Struts/steering/brakes update, What to change? Options

[mtndawg]

I have a ‘73 6 conversion 2.7l and a previous owner put on bmw brakes with stock 4 lug wheels. The car drives fine but I want to put on 5 lug Fuchs, which I have. I also have 911 struts with calipers that need to be refinished. I’ll get pmb involved for this. The calipers are not the fancy light weight version. Here’s my question…would it be worth the effort and $ to locate a full steering rack instead of just using the struts I have? Should I consider buying the lighter calipers rather than getting my current 911 calipers refinished? Would love to hear from people that have done this… Note: I’m just driving, not racing. The 5 lug Fuchs don’t fit over the bmw caliper.

[Montreal914]

If you haven't already, I would read this to start with. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

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

[brant]

It’s mostly a cosmetic change
Won’t improve handling unless the new tires are more sticky
Buy quality brake pads either way

Do it for looks if you want
But don’t expect significant improvements unless your current components(shocks /ball joints) are bad

[Shivers]

If you are fine with the trans and axles you are using the URO hubs worked fine
For me. Pressed in no problem. You will need to change the wheel bearings and lug bolts. If you are happy with your front suspension just get 911 3.5” caliper spacing struts, hubs, rotors, ball joints and wedge pins. May need to get an adapter for your hydraulic line for the new caliper. What ever you choose. These are the rear hubs and stub axles slipped in:

[914Sixer]

Driver cars do not need lighter calipers. Just use the 911 struts, upgrade to turbo tie rods. Unless steering rack is binding best to leave alone. Might replace donut bushing IF you drop the rack.

[Jack Standz]

I have a ‘73 6 conversion 2.7l and a previous owner put on bmw brakes with stock 4 lug wheels. The car drives fine but I want to put on 5 lug Fuchs, which I have. I also have 911 struts with calipers that need to be refinished. I’ll get pmb involved for this. The calipers are not the fancy light weight version. Here’s my question…would it be worth the effort and $ to locate a full steering rack instead of just using the struts I have? Should I consider buying the lighter calipers rather than getting my current 911 calipers refinished? Would love to hear from people that have done this… Note: I’m just driving, not racing. The 5 lug Fuchs don’t fit over the bmw caliper.

The 911 and 914 steering racks are interchangeable for your proposed purposes here. There may be very minor differences in things like lock-to-lock turns or the stock length of the steering shaft attached to the rack (if the wrong length, use your 914 shaft). However, the steering racks make zero difference for the change from 4 lug to 5 lug wheels. 930 "turbo" tie rods are a nice upgrade though with no concern for running with either a 911 or 914 rack. You can run 911 or 914 racks with either the 914 or 911 struts.

As for the 911 S calipers. We are running aftermarket 911 S calipers and they are great. Less weight bigger pads, vented rotors. We also have PMB restored "real" 911 S calipers and PMB restored A calipers, which would be nice choices as well and we are planning to use them on future projects. So, yes consider them, but nit a necessity. Don't know what size wheels you plan to use, but make sure the wheels will work with your proposed calipers.

If you decide to go with 911 control arms, understand you will need to run 911 torsion bars (different spline count) which are thicker and stiffer than stock 914 ones. If you run the 911 control arms, you can easily add the 911 front anti-sway bar which would affect handling (unless you already have a 914 fron bar, which you could keep if you weld on the proper mounts to the 911 control arms).

[mepstein]

If you want a better ride, get all the suspension up to new spec. New high quality rubber bushings, everything adjusted and calipers rebuilt with good pads. If it's mostly about 5 lug, You can update most of the existing parts to hang a 5 lug wheel on the car or use 911 struts and M calipers. - Both methods explained in Eric/PMB thread. No reason to change out a steering rack. 911 a-arms if you want a slightly higher spring rate.
Best to define your objectives and there will be plenty of suggestions on how to get there.

If I had a stock narrow body car, I would definitely keep it 4 lug with 2.0 Fuchs. They are forged, light and perfectly sized for a stock body car. It's a lot of parts and money to get that fits lug on the car. But If 5 lug is your dream, I get it.