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?

[bulitt]

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?

Minimum clearance would be that which results in nothing rubbing. Particularly at full suspension compression. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
These cars have a variation in build dimensions. There is plenty of room in the front fenders with the 7" flare. Depending on wheel and tire choice more than likely it will be screaming for spacers on the front. The rears are different. With 9" flares you will need to fine tune your spacers dependent on tire width, wheel offset, wheel width, and desired camber. Generally speaking mounting 15 or 16 inch Fuchs 7&8" wide are a known commodity. When you go to 17" or taller wheel, or aftermarket wheel you will need to test fit to determine your spacer requirement. This really needs to be done with equivalent rear weight representing your conversion. A SBC will require stiffer springs or the squish will result in allot of camber then the inside rear tire will rub. Plenty of threads here concerning oversize wheels and tires. Have Fun.