrench NOT an air wrench so the socket doesn't touch the wheel. In fact I can't see how an air wrench is appropriate as I always use a multi-step torque approach just like I do on a cylinder head! In fact on my street rod I had a slight vibration when braking that went away when I used a three step torque approach. I typically use a ratchet with my socket to tighten all lugs, then my torque wrench set at 75 ft-lbs, and tighten in a cross pattern, then repeat with 100 ft-lbs. If I have the wheels removed by a dealer or tire shop, I request not to use an air wrench to tighten (some are set too high) and still come home, loosen and retorque that wheel!
The socket I use is NOT cheap. That link I just found is from a Porsche aftermarket shop BUT I have not been able to find a cheap source. Might search.
Whats the preferred socket with an insert to protect these for install ? I purchased some black lugs a couple of months ago and failed to purchase the socket ...thanks in advance
The one I have the pic of in Post #10 is best. Not cheap but I have had mine for 10 years. If changing tires or brakes often as when Tracking, it would wear.
Most others say they "Protect the Lug" but only from something that doesn't happen in most cases "from the inside of a socket hitting the outside TOP of the lug." Does nothing for where the wear occurs which is on the sides of the lug! The inside color is deceptive! It's for sets sold so a mechanic using an air wrench can pick the correct socket quickly. The one I use has ONLY plastic hitting the lug, it clearly says cannot us with an air wrench. As I note in post # 10 the correct way to tighten a wheel is in steps anyway so ~two torque settings should be used!
If you don't want to spend the money could do what I did (and many do) for my Vettes prior to getting this socket. Get a box of sandwich plastic bags, cut so you have only one thickness of plastic and put it over the lug before slipping on the socket. Usually get 2 or 3 lugs done before it will wear a hole and you need another piece!
Look good. I just ordered a set and the Big A sez I'll have them tomorrow. Once my Quick Jack gets her I'll install them, and the CAGS eliminator, and the smoked side marker lights, and the splash guards. Getting the Quick Jack is a different saga.
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
I switched to splined lugnuts to avoid messing up the inner paint on the wheels. These are much easier to work with, and you get 2 tools...keep one in the car and one in your toolbox. You can also buy a set of locking nuts to match, but I opted to go all standard for now....
You have to be careful as a lot of the spline lugs have the 60 degree conical seat but are not the bulge acorn 60 degree conical that our wheels require
Whats the preferred socket with an insert to protect these for install ? I purchased some black lugs a couple of months ago and failed to purchase the socket ...thanks in advance
I bought my protective lug nut socket from Griot's Garage (website currently unavailable so I can't provide the link) but here's one like it:
