Rwd 420a conversion?

[JRock20G]

Okay, so i know this would be ridiculous but im too curious to know if its possible.... Ive done research and read a vague 6 year old post and could find anything really.. just want to know if there is anyone out there that knows if there is a rwd Chrysler transmission that would fit a 420a engine. I only ask because i am so committed to my eclipse, spent tons on the engine and super bored with the fwd. I know this entails alot of work but i think it would be worth it if it could be done. Thanks

 

[necrotopsy]

anything can be done with enough money.
i love the 420a don't get me wrong, but if you're going to do all the work of rwd, there is so many other engines that just would work better.

shit do a sr20 rwd swap, that would be badass.

 

[96_killer]

i know the SRT guys use the Jeep RWQD 2.4L bell, or a 2.5L dakota bell and a toyota supra R154 manual tranny as far as i know... not sure how it will work an a n/a eclipse

 

[Alex7747]

if you're going rwd, you might as well do a v8 rwd swap and have all the torque in the world.

 

[JRock20G]

Yeah i know there are other options but i am really looking for something to do with the engine that i just rebuilt and turboed. The only way id go through with anything is if i could find cheap parts and do the work myself. Just dont want to start anything and find out there is nothing that could couple to the 420a.. either way.. if the economics of it wont work out, i would just start a new project when possible..

 

[Gump1114]

There are companies that sell adapter plates to allow several different rwd transmissions to bolt up. Contact Darrel cox racing, or real tuned performance. I think both of them have options available.

 

[Gump1114]

The adapters were developed for use with srt-4 motors, but the bolt pattern for the bell housing is the same.

 

[Leonthefaded]

I too was wondering how I could go aout doing a RWD conversion because I too love my 420a, I think it might be cheaper to have the drivetrain custom fabricated

 

[That1Talon]

correct me if im wrong but couldnt you use the rear from an awd?

 

[Leonthefaded]

I'm no expert but if you can use the rear end for an AWD swap for the GST there shouldnt be any reason you can use the rear end of an AWD for a RWD conversion, cept the problem would be the drivetrain of the 420a, because its not like the 4g63 AWD drivetrain.

I THINK you can with the AWD GSX delete the fwd alltogether and just have the power to the rear wheels, but were talking about the 420a something has to be custom fab'd for us.

 

[That1Talon]

yea the subframes are different but i dont see why you couldnt take the rear and build/make your own brackets to hook it all up it would be nice to see it done

 

[Gump1114]

just to throw a little more on the fire here.... here is a link to a rwd build using an srt motor (again, same bell housing bolt pattern)

Think this will fix my traction problem and breaking junk neon trannys? - SRT Forums - SRT4, SRT6, SRT8, SRT10 & Dodge Forum

the adapter plate used in that one was made by jmb performance.

and another...
rwd 2.4 srt Daytona - SRT Forums - SRT4, SRT6, SRT8, SRT10 & Dodge Forum
In this one DCR (darrel cox racing) posts up mentioning they make and sell adapters for SBC tranmissions.

 

[Fotowntalon]

Talk to LD25Delta9, he has been working on one for some time now.

 

[JRock20G]

Plan was to just take the rear axle off a gsx, custom drive-shaft to fit whatever tranny would go in there, mount the engine north to south and figure the rest of the details out after.. I know there's a lot more to it but it would be pretty awesome to get this started.. no better time than winter time.... Just found out that the sub frame from the Gs doesn't have room for a drive-shaft... something about the fuel tank being under the back seat, not near the trunk? Anyone confirm? I don't know what a gsx looks like underneath, Eclipses are rare enough here, might have seen one or two awd models here..

 

[Alex7747]

Plan was to just take the rear axle off a gsx, custom drive-shaft to fit whatever tranny would go in there, mount the engine north to south and figure the rest of the details out after.. I know there's a lot more to it but it would be pretty awesome to get this started.. no better time than winter time.... Just found out that the sub frame from the Gs doesn't have room for a drive-shaft... something about the fuel tank being under the back seat, not near the trunk? Anyone confirm? I don't know what a gsx looks like underneath, Eclipses are rare enough here, might have seen one or two awd models here..

