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I csrry in all my cars a portable compressor, plug kit, and two cans of Fix-A-Flat if all else fails to get off the road. All my cars so far have been center locks, my 24' is a lug car only because the drag strips are really giving me a hard time, Center locks look much better, lugs are easier for most owners IMO If you are worried get lugs
Just curious but what issue do they tracks have with the center locks?
No, not at all. I was a bit apprehensive getting the CL reading all the scare scams on the internet, but once I figured them out, I realized they are no more difficult to manage than 5-lugs. I change my wheels quite regularly, either to do the winter/summer wheel swaps or to rotate the tires every 2nd track day. I have a multiplier bar that I bought for less than $200 on Amazon that easily fits it my tool box (that itself fits in the frunk). The parking brake is sufficient for the rear wheels, but I do need a helper for the front wheels. The anti-seize grease is also a breeze to smear. I can comfortably say I can swap the CL just as quickly as I can 5-lugs (I still need to do 5-lug swaps on my wife’s car so I have a direct comparison).
You need a helper.. that in and of itself negates your argument.
You need a helper.. that in and of itself negates your argument.
No. Everything is better with a good helper but there is really no special need for one. Brake pedal can be held by anything wedged between the driver's seat and the brake pedal. I have a brake depressor from a truck (basically a piece of pipe with rubber tips) but the case from the torque wrench works just as well. I alone change CLs faster than I alone change 5 lugs but only by few minutes. It's definitely not slower, especially now that you don't need to double-tighten the nuts or re-lube the inside unless it's binding. And that's with using power tools on 5-lug, which Porsche recommends against (impact wrench use is prohibited on 5-lugs due to aluminum hubs cracking from impact over time).
No, not at all. I was a bit apprehensive getting the CL reading all the scare scams on the internet, but once I figured them out, I realized they are no more difficult to manage than 5-lugs. I change my wheels quite regularly, either to do the winter/summer wheel swaps or to rotate the tires every 2nd track day. I have a multiplier bar that I bought for less than $200 on Amazon that easily fits it my tool box (that itself fits in the frunk). The parking brake is sufficient for the rear wheels, but I do need a helper for the front wheels. The anti-seize grease is also a breeze to smear. I can comfortably say I can swap the CL just as quickly as I can 5-lugs (I still need to do 5-lug swaps on my wife’s car so I have a direct comparison).
I have do doubt that you can switch out as fast or faster with center locks. One thing you said perked my ears. You said you rotate tires every 2nd day at the track…… what tires are you using for track duty that are NOT directional?
You need a helper.. that in and of itself negates your argument.
My 9 year old son gladly steps on the brakes for the 10 seconds it takes to torque the front wheels. Track side, I’ve never had problems finding a buddy to carry out that task. I have zero issue dealing with center locks. If you want to be negative about it, there is no way convincing you.
I have do doubt that you can switch out as fast or faster with center locks. One thing you said perked my ears. You said you rotate tires every 2nd day at the track…… what tires are you using for track duty that are NOT directional?
PSC2, 991.2 GT2/3RS N2 spec. I use these as dual use street and track tires.
You need a helper.. that in and of itself negates your argument.
I use an Irwin clamp device to use between seat and brake to stop front wheels from moving and attach a bungy cord for steering wheel….no assistant needed….
The irony of people who drive impractical, over the top, high performance cars complaining about the impracticality of their over the top impractical wheels is not lost on me. If you want practical and sensible, is any Porsche GTS, Turbo or GT car that comes with center locks going to be your choice in the first place? Just asking for a friend.
For track use, it makes sense to get the standard lug nuts. Easier to change tires. For daily driving, I don't think regular lug nuts or center wheel locks make much of a difference if any - especially when it comes to flat tires. There's no spare tire anyway, so either use fix-o-flat and drive to the local repair shop or have it towed. Either way, no one is changing tires on the side of the road.
For track use, it makes sense to get the standard lug nuts. Easier to change tires. For daily driving, I don't think regular lug nuts or center wheel locks make much of a difference if any - especially when it comes to flat tires. There's no spare tire anyway, so either use fix-o-flat and drive to the local repair shop or have it towed. Either way, no one is changing tires on the side of the road.
Again, it is no more difficult changing wheels with center locks. I track my car quite regularly 20-25 track days/year), I rotate my tires every second track day and I have zero issues with the center locks.
08-12-2023, 06:16 PM
