FWD GST swap to a AWD GSX? Basic [Merged 2-07]

[Xain10229]

POST ALL OF YOUR BASIC QUESTIONS HERE.

1) Yes, it's possible.
2) Yes, it requires some basic cutting and welding.
3) Read through this thread before asking any questions. And read through this article written by Jacob Isaac-Lowry.
4) If you're serious about specific parts of the swap, and/or you're in the process of the swap and you have specific questions other than "is it possible", then please post in this thread.

-99gst_racer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

I was just wondering how hard it would be to convert my 1999 GST into an AWD GSX or if its even possible. What all do I need to swap and how hard is it?

 

[rabenne]

I am looking at a good donor car for an awd swap... it has a lot of parts I want besides the drivetrain. I was wondering if I can use a automatic for a donor car. I know I will need a new transmission, but as far as the rest of the drivetrain, will the auto work?

If all I need is a new tranny and the parts from an automatic all wheel drive, then I maybe be rolling on all 4 real soon

 

[My96AWD]

The rear end ratios are diff in man and auto.

 

[rabenne]

My question was partially answered. I understand that the rear end ratio may be different? What parts will be useable and what parts will not. I picked the car up for CHEAP and have already got my money back in interior and body parts. If I have some useable parts, I would like to know what they are.

Please save your time on telling me why I should sell my FWD for an AWD, I think that an awd swap would be enjoyable, as working on my car is my hobby. If you have a problem with that, save it. If you would like to help me than thank you.

 

[rabenne]

to chaddycakes?

This conversion is not as expensive as you may think. The fabrication work is incredably simple, and I have plenty of welding experience. There is quite a bit of labor, but that costs me nothing. I do my own work, and have complete confidense in my ability to do the conversion. I have all of the necessary tools in my own garage. It sounds like a weekend of fun.

Clean AWD 2g DSM's are EXPENSIVE

The cost of the conversion is way less than the cost differnce between FWD and AWD DSMs. Plus I know first hand that you can pickup AWD shells with full drivelines for less than a grand.

Plus you can part out the things you dont need and the overall cost is far less!

 

[97spydergs]

Im trying to do the same thing to my spyder, so far the conversion only cost 26 bucks including the parts whore. So that rules out cost. As far as labor goes if you have the right tools stripping the awd shouldn't take that long. The only welding that has to be done is the bearing/exhaust hanger in the driveshaft tunnel, even that is just spot welds. If you are mechanically inclined it shouldn't be too hard. Heres a good link http://www.automotivearticles.com/AWD_Conversion.shtml. Good luck

 

[rabenne]

yep, not too expensive id say

 

[VicBoost]

Yep AWD is the way to go, much better then FWD. I love the handling to on these cars, its great. Good luck with the swap.

 

[rabenne]

although I constantly hear about FWD dsms doing better at autocross...

 

[wret]

Any more off topic or unhelpful posts will be deleted and warned.

 

[rabenne]

Not to be rude, but this is the newbie forum correct? I thought that would be the place to ask a question to a general question like what parts work for awd swap. Im not sure but I dont think I can post anywhere else yet.


Please, for my own information, tell me which forum this should have be placed in? Assuming that I could have posted there... Which I can not.

 

[wret]

The question is valid and in the correct forum. Unhelpful resonses and bickering are not welcome in any forum.

 

[taylorspl]

I'm actually browsing the forums looking for how the hoses off the fuel pump housing go because I didn't pay attention when I pulled it apart.

Right now I have everything on the car sans intercooler piping and exhaust. This was a bigger project than I anticipated and I wish I had bought new tools BEFORE I started this. It wasn't hard in the least, it was simply the most time consuming thing I've ever attempted before on a car and that made it extremely painstaking to finish it. I wanted to sell it like 3 times during the process from the long days and miserable working conditions.

I got all of the parts for practically free and the car has sentimental value out the wazoo, that's why I did it. I hope everyone on here can just decide what's right for them instead of just reposting the same old crap over and over that they read and don't actually have any experience in themselves. Peace ya'll.

 

[LocknessMonster]

My 92 talon tsi awd got hit hard in the quarter panel. Ive been trying to look for a awd shell but cant find one. I located a 90 tsi fwd with a blown motor that i think that i can get for next to nothing. Has anyone performed this swap on a 1g before?

