One question from a potential 5 lugger.

[Driftster]

For the past month or so i've been lurking and reading up on the parts and work required for a 5 lug swap.

I've sourced all the parts cars locally i'll need in the various scrap yards and have even requested a few days off work in order to get all of this done at my leisure.

The one question i have that i have yet to see ANYONE bring up is performance.

I know doing a 5 lug will increase braking area and improve performance (as i plan on having a M30 in my 325e sooner than later) But what about the cornering/stability/reliability you'll get from a 5 lug change.

Say i chop up Spindles and use spacers, will i have killed my suspension geometry or will it be unchanged, or will it be better?

In terms of cornering ability would i be seeing an improvement (if for instance you say the donor parts are in tip top shape).

Ontop of that, is it a "I got my swap done and i'm ok for now" job...Or once i've done this job will i have to go back in and get camber adjustment/fix kits and new this that and the others just to get it back to reasonable driving.

I am aware of the wheel options that will be availible to me, and it's a big bonus and all but i'm more interested in the increase in footprint i can have due to increased rubber sizes..

Any info/feedback on "yous guys" experiences with this swap and the weird kinks that came along with doing it that you had to dive back into to hammer out would be GREATLY appreciated...

Thank you
-tyler

[JTapper]

5-lug doesn't improve your cornering ability.

What would make you think that it would?

[Driftster]

Not the 5 lug alone, but the changes in suspension pieces...

The insert, the new hardware, the change in Control arms and bushings, the increase in tire size, as well as the increase brake size. All of the replaced parts that would constitute an upgrade on the standard car using intended parts.

I'm not saying the # of lug nuts would attribute to anything....

[hoveringuy]

Having just switched, I can say it drives/handles better. There was something I liked about the 14" wheels, it was fun sliding the car around on those skinny sections, but the tall sidewall always felt squirmy. Plus it's tough finding quality rubber in 14".

17" wheels feel much different. It's really changed the car.

[Driftster]

Thank you, that is exactly what i was looking for..

I was worried once i do the change over i'd need to immediately invest in a camber kit, and this that and the other just to get the thing to feel "right" again..

Much appreciated.

any other input is still welcome.

[JTapper]

FYI: 5-lug 17" wheels and 4-lug 17" wheels will ride the same.


EDIT: Depending on what you use for the swap, you'll need some camber/caster correction.

If you're thinking that you can swap a few parts and have a great handling powerful braking E30, you're in for a surprise.

[Driftster]

Except i don't think that, and i don't really understand why you'd think i'm going into this thinking i can use a pair of vice grips and a 20 dollar walmart tool set with a stock trunk jack to get the job done either.

I'm just looking from some insight from people who have done this swap and see a gain in "handling characteristics" other than TIRE changes that justified the means..

Personally the tire options availible to me in my area for dirt cheap are reason enough, but it'd be nice to go into this thing knowing that when all is said and done my suspension handle a bit nicer and the ride will be more intuitive so to speak than if i were to just go out and buy a set of 17x8 4x100's.....

I know you're trying to help JTapper, but i just want some input i don't really want someone to tell me "Whoa man you're in for it now thinking an extra lug makes you cooler"


follow up Q: Moderate/High HP buildouts with a 5 lug..

Anyone have experience with it? would i run into potential safety risks or would these parts changes not affect overall durability.

[hoveringuy]

You can run 4 lug or 5 lug just as reliably with a bigger motor.

One way or another, you will need bigger wheels and better brakes.

There were some bigger 4 lug wheels I really like and I could have gotten better brakes with them, too, but the 5 lug route was the most cost-effective route for me plus I really love the DS2's.

You can reach your goals either way.

[clarkbmw325is]

You can run 4 lug or 5 lug just as reliably with a bigger motor.

One way or another, you will need bigger wheels and better brakes.

There were some bigger 4 lug wheels I really like and I could have gotten better brakes with them, too, but the 5 lug route was the most cost-effective route for me plus I really love the DS2's.

You can reach your goals either way.

SECOND! OBD1 s52 with e36 M3 fronts and 318ti rears with staggered DS2's on mine and I love it. Plus, 8.5's in the back give provide more grip than stock weaves...

[McGyver]

i've always wondered, why can't you put a five lug hub on a stock strut?

[Driftster]

Thank you all very much for the quick responses, and darkbmw that is exactly what I had in mind in terms of traction control.

Looks like its a sure thing now. Btw the "driftster" name is just one that stuck, I have no intention of drifting or anything if that's what anyone was thinking..

Thanks again.

[JTapper]

i've always wondered, why can't you put a five lug hub on a stock strut?

The stub on an E36 is bigger than an E30.

I'm working with a machinist on a solution. PM me in a few weeks if you'd like an update on the progress.

The goal is to produce a plug-n-play kit to allow E30 owners to run E36 hubs and brakes on an E30 spindle. We're finding that some minor modification to the E36 carrier may be required, but we'll see.


Ib4someonesaysthey'vetriedthatbeforeandfailed.