I thought we should get a definitive thread going about conversion of a FWD car into a RWD or AWD.
This is a pretty big and expensive undertaking in anyones book. Ideally there will be a similar model in your line up with the desired drivetrain from which to cannabilise parts. The RWD sierra can be converted to AWD using parts from the 4x4XR or Cosworth.
An A3 or Golf can use parts from the S3 or 4 motion for an AWD conversion courtesy of Haldex! This will need a new rear floorpan and you'll have to change over the exhaust as well.
For most cars and I've only seen this done on an Astra so far it requires removal of the bottom the car and replacement with a 4x4 chassis (This came from an Escort Cosworth!). This will have the points for mounting the prop shafts and required clearances.
With some cars I suppose it might be possible to cut a channel inside the car to place the prop shaft through and run this through the car but it can foul up the gear change lever and handbrake housing.
You'll also need to think about diffs and setting these up as well as altering the suspension. Instead of the drag forces they were designed for they are now acting with PULL forces.
Jacking up the car provides another option and gives more clerance underneath but this only really looks right on rough roaders and off road cars.
What are your thoughts on these points and what can you add to the discussion about RWD or AWD conversion projects.
This is a pretty big and expensive undertaking in anyones book. Ideally there will be a similar model in your line up with the desired drivetrain from which to cannabilise parts. The RWD sierra can be converted to AWD using parts from the 4x4XR or Cosworth.
An A3 or Golf can use parts from the S3 or 4 motion for an AWD conversion courtesy of Haldex! This will need a new rear floorpan and you'll have to change over the exhaust as well.
For most cars and I've only seen this done on an Astra so far it requires removal of the bottom the car and replacement with a 4x4 chassis (This came from an Escort Cosworth!). This will have the points for mounting the prop shafts and required clearances.
With some cars I suppose it might be possible to cut a channel inside the car to place the prop shaft through and run this through the car but it can foul up the gear change lever and handbrake housing.
You'll also need to think about diffs and setting these up as well as altering the suspension. Instead of the drag forces they were designed for they are now acting with PULL forces.
Jacking up the car provides another option and gives more clerance underneath but this only really looks right on rough roaders and off road cars.
What are your thoughts on these points and what can you add to the discussion about RWD or AWD conversion projects.
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