5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
04-22-2009
#1
Prowlin' with a Purpose
Thread Starter
iTrader: (16)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Minnesota
Age: 41
Posts: 5,239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 314 
5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
well i been struggling with this for a little while now, but i finally got it all done, well enough to where its driveable
things you need
basic stuff-
base rsx knuckles, front and rear
rsx front lower control arms(stocks can be modified to work by using tapered washers and taking up the slack)
if you have an 03-05 you dont need to modify the front struts
if you have an 01-02 you can either get the later style struts and knuckle bolts, or you can drill out the strut holes and use larger bolts
rsx rear calipers and disks, brake hoses
rsx/ep3 parking brake cables
5 lug wheels 5x114.3
optional stuff-
type s front calipers, front rotors, and brake hoses, brake dust shields
if doing type s brakes, you need at LEAST 16" rims to clear the front brakes
why the specific parts:
base front knuckles-
well as i found out, the type s front hubs, and cv joints do NOT spline to the civic axles, but the civic axles do spline into the base rsx hubs
lower control arms-
the rsx lower ball joints are about 2mm longer than the civic ones, so if you used the civic lower control arms without the tapered washers, you will have some play and be overall bad and loose suspension bits could cause some unwanted tire damage and compromised handling
type s dust shields-
they have HUGE air ducts that are going to help with brake fade
i went with the type s brakes, and 06 civic lx steel wheels, and they barely clear the type s brakes
i also went with the type s front knuckles, but i had to buy the base rsx/ep3 front hubs and bearings to work, i found that IF you used the civic abs sensors on the front and rear, the abs still functions! no hybrid axles needed!
but i havent quite gotten the front struts modified yet, so the alignment goes all out of whack when under hard cornering
basically, everything bolts up even the rear knuckles, swap the rear knuckles with the rear disk conversion
the front is pretty straight forward, unless you go with the type s brakes, for that you need to press out the hubs, and swap the dust shields, OR you could get the type s knuckles, and swap the hubs and bearings out and change them out, the type s and base front wheel bearings are the same part number, so whichever approach you want, it will work either way
sorry i dont have any pics or anything.. but im still working out the kinks but its on the car, and everything works
things you need
basic stuff-
base rsx knuckles, front and rear
rsx front lower control arms(stocks can be modified to work by using tapered washers and taking up the slack)
if you have an 03-05 you dont need to modify the front struts
if you have an 01-02 you can either get the later style struts and knuckle bolts, or you can drill out the strut holes and use larger bolts
rsx rear calipers and disks, brake hoses
rsx/ep3 parking brake cables
5 lug wheels 5x114.3
optional stuff-
type s front calipers, front rotors, and brake hoses, brake dust shields
if doing type s brakes, you need at LEAST 16" rims to clear the front brakes
why the specific parts:
base front knuckles-
well as i found out, the type s front hubs, and cv joints do NOT spline to the civic axles, but the civic axles do spline into the base rsx hubs
lower control arms-
the rsx lower ball joints are about 2mm longer than the civic ones, so if you used the civic lower control arms without the tapered washers, you will have some play and be overall bad and loose suspension bits could cause some unwanted tire damage and compromised handling
type s dust shields-
they have HUGE air ducts that are going to help with brake fade
i went with the type s brakes, and 06 civic lx steel wheels, and they barely clear the type s brakes
i also went with the type s front knuckles, but i had to buy the base rsx/ep3 front hubs and bearings to work, i found that IF you used the civic abs sensors on the front and rear, the abs still functions! no hybrid axles needed!
but i havent quite gotten the front struts modified yet, so the alignment goes all out of whack when under hard cornering
basically, everything bolts up even the rear knuckles, swap the rear knuckles with the rear disk conversion
the front is pretty straight forward, unless you go with the type s brakes, for that you need to press out the hubs, and swap the dust shields, OR you could get the type s knuckles, and swap the hubs and bearings out and change them out, the type s and base front wheel bearings are the same part number, so whichever approach you want, it will work either way
sorry i dont have any pics or anything.. but im still working out the kinks but its on the car, and everything works
05-13-2009
#3
Registered!!
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 0 
Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
Hey man, you did a great job with that conversion. I want to do something like that to my 03 sedan. The stock RSX wheels that you have just makes your car stand out.
06-25-2009
#6
Premium Member
Hey! Look At Me!! I'm a Supporting Member!!
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland, Oregon
Age: 39
Posts: 8,362
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Rep Power: 364 
Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
Still a great write up, I'm surprised more ppl weren't interested in this.
06-25-2009
#7
Premium Member
Hey! Look At Me!! I'm a Supporting Member!!