In order for this to work, you are going to have to costume make your owe front subframe assembly. Costume motor mounts...ect. don't think you will be able to do this swap with any "off the shelf" parts.

Then if you want to try to use the rear end of the gsx, you will have to basically do a awd swap without the awd. you will have to swap out the rear subfram from a gsx, the awd gas tank, the e-break assembly, the wiring for the awd sending unit.(it may even be COMPLETELY different then the N/T ones) and the welding for the tunnel brackets.

All of the above would have to be done in order to run the gsx rear end. The gas tanks are different from the gsx and all the rest. The gsx has a tunnel in the gas tank, where the gs/gst's gas tank is flat on the bottom and the drive shaft would not be able to reach a rear differential.

This swap will take a lot of work to say the least.

 

[bryanwheat]

In order for this to work, you are going to have to costume make your owe front subframe assembly. Costume motor mounts...ect. don't think you will be able to do this swap with any "off the shelf" parts.

Then if you want to try to use the rear end of the gsx, you will have to basically do a awd swap without the awd. you will have to swap out the rear subfram from a gsx, the awd gas tank, the e-break assembly, the wiring for the awd sending unit.(it may even be COMPLETELY different then the N/T ones) and the welding for the tunnel brackets.

All of the above would have to be done in order to run the gsx rear end. The gas tanks are different from the gsx and all the rest. The gsx has a tunnel in the gas tank, where the gs/gst's gas tank is flat on the bottom and the drive shaft would not be able to reach a rear differential.

This swap will take a lot of work to say the least.

Not to mention opening up the tunnel for a transmission to fit, and relocating the steering rack which will entail using a different spindle and custom lower control arm. You will also need a custom oil pan likely. As people have stated this is VERY custom. You will probably have 10-15k in this pretty easily if you are paying someone to do the fab work. As i tell a lot of people, if you want a rwd car, buy a 240, rx7, 300zx or something along those lines.

 

[JRock20G]

Thanks for the responses, was a fun idea but probably wont happen unless id get a gsx donor... which wont happen. back to the drawing board i guess. Theres just nothing really i want to change on the eclipse its perfect as is(except drivetrain) .. getting bored.. gotta keep occupied for the winter haha.

 

[JRock20G]

Found a busted out 1996 Talon tsi for 1000$ 45 minutes from my place. I could hypothetically use most of the rear end off that right? Talons are way easier to get a hold of in Canada.

 

[92awddsm]

Yes, talon parts will work fine since they are the same. installing the rear and gas tank would be the easy part if you have a welder and can comprehend directions on a 2g awd swap. As for the front half of the car, you either need some serious fab skills or plenty of $ to pay someone to do it for you. I personally wouldn't be afraid to try it but I have the background, knowledge, and equipment to do it

 

[FRslimmyjim]

If you get this done it would be sweet!! ive been looking to do this to my 420a eclipse so if you do it take tons of pics and make a build journal. keep us posted

 

[bullettdsm]

Here's a little something for ya;
2GNT.com Forums - Viewing topic - rwd 420a

I know of 2 other guys that are working on the same concept of RWD. Both aren't posting about it, so I'll leave them alone for now. But they are working on it.

MB

 

[FRslimmyjim]

that is kind of disappointing. i was hoping to not have to rotate my engine plus it makes no sense to put a 420a into an rx7 when those engines are so bad ass!! i am hoping someone will figure something out so i can keep my engine the way it is in my eclipse where is belongs.

