Wheel stud length

[Runningwild]

I'm assembling the rear suspension on the 68 S2. I plan on using a larger wheel 14" or 15". Do I need to replace the wheel studs with longer ones than stock?  Plan on a panasport type wheel.

[BDA]

I think if you have the chance, it makes sense to upgrade to bigger studs. I don't think it's critical, but probably a good idea. Better to have studs larger than you might need then wish you had them later.

Edit:
I just noticed that I didn't address your question of the length and not the diameter - please don't tell my first grade teacher who taught me to read!

Addressing the length, the lug nuts need to engage at least 4 complete threads. Having said that, as I said earlier, I would take the opportunity to fit larger studs and also have tapered holes in the wheels rather than the style of the Lotus Brand wheels.

[andy harwood]

Oddly enough, I had just measured the wheel studs today. about 1 1/2" long, total length, and 3/8th dia.
I have 15 inch Rota mini lite type rims, they use the cone type lug nuts. I purchased the lug nuts from R D ent.  I did not change from original studs, after reading your post, I put a hub up to a wheel, and looked at how much thread would be engaged. It appears about 1/4 - 3/8ths inch engagement. I'll try to give a more accurate reading tomorrow.

[Runningwild]

Thanks. Glad you mentioned the bigger / longer studs.  Would a 1/2" stud fit the hub without machining. The Banks rear disc brake kit rotors have 1/2" holes.  I'll call Ray and Rivhard to see what's available.

[BDA]

I have 12mm studs. I don't remember doing anything special to get them to fit (I have Richard's vented front disc brake kit and rear disc kit and twin link). Unfortunately, I had already bought wheels for the 3/8" studs. Luckily, there was enough meat on the metal conical inserts of the wheels that they could be drilled out for the studs.

[andy harwood]

Haven't some used Land Rover studs, and been able to go up on size?
Check autozone or advance auto web site. I think you can search by size. I'm going there now, see what I can find to match to VW hubs, lol.

[EuropaTC]

I used MG Rover studs on mine, which are 12mm and much longer than the 3/8" OEM studs, but adjusted the length to fit the wheels. I think you've got to set the length based on your new wheel section. I reduced the length of my studs slightly as I had 13" Cosmic alloys on at the time but was planning to fit MGF 15" wheels later, and they use a wheel nut which is almost recessed in the wheel itself as a centering method (I think)

If you're fitting longer studs you might need to check the spare wheel if you've got a steel spare. To get the wheel on properly I needed spacers to take up the extra stud length and the holes needed drilling out to accommodate the 12mm studs.

More here.... 

http://www.martley.plus.com/lotusland2016/europa/16europa11.html

[Runningwild]

Called Richard at Banks and ordered the 12mm kit designed for the Banks rear disc.  They are longer than normal and fit the mini lite wheel.   Glad the pound to dollar exchange is better now as I've bought a lot of Banks stuff lately