Is there any performance to be gained from 5lug swap?

[harrisso1]

Is it only so we can fit a bigger wheel? or are there other reasons for doing it?

[Ralphie]

The only thing Id say, is bigger rotors/stopping power, but Im not sure if the 5 lug has anything to do with this.

Its the big brake upgrade ...usually how it's referred too.

As far as 5-lug, everyone does it for different types of wheels, but it serves no performance gains that im aware of.

[Straight Success]

The only performance gain as Ralpie has mention is better stopping ability. The larger rotors mated to larger pads that come in contact with each other means more surface area contact that gives you much better braking. Will you notice it in daily driving? Probably not. However, it will probably be noticed on a track.

EDIT: Not necessarily for bigger wheels, but a better selection. There are more cars on the road in America that use a 5 x 114.3 pattern as opposed to a 4 x 114.3 pattern. This give modders a MUCH GREATER selection of wheels. Just look at my car.

[harrisso1]

Ok thanks for helping me understand... there are parts listed on my local craigslist for the rear disc conversion. I will wait and research ALL options before purchaing. Im use to going from drum to disc, and from a disc brake to drilled or slotted. this is the first vehicle ive owned where 4 to 5 lug wheels are considered an upgrade or mod. Cool seems to be reasonable from what im reading.

[MikeW]

One thing to consider, if you get bigger rotors and calipers, you'll need bigger wheels. Bigger wheels mean more weight. I know it's not a lot of weight but its food for thought.

[HardInThePaint]

I don't think anybody does this swap for any other reason than its different and it looks kind of baller. The majority of CB owners I've seen with this swap don't even utilize the aftermarket wheel selection. They just seem to use Honda/Acura wheels that have 5 lugs (Prelude, TL, SI, etc).

As for bigger brakes, like already said I don't see the use unless you need extra stopping power. Hardly nobody here tracks their car so I'm not sure if the bigger brakes are even a plus. I think cats just want bigger brakes just to have them.

[deevergote]

There are plenty of 4 lug options for larger brakes. That's really not the reason anyone does it.
People only do the 5 lug conversion to be different, to give the car a more updated look ("better" cars generally have 5 lugs instead of 4 these days), and to open up new wheel options. Popular 5 lug wheel options include newer Accord, Civic, and S2000 wheels.

[Straight Success]

A 4 lug big brake upgrade will cost you more than a 5 lug conversion with the larger stock rotors.

[deevergote]

True... but a 5 lug conversion will also require new wheels, which adds to the cost considerably.

[Straight Success]

Lol...

True, true.

[deevergote]

I suppose it depends on whether or not getting new wheels is part of the plan as well. I've considered a 5 lug swap myself, but I don't think I'll bother unless I find wheels that I want that are exclusively 5 lug (the wheels I really want are discontinued and damn hard to find...)

5 lug seems to be where things are going now, though. The most up to date wheel options are likely going to be 5 lug, so unless you're going for a classic look, or for cheapie 4 lug wheels, 5 lug is the way to go.

[harrisso1]

I'm new to the import tuning world and i like the fact that options are limitless... after tweaking everything else possible if i decide i wanna go 5 lug then ill do it. I never thought of the idea that it looks baller but 4 lugs do seem a thing of the past... Honestly at first i thought it was done for the crazy camber or better suspension. which i why i asked

[deevergote]

Nah, it has nothing to do with the suspension, or getting more negative camber (I can't wait until that stupid trend dies!)

[Straight Success]

Honestly, it's a waste of money when you consider it. It's not a necessity, nor does it serve any other purpose except to say, "hey, I'm 5 lug converted, and I can have 1 more evenly spaced hole on my wheels!"

[Tippey764]

A 4 lug big brake upgrade will cost you more than a 5 lug conversion with the larger stock rotors.

Not true

I can go get wagon rotors and pads for about the same price as coupe / sedan rotors and pads and all i need is 2 calipers

I would need those exact same calipers if i was going with a 5 lug setup anyways.