Wheel Question For Vendors and Makers

[cheapthrillz]

Kore3 is working on a brake system for me and I have the option to change bolt patterns. I have heard that 5x4.75 is the easiest to find many different wheels for, but right now the pattern is 5x4.5. The car is a Ford and I know that 5x4.75 is a Chevy bolt pattern, but that doesn't bother me. So the question is what are the benefits of different bolt patterns? Looking to get the Rushforth Rated x's or Forgeline ZX3's, or something similar. Changing to the 5x 4.75 would mean getting adapters or new axles to keep the pattern consistent.

[cheapthrillz]

Anybody? Need opinions quick! I have to get back to Tobin about this...

[ProdigyCustoms]

Neither is a problem. both very common.

[cheapthrillz]

Neither is a problem. both very common.

Thanks Frank.... so no downsides to running a smaller bolt pattern?

[cheapthrillz]

I guess what I'm really asking is: Are there any performance issues with different bolt patterns? I guess the main deal would be to have hub-centric wheels instead of lug-centric.... How big of a role does the bolt pattern play in performance?

[formula]

way I think about it is like this: they've stuck with a bolt-centric 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern for, what, 30 years, despite vehicle performance improving massively, right? I mean the GT500 has 500 hp and they kept a 5x4.5 pattern, and that means it has to be engineered to take 500+ hp for 150+ thousand miles in 100+ degree heat all the way to -20 degree heat--and that's before you even consider the "stupid people who will figure out creative new ways to break stuff" factor. Then consider how many drag cars are out there with high-hp engines and sticky sticky tires that are running ford 9" rears, all of which, as far as I know, were 5 on 4.5" from the factory and it seems like, from just looking around real quick, if there is a common failure point it's the bearing caps, not the studs. So, it saves you money short term and makes no tangible difference long term...I say leave it set up for ford wheels.

[Twentyover]

My way of thinking-

using the same lug studs, a larger bolt circle is a more stable platform for transferring torque and spreading the load against the hub

Practically- other considerations, such as maintaining similiar bolt patterns, etc, GREATLY exceed the more satble platform

[Boesch]

You'll never see a performance issue. Both bolt patterns are more than capable of handling any load you put at them.

[cheapthrillz]

Awesome.... Thanks everybody for your input!