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland, Oregon
Age: 39
Posts: 8,362
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Rep Power: 364 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
Still a great write up, I'm surprised more ppl weren't interested in this.
06-29-2009
#9
Living Life Turn After Turn
iTrader: (13)
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SoCal (626)
Posts: 606
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 231 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
wow... too bad my civic is back to stock or else i would have done that. GREAT job. all you need are pictures and it's a +1.
06-25-2010
#10
Registered!!
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 0 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
Sorry for digging this thread up. But I have to say this DIY was dead on. Thanks! Many people would ask why, I say why not? I get all round disk brake and new choices in 5 lugs rims. Plus, I did it because I can.
And now the results.
And now the results.
Last edited by naspc; 06-25-2010 at 09:46 PM.
08-15-2010
#11
Registered!!
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 0 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
thank you soo much i have been searching forums for a conversion like this. but know one actually tried thx and i will be starting mine
08-15-2010
#12
Registered!!
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 0 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
well i been struggling with this for a little while now, but i finally got it all done, well enough to where its driveable
things you need
basic stuff-
base rsx knuckles, front and rear
rsx front lower control arms(stocks can be modified to work by using tapered washers and taking up the slack)
if you have an 03-05 you dont need to modify the front struts
if you have an 01-02 you can either get the later style struts and knuckle bolts, or you can drill out the strut holes and use larger bolts
rsx rear calipers and disks, brake hoses
rsx/ep3 parking brake cables
5 lug wheels 5x114.3
optional stuff-
type s front calipers, front rotors, and brake hoses, brake dust shields
if doing type s brakes, you need at LEAST 16" rims to clear the front brakes
why the specific parts:
base front knuckles-
well as i found out, the type s front hubs, and cv joints do NOT spline to the civic axles, but the civic axles do spline into the base rsx hubs
lower control arms-
the rsx lower ball joints are about 2mm longer than the civic ones, so if you used the civic lower control arms without the tapered washers, you will have some play and be overall bad and loose suspension bits could cause some unwanted tire damage and compromised handling
type s dust shields-
they have HUGE air ducts that are going to help with brake fade
i went with the type s brakes, and 06 civic lx steel wheels, and they barely clear the type s brakes
i also went with the type s front knuckles, but i had to buy the base rsx/ep3 front hubs and bearings to work, i found that IF you used the civic abs sensors on the front and rear, the abs still functions! no hybrid axles needed!
but i havent quite gotten the front struts modified yet, so the alignment goes all out of whack when under hard cornering
basically, everything bolts up even the rear knuckles, swap the rear knuckles with the rear disk conversion
the front is pretty straight forward, unless you go with the type s brakes, for that you need to press out the hubs, and swap the dust shields, OR you could get the type s knuckles, and swap the hubs and bearings out and change them out, the type s and base front wheel bearings are the same part number, so whichever approach you want, it will work either way
sorry i dont have any pics or anything.. but im still working out the kinks but its on the car, and everything works
things you need
basic stuff-
base rsx knuckles, front and rear
rsx front lower control arms(stocks can be modified to work by using tapered washers and taking up the slack)
if you have an 03-05 you dont need to modify the front struts
if you have an 01-02 you can either get the later style struts and knuckle bolts, or you can drill out the strut holes and use larger bolts
rsx rear calipers and disks, brake hoses
rsx/ep3 parking brake cables
5 lug wheels 5x114.3
optional stuff-
type s front calipers, front rotors, and brake hoses, brake dust shields
if doing type s brakes, you need at LEAST 16" rims to clear the front brakes
why the specific parts:
base front knuckles-
well as i found out, the type s front hubs, and cv joints do NOT spline to the civic axles, but the civic axles do spline into the base rsx hubs
lower control arms-
the rsx lower ball joints are about 2mm longer than the civic ones, so if you used the civic lower control arms without the tapered washers, you will have some play and be overall bad and loose suspension bits could cause some unwanted tire damage and compromised handling
type s dust shields-
they have HUGE air ducts that are going to help with brake fade
i went with the type s brakes, and 06 civic lx steel wheels, and they barely clear the type s brakes
i also went with the type s front knuckles, but i had to buy the base rsx/ep3 front hubs and bearings to work, i found that IF you used the civic abs sensors on the front and rear, the abs still functions! no hybrid axles needed!
but i havent quite gotten the front struts modified yet, so the alignment goes all out of whack when under hard cornering
basically, everything bolts up even the rear knuckles, swap the rear knuckles with the rear disk conversion
the front is pretty straight forward, unless you go with the type s brakes, for that you need to press out the hubs, and swap the dust shields, OR you could get the type s knuckles, and swap the hubs and bearings out and change them out, the type s and base front wheel bearings are the same part number, so whichever approach you want, it will work either way
sorry i dont have any pics or anything.. but im still working out the kinks but its on the car, and everything works
08-21-2010
#16
Registered!!
