It is finally done

[madd_dogg_914]

Well, after a lot of headaches , heartaches , and bit*ch'n from the women
IT IS FINALLY DONE!!!

I have successfully converted to the Porsche 5 lug setup. Never in my life have I been so happy when I drove my car around the block. If you can imagine something going wrong while doing this conversion, IT WILL. In addition to the parts I knew I was going to have to get, I also got the following (either out of neccesity, or just because I plain wanted them)

Brand new front OE Koni shocks (price: Don't ask)
140lb rear springs (needed to get the back to sit lower)
New turbo tie rods (needed ends so why not go all the way)
New Brake pads (PO installed racing pads, crap for the street)
Stainless steel brake line kit (had to)
New rear wheel bearings (should have known!!!)
Brake fluid (I was just plain stupid when I forgot that)
Needed to do some welding (damage from a previous accident I didn't know was there)
Rear brake pads (why not)
Rear 914-6 rotors (what was I thinking without getting these!)

Let me just say: Thank God for Pelican Parts! You are my Savior!

And of course, here are the pictures (total cost of conversion including wheels, tires, all parts, plus 911 stuff = $1,200, Plus all but my very last nerve) Worth it . . . HELL YEAH!!!

[madd_dogg_914]

And I just want to thank Jim Smolka for providing me with these wheels for a great price.

Thanks Jim (I hope you check these posts)

[cshogen]

Niiiiice!

[rockaria]

Oh yeah, that's really sharp. Great looking car. I really like the fully polished Fuch rims you have.

I did my conversion a month ago and it is the best money I have spent. There is nothin' like driving with Fuch rims. I go by the mall a lot (Mirror windows and all.) I know it's like I am 16 all over again!

To anyone teetering on the edge of deciding weather or not to go 5-lug... Just Do It!

Not Many 75-76 914's with 5-lug. I have only seen a handfull, but I think its the best looking way to go. I thought about 72 bumpers or GT, but I really like the 75 look with Fuch rims.

[tat2dphreak]

that is Sweet Man!! Congratulations!! it's does me good, as someone who really just started, to see someone who has finished and has done a great job!

[3D914]

TOOO COOOL - madd_dogg!

I've just started aquiring parts for the 5-lug conversion on my Signal Orange Club Racer. Found a great set of 16x6 for front, and 16x7 for rear.

Yours look like 6in all around - correct? I noticed you didn't add flares or have the fenders rolled, so I doubt you could fit 7's.

Anyway looks great. I can't wait to finish mine.

BTW, what 911 setup did you use for the front?

Enjoy!

[madd_dogg_914]

Yeah, they are 16 x 6 at all four corners with 205-55-16 rubber (more than enough for me)

The rear is:
140lb progressive springs
914-4 calipers
914-6 rotors
early style hubs drilled and studded for 5 lug

The front is all 914 including stock sway bar.
With the complete strut and brake assembly out of a 1977 911S.
It has the aluminum "S" calipers and brand new Konis.

I have also (obviously) upgraded to the 19mm master cylinder.

The best thing you can do is to figure out what your goal is. For me I wanted to keep the stock 914 appearance (i.e. no flares) yet add a lot of class to an already very classy car. However had this been for Auto-X I would have definitely done things differently. Best advice I can give you is to not rush yourself. If you are too rushed you will overpay for stuff. I had been aquiring parts for about 6 months before I had it all (and I had still forgot stuff) Just wait for something to come to you . . . It will. Also, check eBay often. It is a great place to get a great deal, and it is a great place to get totally screwed, so shop conciously.

Another bit of my $.02

Chris, 914 LOVER!!!

[Jim Smolka]

Chris,

The wheels look GREAT!!!

Congrats on finishing the project.

So what is next?

[madd_dogg_914]

Well, this coming Monday I am doing body work with the help of the most skilled body man I know . . . My Dad! After that I am taking my car in to get painted on July 15th (which is my birthday, so this is a birthday present to myself!!!) After that I get to find a new project. I am think Bug, Bus or 356 . . . Guess which one I can afford.

HAHA