is it worth converting a spyder to awd???

cisco818 · Mar 13, 2013

Hatchback AWD: 3,269 lb (1,483 kg)
Hatchback: 2,877 lb (1,305 kg)
Convertible: 3100 lbs

ok so i have a donor (gsx) and i been doing alot of research on how to convert my GST Spyder to AWD. BUT now im wondering. . . the convertible is already heavier than the hatchback by 223 POUNDS, and the AWD is heavier than the hatchback by 392 POUNDS, so if i make an AWD Spyder then my car will be around 3,492 POUNDS (just an estimate, correct me if im wrong). what i want to know is, is it worth adding all that weight? i like the fact that my gst is lighter than the average mustang wich puts us hand in hand and im afraid if i make it AWD itll be heavier therefore loosing in long runs.i dont want a heavy car but i love the idea of an AWD Spyder for the snow and for fast take offs. so i want your opinion on weather its worth it or not and why. thanks in advance :thumb:

spyderdrifter · Mar 13, 2013

I plan to convert my spyder one day too. I too have been constantly debating it due to weight, but my opinion is that if I got the power to move the extra weight, it'll all be worth it.

Cabam · Mar 13, 2013

I'm doing mine for the awd cause winter time it sucks in the snow. Its not important to me about the weight issues cause as long as you do the right upgrades your still gonna be fast and a wholelot faster in takeoffs and definitely in turns. Long story short as long the funds and time available my opinion I would do it...... And its nice to have a drop top dsm awd anyways!!!! :thumb:

nuclearr · Mar 13, 2013

I converted mine. I love it I do not like the wheel spin in a gst. I also found my spyder with a bad auto trans for $300 and found a donnor awd car for $500.

Awdspyderman · Mar 13, 2013

if you have to ask, you have never driven in an AWD drop top spyder =) LOL

JK . if your worried about moving all that weight...... GET A HOLSET , LOL

Good luck either way you plan.

Paintballaa5 · Mar 13, 2013

I plan to do it sometime soon. You get all the perks of AWD, PLUS a very unique car, that not many people can say they have.

Tyeler18 · Mar 13, 2013

I've got 2. An auto and a 5 speed. Definitely worth every penny.

bigbird94 · Mar 14, 2013

f you can male the extra p

cisco818 · Mar 14, 2013

Awdspyderman said:
if you have to ask, you have never driven in an AWD drop top spyder =) JK . if your worried about moving all that weight...... GET A HOLSET , Good luck either way you plan.

Hahaha I have not. But I'm convinced. Ima do it. Unless someone else has something to add

acorn3583 · Mar 14, 2013

I would definitely say the swap is worth the time and effort it takes, which really isn't even that bad. They're a blast and the swap is really only a few day thing (depending on experience and work conditions) Good luck either way! :thumb:

cisco818 · Mar 14, 2013

One more question. Do I have to get ABS? is it mandatory? Or can I just set it up without it

Awdspyderman · Mar 14, 2013

if your car wasn't equipped with it, i wouldn't worry about it becuase it may hard trying to find a GOOD working ABS module along with having to connect all the wiring that goes under your dash than run them thru the frame but it's up to you. if the donor car has abs rings on the axles you can just knock them off with a hammer.

cisco818 · Mar 14, 2013

Awdspyderman said:
if your car wasn't equipped with it, i wouldn't worry about it becuase it may hard trying to find a GOOD working ABS module along with having to connect all the wiring that goes under your dash than run them thru the frame but it's up to you. if the donor car has abs rings on the axles you can just knock them off with a hammer.

Sweet thanks. So did you ever regret doing the swap?

TopGun8818 · Mar 14, 2013

Like stated above - just get extra HP to make up for the extra weight :thumb:

gieri002 · Mar 14, 2013

cisco818 said:
Sweet thanks. So did you ever regret doing the swap?

There is always that issue that pops up during the install that makes you instantly regret your decision to convert to awd. It's inevitable with these cars. Just keep pushing forward and it'll all be worth it in the end.

At a point I was considering just taking the easy way out and buying a nice GSX. Just remember, the ladies love the drop tops. Why not have it all? :thumb:

cisco818 · Mar 14, 2013

gieri002 said:
There is always that issue that pops up during the install that makes you instantly regret your decision to convert to awd. It's inevitable with these cars. Just keep pushing forward and it'll all be worth it in the end.

At a point I was considering just taking the easy way out and buying a nice GSX. Just remember, the ladies love the drop tops. Why not have it all?

almost brought a tear to my eye LOL

one last question and ill shut up. So I know for a fact that you can't air bag OR lower 4x4's is that the same with AWD? And would you recommend airbags (for speed bumps, railroad crossing, etc.) Or coil overs? Does anyone even have airbags in their car?

Bud92gsx · Mar 14, 2013

cisco818 said:
Hahaha I have not. But I'm convinced. Ima do it. Unless someone else has something to add

I'll take that gsx and your spyder, and have a gst/x drop top...

JusMX141 · Mar 14, 2013

Traction is overrated...it's much more fun dealing with wheel hop, torque-steer, or melting the front tires off while not going anywhere if you're making any amount of power.

Bud92gsx · Mar 14, 2013

Traction is overrated TISK TISK.

Archer Fabrications · Mar 14, 2013

^ +1 much more fun LOL

..

But seriously, awd is the shit.

BogusSVO · Mar 14, 2013

Geesh worrying about a 3500lbs car! Try slimming down one from 3740lbs ! And still only have 2 wheels pushing!

If you are worried about the weight of the AWD Spyder, like others have said, up the power!

Based of your weight numbers

For a power number, figure a 300 HP build

Fwd 2877 Lbs 9.59 lbs per 1hp

AWD 3269 lbs 10.9 lbs per 1hp

Spyder 3100 10.33 lbs per 1hp

Spyder AWD 3492 lbs 11.64 lbs per 1hp

Now bump the HP to 325hp in the Spyder AWD, you get 10.74 lbs per hp, and that gets you slightly better than the AWD.

Now a 350 hp will get you 9.977 lbs per hp, and that's better than the Spyder.

375 hp will be 9.312 lbs per 1hp, and that's is slightly better than the FWD.

dsmaz · Mar 14, 2013

awd is always nice especially when your in the snow. i would do it if i had one :thumb:

Awdspyderman · Mar 14, 2013

I do NOT regret my choice on doing the swap, it's the best of both worlds=) I could've picked up a GSX but there is also one major reason i held onto this spyder...... i got married in it LOL

. Sooo you know you're a die hard when you get married in a DSM

MJBean420 · Mar 14, 2013

I have been thinking about the conversion too. My car only has 69k on it now and i am not to enthusiastic about "hacking" it up just yet. I am not sure if its me being timid about venturing into unchartered waters or what. I would have been all over it already if it seemed easy. The last time I looked, I remember some aligning, drilling, and tapping for the rear subframe, and not just some simple bolt-ons...I can just see me screwing that up!

Awdspyderman · Mar 15, 2013

MJ, it's not hard. If i can do it so can you, just follow the how-to on here. The biggest and most stressing part is having all the small bolts & small things you miss if you don't have a donor car. That low of miles you have is something i would second guess also, my reason for cutting up my car was because the motor spun a bearing so i figured if im going to rebuild it I should build it the way i really want it. Good luck either way you go.

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