why 5 lug??

Robocop · 01-14-2003, 06:36 AM

My 92 GT project is now in my garage awaiting more cash to complete.This stroker proved to be a little more than I had planned for.My question is about the 5 lug conversion.I have put much money in this car and do not want to scimp on the other important areas.Is the 5 lug swap that much better than 4 lug and if so why?I have searched this site and found many pics but little info.on why so many choose this swap.My set up will be the DSS 331 with AFR heads,systemax intake and 8 lbs of Vortech boost.Will I need this swap along with other suspension goodies?Also is it possible to have rear disc brakes and stay with 4 lug?All the mags.I read show this 5 lug swap and disc brake conversion to be very costly so I thought it must be something very good to be so much yet so many people have it.Thanks for any help and this will be one of many posts to come as I am not very educated on the finer points of engine building and will need much help....Thanks

88workcar · 01-14-2003, 06:50 AM

For rim choices. You can run deep tens with 4 lug.

squid · 01-14-2003, 08:19 AM

I agree , it seems to be mostly about having a much broader selection of rims to choose from. I guess the 5 lugs would have some advantage as far as clamping power onto the spindle but unless your road racing I cant see a big advantage. Some aftermarket rear axles might only come with 5 lugs also then you would want to change over the fronts to match.

302 LX Eric · 01-14-2003, 08:38 AM

Yep, it's mainly about rim choices, but 5-lugs are stronger too. Plus, most '5 star' wheels look silly with 4 lugs, IMO.

You can do a 5-lug conversion with drum brakes in the back to help save money - a friend of mine did this swap by specifing the drum brakes from an 80's Courgar or Thunderbird - can't remember the exact year or model.

E

Mach 1 · 01-14-2003, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Robocop
?Also is it possible to have rear disc brakes and stay with 4 lug?

Yes. My friend has a T-bird rear end with disc brakes in his stang, and 4 lugs. dont know if the bird has 4 -lug axles, or if he changed them out.

and many of the conversion kits reatain the stock, 4 lug axles.

IMO, save your money. 4 lugs do the job just fine, and there are plenty of wheels to choose from.

chatcher · 01-15-2003, 10:21 PM

i admit it i did it for the wheels

Tim89LXvert · 01-20-2003, 01:06 PM

There are two main reasons to do it.

Wheel selection and braking capability.

Check this site out for more options: Matt's Page

01-14-2003, 06:36 AM	#1
Robocop Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Birmingham, Al Posts: 65	why 5 lug?? My 92 GT project is now in my garage awaiting more cash to complete.This stroker proved to be a little more than I had planned for.My question is about the 5 lug conversion.I have put much money in this car and do not want to scimp on the other important areas.Is the 5 lug swap that much better than 4 lug and if so why?I have searched this site and found many pics but little info.on why so many choose this swap.My set up will be the DSS 331 with AFR heads,systemax intake and 8 lbs of Vortech boost.Will I need this swap along with other suspension goodies?Also is it possible to have rear disc brakes and stay with 4 lug?All the mags.I read show this 5 lug swap and disc brake conversion to be very costly so I thought it must be something very good to be so much yet so many people have it.Thanks for any help and this will be one of many posts to come as I am not very educated on the finer points of engine building and will need much help....Thanks __________________ 1992 G.T. oxford white

01-14-2003, 06:50 AM	#2
88workcar Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Pierre Part, La. U.S.A. Posts: 1,850	For rim choices. You can run deep tens with 4 lug. __________________ 88workcar 1988 Mustang LX 342. 417rwhp @ 6800. 28 X 10 ET Drag, 4.30s, 10.69 @ 126.43 1.42 60ft. 11.13 @ 127.7 on BFGs 1.72 60ft Rice Hater # 42 To be old and wise, You must first be young and stupid I'm somewhere in tthe middle.

01-14-2003, 08:19 AM	#3
squid Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Dayton, OHIO Posts: 73	I agree , it seems to be mostly about having a much broader selection of rims to choose from. I guess the 5 lugs would have some advantage as far as clamping power onto the spindle but unless your road racing I cant see a big advantage. Some aftermarket rear axles might only come with 5 lugs also then you would want to change over the fronts to match. __________________ 93'GT 5spd. Underdrives, FMS clutch, adjustable quadrant,Flowmasters, Kenny Brown subframe connectors, 3.73 gears, Steeda Tri-Ax. JBA shorties, BBK h-pipe. More to come.

01-14-2003, 08:38 AM	#4
302 LX Eric or '331 LX Eric' Join Date: Jan 1999 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 2,142	Yep, it's mainly about rim choices, but 5-lugs are stronger too. Plus, most '5 star' wheels look silly with 4 lugs, IMO. You can do a 5-lug conversion with drum brakes in the back to help save money - a friend of mine did this swap by specifing the drum brakes from an 80's Courgar or Thunderbird - can't remember the exact year or model. E __________________ 1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 40,750 miles 331 cu. in. / Tremec 3550 / BFG Drag Radials 12.22 @ 114.31 mph - w/1.89 60'

01-15-2003, 10:21 PM	#6
chatcher Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: butler pa Posts: 303	i admit it i did it for the wheels __________________ 92lx wannabe saleen

01-20-2003, 01:06 PM	#7
Tim89LXvert Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Toledo, Ohio, USA Posts: 269	There are two main reasons to do it. Wheel selection and braking capability. Check this site out for more options: Matt's Page __________________ 1989 LX Convertible, blue with white top and leather, 5 speed. Engine: GT40 al. heads, Cobra intake, TFS cam, 1.7RR, etc.... LOLDrivetrain: SPEC II clutch & FMS Billet flywheel, Pro 5.0 shifter w/Cobra knob and aluminum driveshaft through 3.73:1 gears.Chassis: 4 wheel disk w/Cobra front brakes, GT rears and 2001 "Bullitt" wheels Rear: MM adjustable LCAs with Griggs springs, KYB shocks. Front: Koni red struts, FMS "C" springs and full poly bushings. Full length MM sub frame connectors, steeda 2pt. K-brace.Misc.: 130a alt. upgrade, R134a conversion. Photos of my car