I'd like to get metal stems (still have the original rubber stems). Which are the best ones? Where do you get them? Is it worthwhile to add a TPMS?

 

I just buy the red ones from eBay. There is all different colors. You can buy volk or some other expensive one but it doesn't make a difference. I personally hate tpms systems. Everyone I have seen is so touchy and inaccurate it is more of a hassle then a help. You should be checking tire pressure regularly anyways so no need for tpms in my book.

 

I like these ones http://949racing.com/blackanodizedaluminumvalve.aspx
There are other "colors" as well

 

I'm guessing there are a few parameters:

• What diameter is the valve stem hole?
• How tall should it be?
• Should it be fastened from inside the wheel or outside the wheel
• And from that 949 valve, should the nut be against the washer or should there be a spacer.

This is the 949 valve stem:




These are some others from Keyser Mfg and Allstar Performance:

 

I have never seen anyone answer their own question as much as you do. It is quite bizarre. The part that goes through the wheel is usually the same size but the seals can be larger or smaller. Every valve stem I have seem has a rubber seal on both the inside and on the outside of the wheel but it is usually tightened on the inside only. Considering they are a wear item and even metal ones will end up needing to be replaced eventually I like the cheap ones from ebay. The 949 ones are nice as well but a bit more expensive.

 

As more info is posted and researched, I develop more questions. I'll usually go until there seems to be a stable, comprehensive answer.

Most of the metal stems seem to have a flange cast into the metal section on one side (usually the inside, which makes sense) and a washer and nut on the other side. The rubber piece has a cylinder that is close tolerance to the hole in the wheel and a flange that rests on the molded flange. Tightening the nut causes the washer to compress the rubber piece tightly pressing it against hole.

Key issues are durability and access. Few things are more annoying than having a broken valve stem just before a track session or autocross run. They aren't fun on the road either. Access is important in a racing scenario where the pressures are checked and adjusted frequently. Several companies make valve stem extenders.

This is a very small $$ purchase...less than $15. But is much more expensive than that to change and will typically be in place a year or more.

I'll need to order in the next day or so...I expect to have the tires mounted next Tuesday or Wednesday. Although, I don't expect Honda's to win at Monaco or Indy on the preceding weekend.

 

Sorry I don't understand what you mean by access? For me the fewer pieces that can move the better hence why I like the 949 style or the ebay ones I have bought where there is no un on the outside of the lip and at least the ones I have have 2 nuts on the inside. I have never had one come loosein plenty of street driving on really rough roads. They were fine at the track as well with multiple pressure checks in between sessions. These are the ones I have.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-NEW-RED-VA...59c3a1&vxp=mtr

They come in plenty of colors and are cheap enough to replace if they fade, break etc.

 

I have used the 949 ones over the years. They do their job and look nice!

 

Will these stems work on any rim?

 

They should. The hole size seems pretty universal. The only ones that may need something different is if the stem in mounted int he barrel of the wheel rather than the lip requiring a longer stem.