Notices
991 GT3, GT3RS, GT2RS and 911R 2012-2019
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
View Poll Results: 5-Lug or Center-lock
5-Lug Wheels - no cost option
141
79.21%
Center-lock Wheels - no cost option
37
20.79%
Voters: 178. You may not vote on this poll

5-Lug vs Center-lock Poll

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-07-2013, 12:54 AM
  #46  
paver
Rennlist Member
 
paver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,161
Received 17 Likes on 13 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Mike in CA
Fair points. The whole CL thing could obviously have been handled better. I still don't think casual racers and street drivers are taking their lives in their hands and that was the point of my original post on this subject. But it's obviously more complex than that and I don't mean to trivialize the issues.
Mike, I agree with you. I am going to replace mine a regular basis whether I use 5 lug or CL. It may not be 4200 mi depending on the grip of the tires I use, but they will be regularly replaced. I just don't like how they are handling the situation.
Old 06-07-2013, 08:37 AM
  #47  
Manifold
Rennlist Member
 
Manifold's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Mid-Atlantic (on land, not in the middle of the ocean)
Posts: 12,439
Received 3,792 Likes on 2,194 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Mike in CA
Most of the guys complaining about the car have never even laid eyes on it, so regardless of experience I tend to take any complaints with a grain of salt at this point. The only known data point of concern is the CL's and those have been improved, although I agree that 5 bolt wheels are more practical.

I don't know if the new car will or won't be suited for 25+ track days a year, and I suspect no one else on this forum does either. I know a car that's tracked that much will be subject to more wear and tear and require more attention than one that's tracked 5 days a year; can we at least agree on that?

Regardless, without feedback from a car that no one has driven yet, we're pretty much discussing this subject absent any data and with nothing but ifs and hypotheticals.
Here's a real-world data point. Our Cayman R withstood over 50 track days last year with no problems, only needed consumables, fluids, etc. I was even able to torque the wheels every day with an ordinary torque wrench, with confidence that the wheels wouldn't fall off at speeds up to about 140 mph.

The 991 GT3 needs to do at least as well.
Old 06-07-2013, 09:13 AM
  #48  
Nizer
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
 
Nizer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Wishing I Was At The Track
Posts: 13,516
Received 1,727 Likes on 914 Posts
Default

Nothing wrong with center locks if done correctly. Cup system is gun-on, gun-off with integrated safety retainers (see photo and link for more info). About as idiot proof as it gets.

For whatever reason, Porsche took a proven design (5-lug) and substituted it with an unproven design where one already existed (Cup CL), with the result being one of the most complex, cumbersome (4-foot torque wrenches, 2-man changing routines, tricky safety clips - come on), and error-prone cluster-***** known to modern car design. And then when they decided they'd underengineered the first generation they shoved it off on owners.

I'm happy to debate the pros/cons of automatics vs manuals all day long but Porsche's center-lock adventure on the 997.2 GT3 has been an abject failure no matter how you look at it. And while the updated design may be stronger it still doesn't solve the other issues.

http://www.brrperformance.com/blog/?page_id=431
Attached Images  

Last edited by Nizer; 06-07-2013 at 10:28 AM.
Old 06-07-2013, 10:19 AM
  #49  
neanicu
Nordschleife Master
 
neanicu's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ny
Posts: 9,958
Received 339 Likes on 208 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Nizer
Nothing wrong with center locks if done correctly. Cup system is gun-on, gun-off with integrated safety retainers (see photo and link for more info). About as idiot prove as it gets.

For whatever reason, Porsche took a proven design (5-lug) and substituted it with an unproven design where one already existed (Cup CL), with the result being one of the most complex, cumbersome (4-foot torque wrenches, 2-man changing routines, tricky safety clips - come on), and error-prone cluster-***** known to modern car design. And then when they decided they'd underengineered the first generation they shoved it off on owners.

I'm happy to debate the pros/cons of automatics vs manuals all day long but Porsche's center-lock adventure on the 997.2 GT3 has been an abject failure no matter how you look at it. And while the updated design may be stronger it still doesn't solve the other issues.

http://www.brrperformance.com/blog/?page_id=431
Great link Nizer!
I really enjoyed reading about that project!
Thanks for posting!

Old 06-07-2013, 10:27 AM
  #50  
tasman
Race Car
 
tasman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Appleton, WI
Posts: 3,633
Received 125 Likes on 87 Posts
Default

5 lugs
Old 06-07-2013, 10:43 AM
  #51  
Nizer
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
 
Nizer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Wishing I Was At The Track
Posts: 13,516
Received 1,727 Likes on 914 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by neanicu
Great link Nizer!
I really enjoyed reading about that project!
Thanks for posting!

