I originally had a post in the non-technical section concerning the wheels I just got to replace my stock SE wheels. I now have to bring this conversation to this forum for some advice. The wheels that I got are American Racing Estrella 16X7 universal 4 lug. The holes are a hair off, so I figured I would have them drilled. A friend of mine, who has his own auto repair shop, told me that I should never consider having any wheel lug holes re-drilled. I figured that if I am having the wheels professionally drilled and balanced, what's the big deal? Is there something I'm missing?

 

The main reason I personally believe in why its a bad idea, is that it can affect the integrity of the wheel. I've seen "redrilled wheels" that ended up with oval or stacked holes for the lug studs. My Chevy Blazer has one of the aluminum wheels drilled like this, why I don't know because its only on one lug, but the lug nut needs to be retightened occasionally because it works itself loose. I can only imagine if that happened to ALL the lug nuts, especially since I don't toss my Blazer around nearly as much as I did my Seven.

 

Redrilling a wheel is a very bad idea, as previously mentioned, this will create a non-rounded hole which will allow for lug loosening as the best option, others that could be much more severe are certainly a possibility

 

i think if you turned it into a 8 lug wheel you would be alright just 4X110 in the space between each original lug hole. but it would have to be done by a rim shop that is pro at re drilling and balancing

 

Re-drilling a wheel is just bad news, bad carma, etc. It just opens up a can of worms that involves safety. I, personally, would never do it. And would recommend you don't either.

 

I would just spring for wheel adapters. More than likely about the same money if not less and overall much much safer. What size it is now?

 

If the original holes are welded up before the redrill there shouldnt be any issue.

A fill + drill is the only way to go unless there is room between the current holes to add another bolt pattern and the hub mounting surface is flat and has no releived areas.

 

Pics? Front and back please.

 

I am going to jump in here, are not the estrella's 4 x 108? (I may be wrong) so a 2mm differance, I am just asking so I can draw a better mental image

 

Guys, he has a GSL-SE. his bolt pattern is 4x114.3. The wheels in question are supposed to be 114.3 but they're a little off.

I personally wouldn't do it and buy another pair of wheels and sell those for scrap.

 

errr good point lol I obviously missed that, it also changes the picture for me drastically

nice catch jshiz

 

Instead of messing with and possibly messing up your wheels, why dont you look into changing the studs? maybe you can find a stud that is just a hair thinner or maybe a different thread pattern would not interfere as much with the wheel.

Summt racing sell a good variety of them and if they dont work, you can return them.

Just a thought...