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 0 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
That is so cool!
LOLAA
08-21-2010
#18
Banished to the Depths of Rice.
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: SoCal 714/909/626
Posts: 9,196
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Rep Power: 328 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
just to let you know, its a felony offense to put a lic plate thats other than ur real lic plate on ur car. u might want to take off ur front "em2" lic plate.
12-18-2010
#19
Registered!!
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Jamestown NY
Age: 54
Posts: 76
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 0 
Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
well i been struggling with this for a little while now, but i finally got it all done, well enough to where its driveable
things you need
basic stuff-
base rsx knuckles, front and rear
rsx front lower control arms(stocks can be modified to work by using tapered washers and taking up the slack)
if you have an 03-05 you dont need to modify the front struts
if you have an 01-02 you can either get the later style struts and knuckle bolts, or you can drill out the strut holes and use larger bolts
rsx rear calipers and disks, brake hoses
rsx/ep3 parking brake cables
5 lug wheels 5x114.3
optional stuff-
type s front calipers, front rotors, and brake hoses, brake dust shields
if doing type s brakes, you need at LEAST 16" rims to clear the front brakes
why the specific parts:
base front knuckles-
well as i found out, the type s front hubs, and cv joints do NOT spline to the civic axles, but the civic axles do spline into the base rsx hubs
lower control arms-
the rsx lower ball joints are about 2mm longer than the civic ones, so if you used the civic lower control arms without the tapered washers, you will have some play and be overall bad and loose suspension bits could cause some unwanted tire damage and compromised handling
type s dust shields-
they have HUGE air ducts that are going to help with brake fade
i went with the type s brakes, and 06 civic lx steel wheels, and they barely clear the type s brakes
i also went with the type s front knuckles, but i had to buy the base rsx/ep3 front hubs and bearings to work, i found that IF you used the civic abs sensors on the front and rear, the abs still functions! no hybrid axles needed!
but i havent quite gotten the front struts modified yet, so the alignment goes all out of whack when under hard cornering
basically, everything bolts up even the rear knuckles, swap the rear knuckles with the rear disk conversion
the front is pretty straight forward, unless you go with the type s brakes, for that you need to press out the hubs, and swap the dust shields, OR you could get the type s knuckles, and swap the hubs and bearings out and change them out, the type s and base front wheel bearings are the same part number, so whichever approach you want, it will work either way
sorry i dont have any pics or anything.. but im still working out the kinks but its on the car, and everything works
things you need
basic stuff-
base rsx knuckles, front and rear
rsx front lower control arms(stocks can be modified to work by using tapered washers and taking up the slack)
if you have an 03-05 you dont need to modify the front struts
if you have an 01-02 you can either get the later style struts and knuckle bolts, or you can drill out the strut holes and use larger bolts
rsx rear calipers and disks, brake hoses
rsx/ep3 parking brake cables
5 lug wheels 5x114.3
optional stuff-
type s front calipers, front rotors, and brake hoses, brake dust shields
if doing type s brakes, you need at LEAST 16" rims to clear the front brakes
why the specific parts:
base front knuckles-
well as i found out, the type s front hubs, and cv joints do NOT spline to the civic axles, but the civic axles do spline into the base rsx hubs
lower control arms-
the rsx lower ball joints are about 2mm longer than the civic ones, so if you used the civic lower control arms without the tapered washers, you will have some play and be overall bad and loose suspension bits could cause some unwanted tire damage and compromised handling
type s dust shields-
they have HUGE air ducts that are going to help with brake fade
i went with the type s brakes, and 06 civic lx steel wheels, and they barely clear the type s brakes
i also went with the type s front knuckles, but i had to buy the base rsx/ep3 front hubs and bearings to work, i found that IF you used the civic abs sensors on the front and rear, the abs still functions! no hybrid axles needed!
but i havent quite gotten the front struts modified yet, so the alignment goes all out of whack when under hard cornering
basically, everything bolts up even the rear knuckles, swap the rear knuckles with the rear disk conversion
the front is pretty straight forward, unless you go with the type s brakes, for that you need to press out the hubs, and swap the dust shields, OR you could get the type s knuckles, and swap the hubs and bearings out and change them out, the type s and base front wheel bearings are the same part number, so whichever approach you want, it will work either way
sorry i dont have any pics or anything.. but im still working out the kinks but its on the car, and everything works
12-18-2010
#21
Live for the Twisties
Administrator
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Langley, BC
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Rep Power: 260 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
You can change the proportioning valve, brake booster and master cylinder if you want to, but its not necessary.
