Are Corvette C5/C6 and C7 front hubs interchangeable?

[stab6902]

Hello all,

Can anyone confirm that C5/C6 front hubs are interchangeable dimensionally with front C7 hubs?

I know that C5 and C6 front hubs are interchangeable from 1997-2008. In 2009 they changed the ABS tone wheel/connector, but otherwise they stayed the same. I've read from one source (http://www.vettemod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10699) that the C7 front hubs are dimensionally identical to the C5/C6 hubs. The only difference between the C5/C6 and C7 design is the wheel speed sensor setup.

Here's why it matters:

• The C7 OEM quality hubs are way cheaper: C5/early C6 Timken front hubs: $126.79 C6 ZR1 heavy duty Timken hubs: $235.79 C7 Timken hubs: $75.79
• The C7 hubs supposedly have the bigger HD ZR1 style bearings in them
• The C7 hubs don't have the built in wheel speed sensor/wiring (better for our old non-ABS cars)

If the C7 hubs really are dimensionally the same as C5/C6 hubs, sounds like it's a no-brainer to run them in our C5/C6 style pro-touring spindles.

[Yelcamino]

Yes they are. I have a set of C7 hubs in a set of C6 spindles.

10063 by Yelcamino, on Flickr

Unfortunately, the C7 and SKF hubs won't work on a ATS spindle because the hub flange has more material making it impossible to put the nut on the lower mounting stud that ATS spindles use. I've been told (but haven't confirmed) that Speedtech can do the necessary machine work to put a C7 hub on an ATS spindle.

[stab6902]

Great information Herb. Do you know if the C7 hubs have the same bigger diameter/heavier duty bearings as the C6 ZR1 hubs?

[Ryanater]

I also use C7 hubs with C6 spindles because of the bigger bearings. I'm not sure if they are the same as the C6 ZR1 bearings, but I know they are bigger than the stock C6 bearings. Corvetteforum.com has a lot of information.

One thing that I have heard is that the C7 hubs push the rotor out about 1/16"-1/8" on each side. However, that hasn't been a problem for me.

[Yelcamino]

Great information Herb. Do you know if the C7 hubs have the same bigger diameter/heavier duty bearings as the C6 ZR1 hubs?

My understanding is yes, they have the larger bearings. Compared to the standard C5/C6 hubs, they look a lot beefier (that's a technical term)!

This is an SKF hub I have and the area I marked with red has much more mass than a standard C5/C6 hub. This is why they (including the C7 hub) won't fit on a ATS spindle's lower stud. Once you drill the threads out the nut needed to fasten on the stud is too large to clear the shoulder.

SKF by Yelcamino, on Flickr

[stab6902]

Thanks for the info guys.

[Corey R.]

What is the C5/C6 spindle you guys are referring to? Is it the actual OEM Corvette spindle or an aftermarket spindle? Who's control arms/subframe will work correctly with this spindle? I haven't seen any of the typical pro-touring companies offer this spindle as part of their package.

[TheJDMan]

What is the C7 SKF part number?

[stab6902]

Corey R, there are at least two different companies that I know of who make C5/C6 hub and brake compatible spindles for a variety of muscle cars:

http://www.speedtechperformance.com/...prod/prd11.htm

http://www.classicperform.com/C5-Spi...5-Spindles.htm

There are a number or threads on here that talk about the differences between these two vendors' products. The benefits of these spindles include the use of a modern sealed Corvette bearings, the ability to run a variety of affordable Corvette brake setups, and improved suspension geometry. These spindles bolt onto stock or stock style tubular control arms. I think Detroit Speed's front subframe kit also includes spindles that work with modern Corvette components.