 

[antiheroX]

1) Gotta have something to do with my time. 2) It may be cheaper for you to just buy a GSX, but it's cheaper for me to just buy the parts and put them in myself. And in case the next question is something like..."Why waste the time? Time=money" Here's a small example: Why would someone take a 383 cuda and drop in a 440...or even better, a 426? Because since the beginning of time man ( excuse me... some men ) have prided themselves in the fact that they did it themselves. Because of the love of the sport/hobby. Built-not bought. Now, I'm sure I could keep going on about this topic, but what's the point. Who's listening. Some people understand, and some don't.

I agree with everything you just said

 

[eclipse_spyder]

I'm going to be converting my fwd to an awd and was wondering if I needed the awd fuel sending unit if im going to be using a fuel cell instead of the stock awd gas tank. Would I be able to use the stock fwd sending unit?

I'm also going to be converting that awd shell into a fwd. Weird, but I'd rather keep the shell than junk it. Would I be able to leave the awd tank the way it is and put the gst rear subframe?

 

[Mikael SS]

if its a driveable shell, leave it awd

and if you're using a fuel cell, your sending unit will be completely custom so you can use either

 

[Blageo23]

You should leave the AWD gas tank in the shell. The FWD gas tank has different mounts that you would have to weld up(on the sides and back). And the FWD rear subframe should bolt up with the AWD tank there.

 

[cruisintalonawd]

Why would you want to convert a FWD to AWD when you have that AWD that way your not gavindh you do all the work. I don't know the hole story but I think thata the stupidest idea

 

[eclipse_spyder]

Why would you want to convert a FWD to AWD when you have that AWD that way your not gavindh you do all the work. I don't know the hole story but I think thata the stupidest idea

It may be stupid but what's ever more stupid is throwing away a shell. The FWD that I have now had a cracked tranny and it's my first car. I'm keeping it forever and want to go all out on that thing. I found an AWD shell and I have a spare 6 bolt block which I do plan on building that to put it in the AWD shell. My first car, I'm planning to go 2.4L AWD hoping to hit 7-800hp with a GT42 and all supporting mods. As for the AWD shell, it could be my daily driver if I get it up and running and plus I love DSM's. I wouldn't want to lose a DSM. It may be stupid, but it would brighten up my day having 2 DSM's. Just look out during Spring time.

 

[eclipse_spyder]

You should leave the AWD gas tank in the shell. The FWD gas tank has different mounts that you would have to weld up(on the sides and back). And the FWD rear subframe should bolt up with the AWD tank there.

Thanks for the info. What's the reason why AWD and FWD having different gas tanks?

 

[Blageo23]

The AWD tank has a cutout in the middle for the driveshaft and the FWD one does not. Also you have to cut off the FWD mounts otherwise the AWD tank will not fit.

 

[Blageo23]

Also why make a AWD FWD question. Lets say you buy an AWD car for $1000, convert the spyder to AWD then make the AWD shell FWD and sell it as a running car. You just got and AWD spyder plus $2000 cash from selling a FWD turbo DSM. Good move IMO

 

[99gst_racer]

I'm going to be converting my fwd to an awd and was wondering if I needed the awd fuel sending unit if im going to be using a fuel cell instead of the stock awd gas tank. Would I be able to use the stock fwd sending unit?

I'm also going to be converting that awd shell into a fwd. Weird, but I'd rather keep the shell than junk it. Would I be able to leave the awd tank the way it is and put the gst rear subframe?

NO, neither of the stock sending units will work with a cell. You can buy a cell with a sending unit built in, but the resistance will not match the OE fuel level gauge in the dash, so you'll have to purchase an aftermarket Autometer fuel level gauge to go with your fuel cell.

Yes, you can use the GSX fuel tank with the GST subframe. Everything will fit and it will work just fine.

 

[beating4g63s]

I was curious as to can an evo 8 subframe also work in this conversion, for some reason I'm having a problem finding a 2g rear subframe in my area but I've found an evo 8 subframe. for cheap.

 

[sexiprpapi03]

Now, what happens if you wanted to convert an Eclipse Spyder or a GS-T thats an automatic to AWD automatic. What parts would you need??