 

[JRock20G]

Found this online from wicked93gs at :
My 77 celica liftback GT build - Page 4 - TennSpeed

So we finally have another valid dodge 2.0/2.4l RWD transmission choice for those who care

Transmission: Chevrolet MA-5 from a 2005 Chevy colorado
Bellhousing: 2002-2005 Jeep liberty or wrangler 2.4L manual trans option
Flywheel: 2002-2005 Jeep Liberty or wrangler 2.4L manual trans option(note: dual mass flywheel)
Clutch disc: Chevrolet S10 27 spline 9" diameter with a 8mm thickness
Pressure Plate: Chevrolet S10 pressure plate(note: mounting holes line up perfectly with the liberty flywheel, I do not actually know the years S10 for the disc and pressure plate, I will update when I do)
TOB: 2005 Colorado
Slave cylinder(hydraulic TOB assembly):2005 Colorado
Slave cylinder spacer: Custom made....11/16" thick by 4 1/4" diameter(note: most metal suppliers will sell you either steel or aluminum cut from a 4 1/4" round stock...total cost for aluminum is around $16....however the cadillac cts-v comes with a spacer stock....but I dont know how thick it is or the cost...11/16" works, but doing it again I would make it 5/8")
Master cylinder: 1986 Toyota landcruiser(note: any 3/4" master cylinder should work...or even a 5/8" that has a longer stroke than my stock one, also of interest the toyota MC will work in mazda applications, almost a direct bolt up...imagine a 2.4L miata for instance...I had to make adapter brackets for the mounting holes on my celica, but otherwise a bolt up)

 

[gabytech]

Yeah i know there are other options but i am really looking for something to do with the engine that i just rebuilt and turboed. The only way id go through with anything is if i could find cheap parts and do the work myself. Just dont want to start anything and find out there is nothing that could couple to the 420a.. either way.. if the economics of it wont work out, i would just start a new project when possible..

Your first mistake, thinking a RWD conversion will be a cheap parts and diy project. It ain't just a what transmission and rear end to use conversion project. Theres going to be a lot of custom chassis work involved and custom parts needed, unless you have experience and skills in chassis and suspension fabrication, leave that work to the chassis builders. You can use the OEM AWD rear end, but I wouldnt recommend it since it'll be a weak link and wont hold enough power. You'll also have to modify the intake manifold, cooling system, motor mounts, front crossmember, front suspension, wiring harness, etc. If you don't have the required automotive knowldege and skills plus the welding skills I wouldn't recommend diy project, since it aint a wrench bolt-on project, if you looking to have a eye catching decent project and not end up with a shitty welded and ghetto custom fabricated parts project car.

Im building a RWD 4G63 2G and planned every little detail bumper to bumper down to the core and did lots of research and brainstorming for 4 years before deciding to give it a go last year. To date my parts only tab is at 8k and estimate the end tab will be around 25k total bumper to bumper. The conversion itself will tag around 5k-15k depending in which brand parts used. Im going to do all the work involved since Im a ASE certified technician for 10+ years and have been modifying and racing drag cars and road racing sportsbikes for the vast mayority of my automotive carrer, but I'll leave the chassis and suspension work to a professional chassis race shop.

My 2G RWD conversion journal - http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/dsm-build-journals/441214-project-2g-rwd-conversion.html

My Eclipse Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/undertakerGstRacing

http://projectzerog.com/ its a very good and useful 4G63/4G64 RWD page. Check it out, you'll have a better idea in what a RWD conversion will entail...

 

[glowryder]

^ This. I love my 420a's, but really, not enuff torq to even justify going RWD. A 2.4 would be a better idea. But you also rn itno the above mentioned issues. ASo unless this is your dream of dreams and have the cash.. do something else.. Sorry, but facts are facts. if RWD was as easy as you think it is.. there would be alot of them out there already.. Just my .02.. good look out for trans, but a worthless crusade IMO. Gaby obviously has done research and is willing to put in the money and work, which i appaud him for. So unless your willing to do the same.. id use brain power elsewhere. I just dont think the 420a is the right platform for RWD, Probably why Mopar didnt do it ; )