New Twist - 5-Lug Fronts Options

[Eric_Shea]

For the cheap and easy 5-lug conversion, here's a new (old) twist on the 914 rotor method. As mentioned in the "5-Lug Question & Answer Thread":

<<My preference in doing this now would be to machine the rotors from the front and use screw in 14x1.5mm studs (yes, I can hear a few screaming in horror as I type this). IF DONE PROPERLY this would be my preferred method. First off; it will not cut into the webbing on the backside. Secondly; to do it properly would require Loctite “Red”… the permanent stuff. This is, after all, a permanent application. Late model rotors will need the centering ring machined off to work with Fuchs. This requires a bit more time and money at the machine shop but, a fairly common and easy practice.>>

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=105728

I decided to do a set this way and I'm "very" pleased with the results all around.

First, looking at the backside you can see none of the webs have to be cut out or removed. In order to press in a Verbus stud a major amount of the webbing on two webs had to be removed. Not here:


The key to doing this right is to use the "Red Stuff":


Here's the application on the threads:


Finished product:


Bottom line: 5x130 pattern with a 14x1.5 tap, 10 14/14x1.5 studs, Red locking compound and away you go. These are also late rotors that have had the centering ring milled off to accomodate the Fuchs. Yeah they're not Verbus but in this configuration I'll guarantee them against the life of the rotor (and then some). What I mean by and then some is, if you go through a rotor you can simply heat these with a MAP torch and remove them and use them on the new setup.

Again, if you're intent on using 914 rotors, I think this is not only the best way to do this (more meat on the back of the rotor and very clean install) but, quite accessable for the home mechanic. You just need to pay the machine shop. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Mike Bellis]

Since I have 930 rotors and callipers, I'm not in the market for a re-drill. It looks perfectly fine to me for a street car. If I were to re-drill, I may consider going to a 5x114.5 or some other bolt spread. Just think of the possible wheel choices with a different pattern. Of course, If you must have Fuchs you have to stay at 130mm.