quick question. axles for 5 spd vs 6 spd
 

if i swapped out my 5 speed manual for a 6 speed manual would i need to swap the axles and hubs?

1998 boxster base.

http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/x...pseveroanq.jpg
http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/x...psdq2bjwdf.jpg
Yes. 5 vs 6 speed axles. The 6 cv joints are much beefier than the 5 speed and the 6 speed are longer because the 6 speed sits farther back. The 6 speed axle also wound not fit inside the 5 speed upright without milling the upright to fit the massive 6 cv joint.

Thank you, very alpreciated.

Why would you do that?

Most people hardly ever use 6th gear...

strength, doing an engine swap. just wanted that tid bit of info since i couldn't seem to find it online.

Quick follow up question. Are the rotors and calipers the same between the two cars?
Thanks

No....
There is a big difference between the base & S brakes and calipers and also IIRC the hand brake shoes.
Its difficult (expensive) to retrofit S brake assemblies onto the base model at the rear. The fronts are much easier.

Thanks guys.

if you want to keep your rear 5-speed wheel carriers (brakes, suspension, etc.) I am pretty certain that you can fit the 6-speed hub in the 5-speed wheel bearing/carrier. otherwise i am pretty sure the 6-speed axles won't fit in the 5-speed hub. note that you also have to change the slave cyl and shift cables/linkages.

edit - reread novas post. I know it works the other way (5 speed hub in 6-speed wheel bearing/carrier) but didn't think about clearance required for the larger cv joint. dunno there. unless you can figure out a way to get the outer cv joint off the axle (don't think possible).