1G AWD trans converted to FWD with LSD

[Freddyk79]

Since im upgrading my 14b to the e316g in spring i forsee a stupid amount of wheelspin in my future.

Started looking into getting an LSD and was told i can get a factory awd trans and convert it to fwd.

So whats all involved in the conversion? any info/experience u guys could offer would be great. thanks.

I attached a recent engine bay pic. shes coming along from bone stock 13 months ago.

 

[er82]

you can weld the center diff or use viscous coupler eliminator. but i think the gearing would be shorter due to higher final drive ratio. also the the flywheels and axles are different. seems just going with lsd in fwd trans is much simpler, unless you plan to do awd conversion.

 

[90laserRSfwd]

If you search around you'll see it's been done more times then you can count (the awd trans in a fwd mode). Is this something you intend to do yourself or have a shop do for you? How much power do you intend on making? What are you going to do with the car. Keep in mind, like stated above already, the AWD gearing is much shorter, meaning higher RPM when highway cruising, and shifting more often. AWD trans swaps (keeping the FWD use only) are primarily done for handling higher HP. Also, depending on what setup is in your car currently (90 or 91+ shifting components), and IF you can find a good working AWD trans, etc. it's going to be on the expensive side to do the AWD trans in a FWD car.

I'm ASSuming you already have 91+ shifting components, and you find a good working 91+ awd trans. You still need an AWD flywheel (6 bolt or 7 bolt depending on your engine), the correct starter plate (the thin metal plate that sits between the block and trans), the complete AWD front axle assemblies, and the correct mounting hardware (trans to block, and drivers side drive axle jack shaft to block bolts) and spacers (if you don't have the A/C bracket in the car anymore). Along with doing the internal mod's to the transmission itself (welded center diff or VCE), and if you really want too, remove the AWD output shaft and plug the hole in the transmission case with a 35mm freeze out plug and some sealant). Of course, you'll need the correct FRONT LSD for an AWD trans! (FWD lsd's and AWD FRONT lsd's are different part numbers from my research), along with the normal fluids and tools to do a COMPLETE clutch job. The one good thing is that all turbo clutches (90 - 99 AWD or FWD turbo) are the same. It's only the flywheels that are different. Another plus is being able to find twin disc clutches more easily!

Tim Z (twicks69 on here) can help with any technical questions, as well as a rebuild of the trans or LSD install, if you find a rebuildable core trans and have a few bucks to spend. Many members, including myself, HIGHLY recommend you have the trans rebuilt, even a stage 1 refresh. These cars are getting old, and the transmissions are abused heavily, a freshening of the trans before you put it all together is well worth the hassle you'll save in the long run! Check him out at tmzperformance.com with questions. I'm not trying to sell you anything, he just has a good rep and has always come across as helpful, so I like to throw his name out. Jon at TRE can also do the job.

All in all it's a very do able project. If you can change a clutch, you can AWD trans swap a FWD car. There is no voodoo magic. Just take your time and ask questions if your not sure!

 

[thomcasey]

Why not guy and install a LSD in the FWD transmission? As AWD transmissions are NOT LSD from the factory, you would only be increasing your costs

 

[90laserRSfwd]

My guess is he (or she) was told that AWD transmissions are stronger or there is something wrong with his (or her) FWD trans...

 

[Freddyk79]

I'm definitely having a shop do any internal trans work. my goal is to limit wheelspin from my fwd e316g. i have and never will take my.car to the track. No plans on going past a 16g. I thought converting an awd trans to fwd/lsd would potentially be cheaper then having a new lsd unit installed in my current trans.

My current trans is functioning as it should. reason i own a fwd is bc every awd car ive seen/looked at has been beaten to living piss.

 

[90laserRSfwd]

A good LSD (quaife, kaaz, etc) will set you back about $1,000. Well worth the investment compared to on tire burnouts in 3rd gear...