Alright, so I finally did it. Decided to get some proper slicks for the car. Been wanting to try this for ages, see what difference it really makes when you’re pushing it.
Getting Started
First things first, had to clear some space in the garage. Moved the bikes, the lawnmower, all that junk out of the way. Then, I grabbed my trusty old floor jack and the jack stands. Safety first, you know? Don’t want the car falling on me halfway through.
Got the car positioned right where I wanted it. Chocked the wheels that were staying on the ground for now. Cracked the lug nuts loose on one corner before jacking it up – always easier when the wheel isn’t spinning freely.
The Swap
Jacked up the front end first. Slid the jack stands underneath the frame points. Made sure they were solid. Then finished taking the lug nuts off. Pulled the old wheel off – man, felt weird seeing the brakes and suspension just hanging there.
Grabbed one of the slicks mounted on its rim. Hefted it into place. These things feel different, kinda sticky even just handling them. Lined up the holes, pushed it onto the studs. Put the lug nuts back on, hand-tight for now. Did the same for the other front wheel.
Lowered the front just enough to stop the wheels spinning, then snugged the nuts up a bit more in that star pattern everyone tells you to use. Then moved the whole operation to the back. Jacked it up, put stands underneath, swapped the rear wheels too. Same process, really.
Finishing Up
Once all four slicks were on and hand-tightened, I lowered the car completely. Grabbed the torque wrench. Looked up the spec for my car – don’t want to guess on this bit. Went around again, tightening each lug nut properly in the star pattern until the wrench clicked.
Stepped back to take a look. Yeah, it definitely looks more serious now. Much wider, fills the wheel wells way more. You can just tell it means business.
- Got the car jacked up safely.
- Swapped all four wheels for the slicks.
- Torqued the lug nuts to the correct spec.
Didn’t take it for a drive obviously, these aren’t for the street. Just rolled it back and forth in the garage a bit. Feels solid. Now I just gotta wait for the next track day to really see what they can do. Pretty happy with how it went, straightforward job really.
