Q about converting to 914/6, more to do w/wheels & hubs Options

[Mike McGrath]

Do you have to swap over to five lugs and the different axle / hub assembly if you are dropping in a 6 cylinder? I know it has benefits of its own, but is this a "must have" item for the engine convert? I already figured on replacing the springs / shocks to cover the added weight and power, but what else?

Thanks,

Mike (in Portland)

[Porsche Rescue]

I have a 2.7 six in my car with 4-lug and stock brakes. The primary reason to change to 5-lug in my opinion is to have a wider selection of wheels and widths (most just want the look of Fuchs forged alloys). I have 7" wide 15" wheels which is all you need for the widest tires you can fit under a stock bodied car.
As to the bigger brakes possible with 5-lug, I don't think that is critical. While it is nice to have more brake on any car, 2 more cylinders don't make the car any harder to stop. Grip is more of a limiting factor than caliper/disc size. The added weight of a six is no more than a passenger. My top speed will not increase significantly with a six over a four, I will just get there faster!
Unless you're going racing, 4 lug is fine.