No worries.

And for those of you that haven't owned a GT3 before and plan to purchase a new one, you'll want to do some shopping and familiarize yourself with the center-lock wheel change procedure.

Parts required (unfortunately, none of this stuff comes with the car unlike the lug wrench that used to be provided with 5-lugs):

Torque wrench:
http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-i...s-c4d600f.aspx
You need the length to generate the necessary force. Porsche motorsport does make a compact torque multiplier wrench but that'll set you back about $2,600 last I checked.

Brake Pedal Depressor:
http://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-21520.aspx
Mandatory unless you always have a buddy with strong thighs handy. Watch you don't damage your seats when using.

40” Breaker bar:
http://www.righttoolusa.com/p/Titan-...FYed4Aodq3YAdw
Can't use the torque wrench to break the nut free. Make sure you strap it down well. Wouldn't want this thing flying around the cabin in an accident.

Guide tool for PCCB brakes:
http://www.3rauto.com/parts/3r_parts/index.php
Those ceramic rotors chip easily and are expensive to replace.

CL Grease:
http://www.suncoastparts.com/product...ode=997gt32whe
Wheel nuts have to be taken apart, cleaned and regreased every time they're removed per Porsche procedure. This is nasty stuff. Wear some good gloves and don't touch any other parts.

The actual wheel change procedure is pretty complicated and nothing like what you're used to with 5-lug wheels. I'd recommend doing a search for the PDF maintenance guide to familiarize yourself with what's involved.

Last edited by Nizer; 06-07-2013 at 11:06 AM.
Old 06-07-2013, 11:57 AM
  #52  
911rox
Rennlist Member
 
911rox's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Regretfully not at a track... :(
Posts: 2,571
Received 24 Likes on 16 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Mike in CA
Fair points. The whole CL thing could obviously have been handled better. I still don't think casual racers and street drivers are taking their lives in their hands and that was the point of my original post on this subject. But it's obviously more complex than that and I don't mean to trivialize the issues.
With street driving, other than the fact that tyre shops can't get them off should you suffer a flat, the likelihood of an issue is negligible... For track, only the maintenance schedule will shed light on their confidence and as proven with the 997.2, they have no shame in moving the goal posts 3 years in...

their handling of the CL issue is where they lost me... In my view, whats to say we don't have a CL type debacle with the new engine or trans. And we've seen their solutions. I won't be doing any more beta testing for Porsche. When I pony up $300k next time, it will be for proven technology,,,
Old 06-07-2013, 02:37 PM
  #53  
Mike in CA
Race Director
 
Mike in CA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: North Bay Area, CA
Posts: 11,969
Received 127 Likes on 67 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Nizer
No worries.

And for those of you that haven't owned a GT3 before and plan to purchase a new one, you'll want to do some shopping and familiarize yourself with the center-lock wheel change procedure.

Parts required (unfortunately, none of this stuff comes with the car unlike the lug wrench that used to be provided with 5-lugs):

Torque wrench:
http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-i...s-c4d600f.aspx
You need the length to generate the necessary force. Porsche motorsport does make a compact torque multiplier wrench but that'll set you back about $2,600 last I checked.

Brake Pedal Depressor:
http://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-21520.aspx
Mandatory unless you always have a buddy with strong thighs handy. Watch you don't damage your seats when using.

40” Breaker bar:
http://www.righttoolusa.com/p/Titan-...FYed4Aodq3YAdw
Can't use the torque wrench to break the nut free. Make sure you strap it down well. Wouldn't want this thing flying around the cabin in an accident.

Guide tool for PCCB brakes:
http://www.3rauto.com/parts/3r_parts/index.php
Those ceramic rotors chip easily and are expensive to replace.

CL Grease:
http://www.suncoastparts.com/product...ode=997gt32whe
Wheel nuts have to be taken apart, cleaned and regreased every time they're removed per Porsche procedure. This is nasty stuff. Wear some good gloves and don't touch any other parts.

The actual wheel change procedure is pretty complicated and nothing like what you're used to with 5-lug wheels. I'd recommend doing a search for the PDF maintenance guide to familiarize yourself with what's involved.
I've bookmarked your post. Thanks for the links.
Old 06-07-2013, 04:06 PM
  #54  
Nick
Rennlist Member
 
Nick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: La Jolla
Posts: 3,638
Received 133 Likes on 63 Posts
Default

I don't change tires. Given the difficulty of changing one with CL, my solution will be to call a tow truck and tow it to the nearest Porsche dealer. No big deal. I am not sure if the GT3 carries a spare.

