This is getting crazy... I special ordered a set of Centerline Convo Pro wheels, 15 x 8.5. All of the catalogs specify that the wheels mount with shank lugs and a washer. When I looked at the wheels, the holes are taper seat and there's no way a shank lug is going to work. I did a previous post on this issue: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=76572 I called Centerline's Tech Support 3 times over the past 2 days and sent them digital pictures by e-mail because the holes look like they take an acorn stlye lug nut. The head of the Tech Support group finally called me back to explain that the 5 x 5 lug pattern is the same as Chevy trucks and they mount those with acorn lug nuts. He said that there would be no problem mounting the wheels on my Buick as long as I didn't "track it" because NHRA rules won't allow acorn lug nuts on those wheels. He said smaller tracks probably won't notice, but any major NHRA event could be a problem. Now, I certainly don't expect my car to run NHRA pro events, but I would like to "track it" and see what it will do. Also, when I explained that I'd like my front lugs to match the rear, he said that the 15 x 6 won't have taper seat, it will use a shank lug. If I want the fronts to match the rear, it will be another special order for them to make the wheels with the taper seat. So, do I keep these wheels and have the fronts made to match? Or, do I complain and get them to give me a set of 15 x 8.5 that will use a shank lug? AND - If I keep the taper seat wheels, will they be strong enough to run at the track? PLEASE! Give me you opinions! Thanks! -Paul
Paul, How quick is your car? I don't have my rule book in front of me, but I believe it is 10.99 and quicker where you need to go to after market axles/studs. You can call NHRA tech dept @ 626-250-2485 Rob
lugs I think the major issue for the NHRA or track is that the studs protrude through the wheel a distance equal to the daimeter of the stud, i.e. 7/16" stud sticks out 7/16" from the face of the wheel(or into the lug nut). Could you use open lug nuts when you are racing? Jim
Thanks for the posts. I appreciate the info. Haven't called the NHRA hot line yet, but I will. I spoke today with a guy who owns a Pro Stock Nova. According to him, the length of the studs are the issue. Just like Jim posted, they have to be able to see that the studs protrude enough to make the wheel safe. If I need to install longer studs, that's not a real problem and I'll go ahead and ask Centerline to make me a set of fronts to match the rears. I'll check with NHRA to be sure. BTW - Rob, if my car could go high 10's I'd be famous! Imagine a 10-second LeSabre. Holy sh*t, how would I stop it! -Paul
And - here it is on the car (ignore the rust, please - after 19 years in storage, it's a work in progress...) .
Here's my other car Here's a picture of my other car I own you might like it. The motor that is in it right now belongs to my sister. So I have a really solid body from Oklahoma that I might part with if you were interested. The wheels and tires are NOT part of the deal.....those i'm keeping.
You would save alot of time and money and you could through your motor in and go.The paint job is about 5 years old in this picture. The only spot where there is rust starting is underneath the vinyl top by the back window on the driverside.
Jarrod: Great to see you back on the board, my friend! Hope everything is well with you. I'm interested - I'll send you a PM later today. -Paul
