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]

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

Let me ask you,
do you KNOW it doesn't fit ?

what are the dimensions of both engine bays (6th gen and AE86) ? the ST205 rear diff, is not strong enough to hold power of ~ 225 hp or above, I'm looking at the IS300 diff and so far SEEMS like it fits, but I'm waiting for a friend to call me when he has one on hand to take a closer look at it.

steering rack, knuckles, custom cross member, I can dig my list and give you all the little things that I found so far that needs to be done. I'm at work so I can't sit here and go through the whole thing.

you're a very smart member of 6gc, is your actitute what will keep you below ground surface. I really like a lot of your ideas and appreciate a lot of your inputs, but the way you present them make you look like a total @ $$.


if you read closer and slowly, I said the 3s MAY fit but I don't know since I haven't done my research on that and work to the firewall would be needed.

the 6th gen doesn't have a tranny tunel yet the AWD tranny fits and look at the shape it has, looks like it needs a tunel as well, doesn't it ? the shaft has been also accomodated even though we don't have a tunel meant for it.

you and me are almost on the same page, the problem is the way you question everything you haven't done. I could do the same to you. or I could show you my research, but since I'm a nice guy. I'll just stop it right here and keep my stuff on the low as ussual.

I'm an ass because i'm asking specific questions. you said "yes the engine / tranny fits with no modifications to the frame " which implies absolute, i was asking if you knew specifically.

And yes i question everything because thats how information gets found out....
and sorry at no one point did I ever insult or degrade your work so lets not get so defensive...
way to panty tight in here

you asked why RWD wasn't practical, I gave you my answer if you want to educationally debate that then feel free to.

This post has been edited by playr158: Feb 10, 2009 - 3:15 PM