With Ferrari they furnished temporary repair kit and inflator. Able to drive up to 75 miles.
Old 06-07-2013, 04:30 PM
  #55  
triode
Rennlist Member
 
triode's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 1,138
Received 69 Likes on 19 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 911rox
With street driving, other than the fact that tyre shops can't get them off should you suffer a flat, the likelihood of an issue is negligible... For track, only the maintenance schedule will shed light on their confidence and as proven with the 997.2, they have no shame in moving the goal posts 3 years in...

their handling of the CL issue is where they lost me... In my view, whats to say we don't have a CL type debacle with the new engine or trans. And we've seen their solutions. I won't be doing any more beta testing for Porsche. When I pony up $300k next time, it will be for proven technology,,,
^ this. Except $120K in my case, rather than $300K...
Old 06-07-2013, 05:09 PM
  #56  
utkinpol
Rennlist Member
 
utkinpol's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: MA
Posts: 5,902
Received 22 Likes on 13 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Nick
I don't change tires. Given the difficulty of changing one with CL, my solution will be to call a tow truck and tow it to the nearest Porsche dealer. No big deal. I am not sure if the GT3 carries a spare.

With Ferrari they furnished temporary repair kit and inflator. Able to drive up to 75 miles.
funny.

WGI track is a 8 hour drive from my house. you wanna try to get a tow track somewhere in upstate NY to get your car towed back to Boston? they got no dealers there, pretty much.
it is a real threat - not a single shop will be able to take this damn wheel off your car if you get it torn apart and happen to be more than 200 miles away from any local center of civilization.
Old 06-07-2013, 06:26 PM
  #57  
Nick
Rennlist Member
 
Nick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: La Jolla
Posts: 3,638
Received 133 Likes on 63 Posts
Default

I will not drive 8 hours to track any car. Again, I am not sure the 991GT3 has a spare. They may only have a repair kit. Does anyone know?
Old 06-07-2013, 06:44 PM
  #58  
Mike in CA
Race Director
 
Mike in CA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: North Bay Area, CA
Posts: 11,969
Received 127 Likes on 67 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Nick
I will not drive 8 hours to track any car. Again, I am not sure the 991GT3 has a spare. They may only have a repair kit. Does anyone know?
Porsche no longer puts spares in any of it's sports cars, AFAIK. The GT3 won't have one. Just tire goop and a compressor.
Old 06-07-2013, 09:09 PM
  #59  
Dan39
Racer
 
Dan39's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

So tire shops won't be able to change the tires for you? I go through a couple sets a year.. So you have to take it to the dealer and buy the tires from them? I guess that means only the Porsche-approved tires? This just occurred to me as a major issue, anyone with any insight? Thx
Old 06-07-2013, 09:20 PM
  #60  
ShakeNBake
Rennlist Member
 
ShakeNBake's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 5,638
Received 939 Likes on 544 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Nizer
No worries.

And for those of you that haven't owned a GT3 before and plan to purchase a new one, you'll want to do some shopping and familiarize yourself with the center-lock wheel change procedure.

Parts required (unfortunately, none of this stuff comes with the car unlike the lug wrench that used to be provided with 5-lugs):

Torque wrench:
http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-i...s-c4d600f.aspx
You need the length to generate the necessary force. Porsche motorsport does make a compact torque multiplier wrench but that'll set you back about $2,600 last I checked.

Brake Pedal Depressor:
http://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-21520.aspx
Mandatory unless you always have a buddy with strong thighs handy. Watch you don't damage your seats when using.

40” Breaker bar:
http://www.righttoolusa.com/p/Titan-...FYed4Aodq3YAdw
Can't use the torque wrench to break the nut free. Make sure you strap it down well. Wouldn't want this thing flying around the cabin in an accident.

Guide tool for PCCB brakes:
http://www.3rauto.com/parts/3r_parts/index.php
Those ceramic rotors chip easily and are expensive to replace.

CL Grease:
http://www.suncoastparts.com/product...ode=997gt32whe
Wheel nuts have to be taken apart, cleaned and regreased every time they're removed per Porsche procedure. This is nasty stuff. Wear some good gloves and don't touch any other parts.

The actual wheel change procedure is pretty complicated and nothing like what you're used to with 5-lug wheels. I'd recommend doing a search for the PDF maintenance guide to familiarize yourself with what's involved.
Why would they need this? Are they planning to track the new GT3?


Quick Reply: 5-Lug vs Center-lock Poll



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 01:58 AM.