FWD to RWD, could this be done? Options

[monkeywrench]

I have been wanting to convert my celica to RWD, and i've been thinking of how I could do it. One way I thought of is (someone correct me if im wrong) taking the transmission out of the front end of the car and sticking it on the rear axle, like the corvette design is. I was thinking it might be easier because the front of the car would have to have body work to hold the transmission (wouldn't it? I'm just guessing), and theres more empty room -the trunk- at the back.

Would this be possible, with little or no bodywork (cutting any part of the frame)? If it can be done, how would you do it? My dad and I would be doing the work and we talked about it and he had a rough idea, but neither of us are sure of how to do it. Any help would be appreciated. I do know this would be very expensive, but its a thought for now.

[playr158]

if AWD convertion is practical why wouldn't a RWD be it also ?

ST205 rear, custom driveshaft, for the front there are options, the one I've research the most is the a series engine / tranny combo.

4agze ( turbo the thing or it'll be slow )
RWD AE86 tranny

custom mounts

yes the engine / tranny fits with no modifications to the frame ( except for mounts ), the engine bay of our 6th gens is slightly bigger than the one of a AE86.

the other option is the 3sge / 3sgte engine with IS200 tranny, but I haven't found any dimensions of the IS200 or tranny / engine combo to see if it would fit on our cars. maybe the firewall needs to be modified in order to fit the tranny.

with any set-up custom mounts are needed, unless you go AWD and take the front axels out <<<< not recomended

do you KNOW the trans will fit with a longitude mounted motor? we have no trans tunnel unlike the AE86.
the IS motor will not fit without firewall work either.
also you forgot about the steering rack, you'll need a custom one cause it currently blocks any chance for a RWD trans.
so now you need a custom K-frame
you also would need custom work on the front knuckles with out a drive shaft in the center.
oh also do we know the ST205 rear has to be a reasonable match to the RWD trans gearing or you will be blowing differentials.

AWD is practical because 90% of the parts are a fit.
RWD means about 10% fit.

i see hardtarget is here, he knows more than anyone


This post has been edited by playr158: Feb 10, 2009 - 1:21 PM

[HARDTARGET]

if AWD convertion is practical why wouldn't a RWD be it also ?

ST205 rear, custom driveshaft, for the front there are options, the one I've research the most is the a series engine / tranny combo.

4agze ( turbo the thing or it'll be slow )
RWD AE86 tranny

custom mounts

yes the engine / tranny fits with no modifications to the frame ( except for mounts ), the engine bay of our 6th gens is slightly bigger than the one of a AE86.

the other option is the 3sge / 3sgte engine with IS200 tranny, but I haven't found any dimensions of the IS200 or tranny / engine combo to see if it would fit on our cars. maybe the firewall needs to be modified in order to fit the tranny.

with any set-up custom mounts are needed, unless you go AWD and take the front axels out <<<< not recomended

do you KNOW the trans will fit with a longitude mounted motor? we have no trans tunnel unlike the AE86.
the IS motor will not fit without firewall work either.
also you forgot about the steering rack, you'll need a custom one cause it currently blocks any chance for a RWD trans.
so now you need a custom K-frame
you also would need custom work on the front knuckles with out a drive shaft in the center.
oh also do we know the ST205 rear has to be a reasonable match to the RWD trans gearing or you will be blowing differentials.

AWD is practical because 90% of the parts are a fit.
RWD means about 10% fit.

i see hardtarget is here, he knows more than anyone

Anything is possible but you need a good fabricator that knows what he's doing and $$$. BUT IT CAN BE DONE