is it worth converting a spyder to awd???

[cisco818]

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

 

[streetraceboi]

Yes.

 

[tkrPerformance]

I have been loving my awd spyder since 1999. I bought the car new in 1998 and ripped it all apart a year later for awd. It is 1 of 3 car I will never sell

 

[DiamondStar90]

Who has an auto awd spyder and how do you like over the. 5 speed

 

[buhay6]

Swap it, fwd is completely useless. Get awd for launching and snow and have a rwd for fun! best of both worlds right there.

 

[tin_tin13]

A 1999 white/black interior awd spyder is my dream car I plan on building.

 

[rvasquez1989]

Yeah id like to go that route with my spyder. Anybody with the swap already have a guesstimate as to how much money was spent? I'd like to know how big of a hole i have to burn in my pocket!

 

[tin_tin13]

It could range from1k-3k depending if using a donor or collecting parts, also if you do it yourself saves alot of money. A few shops around my area quoted 1.5k. When I do the swap it will cost me time and labor brother has a gsx roller and works at a body shop with all the tools I need.

 

[Tyeler18]

Yeah id like to go that route with my spyder. Anybody with the swap already have a guesstimate as to how much money was spent? I'd like to know how big of a hole i have to burn in my pocket!

PM'd you. Since you're in the same area as me.

I have $400 tied up into my awd swap on my 5 speed spyder. That's everything I needed to do the swap, every bolt, and bushing included. Only thing I have left to purchase is catback, but $400 total is my entire swap minus a catback.

My auto awd spyder on the other hand has a total of $100 into it. This is one is completely swapped already, but I bought the car with a rod out the block for $100.

 

[gorf]

Best answer.......

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

With FWD and almost any mods, go around a corner and nail it. Your wheels smoke - pretty cool ugh? Jump on the gas and pass someone on the expressway, and your car feels like it has a mind of its own - torque steer.

AWD you can get your wheels to break lose but you have to REALLY BE CRANKING IT! Mostly it just grips and throws you back in the seat.
NO TORQUE STEER!

Is it worth it? HELL YA, its amazing that they didn't do it from the factory considering how easy it is.

 

[fierosail]

id i had the time and the room mine would be awd

 

[Afizzle]

go feel an awd dsm launch, then you will have your answer.

yes im doing it

 

[M Baker]

I lived in Denver four years and the snow melted off the roads in a day or two. So unless you're taking your Spyder to ride the snow at the resorts you don't need AWD. The Spyder has more weight to begin with as well as chop-top convertible body flex - no hardtop to stiffen the chassis. The cars are so cheap just buy an AWD coupe if you want AWD, and enjoy the Spyder for what it is - a fun car on warm sunny days - which you can get in the middle of winter in Denver.

 

[Cox Abele]

I swapped my 5-speed FWD to an auto AWD. I haven't driven it yet, but I can't wait.

 

[WES_393]

OP- I just noticed you live in Colorado. Have you tried driving your Spyder in the snow yet? Let's just say when it snows here, I park my NA Spyder and bring out my Holset powered TSi AWD. The AWD makes that much of a difference.

 

[cisco818]

I swapped my 5-speed FWD to an auto AWD. I haven't driven it yet, but I can't wait.

I would be anxious if I where you! Haha there's a automatic gsx in this junkyard close to my house. I wonder if the TC drive shaft and rear assembly will work or are interchangeable with a standard transmission. hmmm

OP- I just noticed you live in Colorado. Have you tried driving your Spyder in the snow yet? Let's just say when it snows here, I park my NA Spyder and bring out my Holset powered TSi AWD. The AWD makes that much of a difference.

Yea I've driven it in the snow and it works great. The only thing I hate is when I'm at a stop light and it turns green I'm just sitting there spinning the front tires until they finally start getting grip

 

[Awdspyderman]

Just an FYI, the auto's and 5 speed drivetrain parts are not interchangable.

 

[cisco818]

That answered my question. Thanks

 

[ZombieSix]

1999 Mitsubishi eclipse gst spider

only if its this 99 black on black spyder.

 

[cisco818]

1999 Mitsubishi eclipse gst spider

only if its this 99 black on black spyder.

Yup that's what I had in mind. Black on black with a light bar. So do those seats already come like that? Cus I was thinking of dying them black. I was also thinking of swapping them with black 3g seats cus I read they fit. I habnt seen any 2g with all black interior. Just the grey and black on tan.