5-lug conversion from 912?

[JRust]

Is the front end off a 912 a direct bolt in like the 911? I've got a line on a 912 I could get cheap. Kinda trashed but would it be worth it for the 5-lug suspension up front? Is the setup different than a 911 front end? Smaller brakes maybe? Just checking to see if this is a possibility. What are the pros & cons compared to the 911 front end? Thanks

[Zeke]

It will work, but they are probably solid rotors if it's an early car. Other than the five lug hubs, you have as good of a brake now.

[JRust]

Can you upgrade to bigger brakes easier from the 912. Maybe just put 911 rotors on it? Or just Calipers?

[SteveStromberg]

Actually, the 912 solid rotors weigh about half as much as the 911 vented rotors. Which is why, they were used on the 912 E. Remember, that rotors act as fly wheels and that turning those rotors, from a stand still, requires horsepower. In some cases, where the ventilated rear rotors and caliburs were installed in a type one, the chasiss dyno actually reported a loss of horsepower at the rear wheel, as compared to the same car when it was running drums.
Steve

[JRust]

What master cylinder does a 912 have? If I decided to go this route I would plan on upgrading to the 19mm MC. IS it necesary? Also are the 912 callipers the same as a 914's or are they bigger. What would be the most cost effective brake upgrade? The BMW calipers? Thanks for all the help guy's

[Zeke]

What year is this 912. The early ones had a single system M/C. The 19mm you mention should be a dual circuit M/C. You don't need a 19 unless you are putting bigger calipers on the front. Like S or A. Even with M's, your existing 17mm would be fine and it is already a dual system. Your best bet is to locate some 911 struts only with hubs, rotors and brakes and hang 'em on your existing A-arms. I don't know if the early 912 hubs and rotors are the same as a 914. I suspect there are some differences.

[echocanyons]

The early 912 rotors and calipers are the same as the 356 c models.

I dont think that they are much better if any than the 914.

[bernbomb914]

Dont forget the volvo alloy 4 pot calipers. They bolt on also and should be a big improvement.

[campbellcj]

The other issue with buying a "junk" front end, is that significant work and money might be involved before the parts are usable.

For example, I bought a 911SC complete front suspension off a parted-out car. But the strut inserts were worn, or at least certainly not what I wanted for a race car, and one strut was bent. The brake rotors were pretty worn and the calipers needed rebuilding. (Stuff I would do anyway, even if it "looked" ok). The hubs, a-arms, steering rack, cross-member, etc were fine but basically we ended up just using the one good strut and the brake calipers.

Moral of the story is, be sure you know what you're looking for, and inspect its condition carefully so you don't overpay or end up with stuff you'll just have to give/sell to somebody else later on...

[JRust]

Thanks for all the good input guys. If I end up buying that 912 I think I'll end up just selling it whole. I'll keep my eye open for the perfect deal on a 911 front end. It's out there I just gotta relax & wait.

[echocanyons]

Give Jim at EASY a call he has a 87 carrera susp. complete end to end for ~800
(510)-653-3279
Im sure he has others maybe cheaper too.