You can't change the front only, then you would have a different bolt pattern on the front and rear.
You need to you base RSX hubs, the other hubs will not bolt up.
You can keep your tie rod ends.
This is a MAJOR project, that I wouldn't recommend attempting if you aren't extremely experienced. I would suggest looking into adapters instead.
You can't change the front only, then you would have a different bolt pattern on the front and rear.
You need to you base RSX hubs, the other hubs will not bolt up.
You can keep your tie rod ends.
This is a MAJOR project, that I wouldn't recommend attempting if you aren't extremely experienced. I would suggest looking into adapters instead.
Last edited by MindBomber; 12-18-2010 at 05:16 PM.
12-18-2010
#22
Registered!!
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Funkytown, Tx
Posts: 3,662
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Rep Power: 210 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
FYI: Buddy did this conversion and didn't change the proportioning valve. He said that after a longer drive the back brakes were smoking. He thought it might be stuck calipers (used) but, figured out that the proportion valve was holding the pads against the disc. Changed it out and the problem stopped.
12-18-2010
#23
Live for the Twisties
Administrator
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Langley, BC
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Rep Power: 260 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
Really, I wonder what caused that.
I know a lot of people have done this conversion, but many of them don't change out the proportioning valve and haven't had any problems..
I know a lot of people have done this conversion, but many of them don't change out the proportioning valve and haven't had any problems..
FYI: Buddy did this conversion and didn't change the proportioning valve. He said that after a longer drive the back brakes were smoking. He thought it might be stuck calipers (used) but, figured out that the proportion valve was holding the pads against the disc. Changed it out and the problem stopped.
12-18-2010
#24
Registered!!
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Funkytown, Tx
Posts: 3,662
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Rep Power: 210 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
I know, I've had several friends with this conversion and he was the only one who had this problem. He pulled the calipers and replaced the gaskets as they were sitting in the salvage yard for 2 years and it didn't fix the problem. He told me he was thinking that the original valve was set up for drum instead of disc, changed it out and viola. It makes sense but, why would he be the only one?
12-18-2010
#25
Live for the Twisties
Administrator
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Langley, BC
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Rep Power: 260 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
Sitting in the yard for two years.. I bet overtime something inside the caliper started to seize up, so the flow from the EM2 proportioner was insufficient to engage/disengage the caliper properly. Swap in the DC5 proportioner and the increased flow gives enough power to get the caliper cylinder moving again..
01-27-2011
#26
EM2ti
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Rep Power: 269 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
Sitting in the yard for two years.. I bet overtime something inside the caliper started to seize up, so the flow from the EM2 proportioner was insufficient to engage/disengage the caliper properly. Swap in the DC5 proportioner and the increased flow gives enough power to get the caliper cylinder moving again..
I think the fix achieved by swapping in a DC5 valve was just a fluke. There may have been some contaminants cleared when the lines were filled with new fluid and bleed and/or whatever was binding the 2 year old, static calipers, worked itself out. Just my $.02
Last edited by maxtierney; 01-27-2011 at 04:28 PM.
05-10-2012
#28
Whachya lookin at?
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Canada
Age: 38
Posts: 6,388
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes
on
7 Posts
Rep Power: 288 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
Reviving this thread.
This says you should use RSX lower control arms because the ball joints are longer on the RSX. That being said, can I press out the RSX balljoints and press in the Civic ones to make it work like the OEM civic setup? New balljoints are cheaper than new control arms
This says you should use RSX lower control arms because the ball joints are longer on the RSX. That being said, can I press out the RSX balljoints and press in the Civic ones to make it work like the OEM civic setup? New balljoints are cheaper than new control arms
05-06-2013
#29
Registered!!
Join Date: Oct 2007
Age: 44
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 0 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
2009 SI Civic showed up at the shop today (Getting a clutch). I thought I would try them out. Only have the rears converted right now. Stock springs etc.Sorry for reviving an old thread
10-26-2013
#30
Registered!!
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rep Power: 0 Re: 5 lug conversion without swap parts list and modifications
I already installed the rsx type s rear 5 lug without a problem. What else will i need to do the fronts i have the a complete frame, from the struts down struts, springs, tie rods i have everything minus the swap how do i get it to work? could i press in the civic hub bearing into the type s spindal?
