Conversion to RWD in a FWD car.

[waynne]

Just been thinking about something I've had bouncing around in my head for a while.

I'd like to make my A3 into a RWD car. It has the transmission tunnel to the rear as the car has a 4wd option.

Do you think this is possible/easy to do? I'm thinking of using the rear axle from a 4wd and getting a custom gearbox mod to move the power to the rear.

It will probably be "easier" to go 4x4 but I still think I would prefer a RWD. How much of this is computer controlled and how much is mechanical.

I'm also assuming the Toe would need to go out more at the front. I'd plan to leave the front wheels along and just disconnect them from the gearbox.

Anyone else thinking of doing a RWD conversion in their car? Post up any tips or suggestions in this thread and we can pool ideas/resources.

[steve09]

i've been thinking this for a while. but i was going to be doing a fwd to 4wd. i know where to get a quattro gearbox, but dont know what else would be needed. you do know waynne that your a3 will be quite tail happy when you convert it. i've seen a few rear wheel corsa C's with 1200cc bike engine at a stunt show. they were sliding all round the place powersliding an doing 360's an stuff but they were set up to do so. might have a vid somewere if anyone wants to see

[pgarner]

if youve cars already set up for the prop shaft its going to be a lot easier. i know the hadex connection on the 4 wheel vws is computer controlled and only sends power to the back when the front wheels slip. not sure about the quattros.

[HDi fun]

I think the current Ford transit can be assembled in either configuration at the factory. As for conversion, blimey - it's a nice idea and would really set off the A3's chassis. Is the engine in your mounted longways?

[waynne]

That's the annoying thing - it's a transverse engine - the A4s are longitudinal which makes it a lot easier to do.

[paulgolding]

be good to have 4wd like the old audi ur quattro's where you could adjust the power 75% / 25% between either front or back !! . . Are the new ones like this ??

mmm . . Audi ur quattro turbo . . . Ok, snap out of dream mode

[HDi fun]

A4 - that's where I got the end on thing from having seen it in Passats, A4 and A6's over the last ten years or so. How about relocating the whole engine to the back of the car, retaining the transverse arrangement?

[steve09]

wont that upset the balance of the car being in the back?

[HDi fun]

Originally Posted by steve09

wont that upset the balance of the car being in the back?

Yeah, absolutely! Much as front engine FWD upsets the balance. Porsche has stuck with the RR arrangement for decades with the 911.

They can be bastards to drive; they're known for that. But if we're talking about pure indulgence here, then why not?

400bhp really does liven up a grey and greasy Sunday afternoon when it's delivered to the rear wheels only.

Sticking the engine over or beyond the rear axle (or line through which such axle would pass, were it there) is a sure way to create a car that needs to be driven properly.

[waynne]

If I was moving the engine to the back I'd go for the V10 Petrol! Thats a bit bonkers though - I though my original plan was adventurous enough.

[paulgolding]

just been looking at a site where a guy is putting 2 vr6 engines into a lupo !! well impressive !! . . thinking of NOS aswell !! lol

here's a youtube link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JDSm7LLAs4