five lug, five lug conversion options Options

[cooler]

I have read many threads on five lug conversions. Most are concerned with narrow body wheel/tire clearances. I plan on flared fenders so I'm not that concerned about widening the track and would actually welcome wider track.

Running modern wheel off sets requires the use of spacers. It would be nice to convert to five lug and minimize wheel spacer requirement at the same time.

I have envisioned adapting 944 (five lug) spindles to the 914 struts. The 944 spindle is bolted to an annular bracket at the bottom of the strut. The 914 spindle would be removed and the 944 spindle/annular bracket welded to the 914 strut. The spindle could also be welded at a higher location on the 914 strut to correct suspension geometry on lowered cars (raised spindle). This hybrid 914/944 strut would move the hub about 40mm outboard eliminating the need for wheel spacers with modern wheel offsets.

At the back billet wheel bearing retainers could be fabricated that move the bearing and hub outboard. Of course longer half shafts would be needed. Reportedly 944 half shafts are 1" longer than 914 half shafts.

Is anyone with me so far?

[cooler]

thanks for the response. You are correct about the steering arm on the 944 knuckle it is not even in the ball park and would require a lot of R&D.

To select the correct thickness wheel spacer, what is considered minimum clearance between strut and tire? or inner fender and tire?

[bdstone914]

thanks for the response. You are correct about the steering arm on the 944 knuckle it is not even in the ball park and would require a lot of R&D.

To select the correct thickness wheel spacer, what is considered minimum clearance between strut and tire? or inner fender and tire?

What engine and what kind of horsepower is the car going to have? That should influence how you do the rear conversion regarding hubs , CV'S etc..