5x114.3 Conversion and SS/TC Brake Swap
02-12-2009, 03:42 AM
#51
Haz l33t wheelz.
Thread Starter
I have indeed. Not sure who did it, but i reported the frst post and asked, and the next morning it was a sticky. woot.
Now, moderators, what the hell is going on?
i just got thredjacked by to of the goofiest ************* alive.
Now, moderators, what the hell is going on?
i just got thredjacked by to of the goofiest ************* alive.
02-12-2009, 03:44 AM
#52
Original Hayden Fanatic
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would read again!
02-12-2009, 04:25 AM
#59
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So, the Brembo front conversion ran you, what, about $700 or something if I remember correctly? I want to do it down the road.. I like that fact that it's 100% OEM factory fit..
02-12-2009, 04:28 AM
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02-12-2009, 04:41 AM
#62
Senior Member
Cool conversion project. 
The only thing I can add is that if anyone tries to do something similar and modifies the rear axle assembly be very careful on properly welding the different mounting plate. You don't want the welds to fatigue, which is a real possibility due to the nature of the axle (hence the name "twist" beam or "torsion" beam, which is exactly what it does). There's a ton of testing on the OEM design to make sure it will hold up before hitting production. I've even seen some stock twist beam setups fail near that location on other cars so a good periodic inspection might also be smart.
The only thing I can add is that if anyone tries to do something similar and modifies the rear axle assembly be very careful on properly welding the different mounting plate. You don't want the welds to fatigue, which is a real possibility due to the nature of the axle (hence the name "twist" beam or "torsion" beam, which is exactly what it does). There's a ton of testing on the OEM design to make sure it will hold up before hitting production. I've even seen some stock twist beam setups fail near that location on other cars so a good periodic inspection might also be smart.
02-12-2009, 04:54 AM
#63
Haz l33t wheelz.
Thread Starter
^ The builder is well aware of this, so the mounting plate is being reinforced quite well. The way this is set up, i will be able to adjust camber and toe.
I would not suggest that just anybody go out and start cutting and welding things together.
the brembo's cost me a little over $600 but don't expect that as the average, the parts alone from GM are closer to $800, and the parking brake linkage is different for the TC cars, so, as far as i know, the front ones are the only peices that work without modification.
I would not suggest that just anybody go out and start cutting and welding things together.
the brembo's cost me a little over $600 but don't expect that as the average, the parts alone from GM are closer to $800, and the parking brake linkage is different for the TC cars, so, as far as i know, the front ones are the only peices that work without modification.
Last edited by ls1fbody; 02-12-2009 at 04:54 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
02-12-2009, 02:33 PM
#65
Haz l33t wheelz.
Thread Starter
hubs? only if you have a TC. the reason for this is that the LS/LT/SS.SC all have the same size hub openings in the knuckle, the TC is much larger. I think you could do it though. Not totally sure. I think Maven or Qwik will see that question soon and make a comment.
edit: yes, the brakes are direct bolt on, you'll just have to find wheels to clear it.
edit: yes, the brakes are direct bolt on, you'll just have to find wheels to clear it.
Last edited by ls1fbody; 02-12-2009 at 02:33 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
02-12-2009, 04:25 PM
#68
The park brake linkage is different but the rear caliper and rotors bolt right on with a few changes: You need to remove the backing plates, you need to run TC brakes hoses(different sized banjo) the park brake "linkage" is different but SC cables will work just fine.
Yes. Yes Yes Yes. This has been discussed like eleventeen-hundred times
02-15-2009, 06:54 AM
#72
Haz l33t wheelz.
Thread Starter
i don't want wheel options like you, i'm glad i don't own an EVO lol. But yeah, i wanted better wheel options that the 5x110 pattern allowed, and i ended up up grading more than that.
02-15-2009, 01:08 PM
#74
Senior Member
in order to do this in a strong reliable manner it takes new wheel bearings, from a Pontiac Grand Am 04 vintage. abs works in cars up to early 07. you need special Koni challenge axle shafts (200 each)and grand am pontiac outer cv bells OR Cobalt TC axles (cheaper but a lot heavier. For my conversion i went Koni style, for the lighter axle shafts with the aforementioned Grand Am wheel bearings, but in 5 x 110 ; for Beckmeister here, (LSJ Fbody) I chose TC shafts, with TCknuckles, grand am wheel bearings, 5 x 4.5 (114.3) in both our cars, we cannot use TC wheelbearings due to our abs wheel speed tooth count.
The twisting beam conversion is not for the faint hearted. As correctly pointed out here, the twisting beam can fail, so care must be taken. So the front conversion to 114.3 is relatively easy, the rear is a bitch and needs welding new plates.Trust me I am trying to figure out a way to make it possible, without welding and changing, but the stock rear wheel bearing on a Cobalt is not the strongest animal in the world, and the pontiac wheel bearing is waaaay stronger with a completely different mounting pattern and over-all bearing length.
The twisting beam conversion is not for the faint hearted. As correctly pointed out here, the twisting beam can fail, so care must be taken. So the front conversion to 114.3 is relatively easy, the rear is a bitch and needs welding new plates.Trust me I am trying to figure out a way to make it possible, without welding and changing, but the stock rear wheel bearing on a Cobalt is not the strongest animal in the world, and the pontiac wheel bearing is waaaay stronger with a completely different mounting pattern and over-all bearing length.
