1G FWD AWD conversion using 2G parts?

[GrilledCheese]

I have 91 FWD Laser RST that I would like to convert to AWD.I also have a friend that has a 97 GSX that I can use for parts,all I have to leave him is the shell ....Anyways,after searching on this I havent found many people try this...Is it possible to use the entire 2G AWD drivetrain and fab it to work in a 1g FWD??If anyone has any advise/experience with this it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lasertim]

I have never heard of people being succesful with a 2WD to AWD swap in a 1g let alone using 2g parts. I have heard many success storys with the 2g being converted with 2g parts.

It would probably be much cheaper and much more easy to find a AWD shell and just swap your enigne.

 

[Sbeing1]

yea thats gonne be one hard pointless swap

 

[fourreGsixty3]

If you have a spare 10k or more lying around then you could do it just to have a one of a kind DSM, but not fessible on any kind of buget.

 

[boostedinaz]

No it can't be done easily.

The FWD and AWD shells for a 1G are very different in the rear. You would need to fabricate an all new rear trunk pan and a few other things. If you did get that done then you would have to figure the suspension issue. Not worth it. Buy an AWD shell and start from that.

 

[90gst_sean]

You can get an AWD shell for $300-$400 if you look around. It may take a month or two, but if you look through your local little nickel's and such you can save your self the shipping costs of a far away purchase.

I just found mine, and it was worth the wait. It took a wile to find, I had to turn down a few that were to far or to much cash; but I found it.

 

[99gst_racer]

I am currently about 70% finished with a 2G FWD to AWD conversion, so I am extremely familiar with the parts. And trust me - they won't fit. The subrames and gas tanks are completely different. Not to mention subframe bolt length and placement, driveshaft support brackets, e-brake cables, suspension, etc...

It would be easier to do a RWD conversion with a powerglide and 9" rear, as apposed to an AWD conversion on a 1G using 2G parts....

 

[Glliw]

I currently have 1st generation drive train with 6 bolt motor awd tranny and the holy nine yards minus a gas tank.... but i have a 2g, will the entire 1g rear end and parts fit on my 2g. also will the 1g awd gas tank work or would it require a 2gawd tank?

 

[99gst_racer]

I currently have 1st generation drive train with 6 bolt motor awd tranny and the holy nine yards minus a gas tank.... but i have a 2g, will the entire 1g rear end and parts fit on my 2g. also will the 1g awd gas tank work or would it require a 2gawd tank?

No and No. You need 2G parts for your 2G.

 

[Glliw]

No and No. You need 2G parts for your 2G.

Is it even close enough to create bracketry for it? Or is everything just way out of line. A little bit of elaboration on why please.

 

[99gst_racer]

Is it even close enough to create bracketry for it? Or is everything just way out of line. A little bit of elaboration on why please.

The fuel tank and belly pan are totally different. It wouldn't fit underneath the back seat like it's supposed to. This would cause problems with the routing of the driveshaft and exhaust. The rear driveshaft carrier bearing mount is different, so it wouldn't work. The frame rails are different as well as the mounting points on the subframe, so it would be near impossible to get them to mate together. Different suspension, different e-brake cables..... I could go on and on. They're just not alike. It's not a bolt on affair, nor would it be with minimal modification.

And with the price you could pick up the conversion parts or a donor car, it's just not feasible to do it any differently.

 

[Glliw]

ah ok. gotcha. I ust got the entire mechanical system of a 91 awd for dirt cheap, so was seeing if it was possible enough. Suppose I'll keepy my eyes open for a 2g then. Thanks