Hatchback sleeper using RS200 style drivetrain

Supercharged EG33 in the back of an 80's GL Coupe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNQR40rblwo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SroGwZnFp64

• Lee

Now we're getting somewhere

Suzuki Swift with an overbuilt Suzuki crotchrocket powerplant.

Mitsubishi Colt Vista with turbo Eclipse power.

Not exactly "mid" engine, but how about "New" Beetle body on a 911 floorpan?

mid engine rwd focus svt http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=318724

I'd go transverse fwd drivetrain in whatever flavor you like,far more compact than a Subaru with trans.The V8 audi and trans is likely similar size and WAY WAY cooler than a Subaru engine imo if you were so inclined.I emailed back and forth for a bit with a guy putting the audi V8 in a geo metro same as my ice racer,he swears it'll fit but I think the end of the trans will be poking out the rear bumper.

I've seen a few of these done well. I remember a mkII Golf with VR6 in the back. It was basically a tube-framed car at that point. And more than a few Austin Minis with bike engines in the back. There's a company in the UK that sells a full conversion kit. Basically tuns the Mini into a street-legal kart.

My dream for a project like his would be to start with an old Renault LeCar and build an R5 Turbo II replica using a more modern French drivetrain, like the one in my Pug 405 Mi16.

LanEvo wrote: I've seen a few of these done well. I remember a mkII Golf with VR6 in the back. It was basically a tube-framed car at that point. And more than a few Austin Minis with bike engines in the back. There's a company in the UK that sells a full conversion kit. Basically tuns the Mini into a street-legal kart. My dream for a project like his would be to start with an old Renault LeCar and build an R5 Turbo II replica using a more modern French drivetrain, like the one in my Pug 405 Mi16.

God that is beyond beautiful. Ive been scouring cl for le cars after seeing something about an old r5 turbo rally car the other day

GM FWD cars mount the entire powertrain on a removable subframe. All the V6s bolt to one of the manual gearboxes (F40?), for which an LSD is available.

I saw this Civic at an autocross in Washington 20-25 years ago. Blown away with the attention to detail. Almost as if Honda actually built it. Hope it's still around.

freestyle wrote: I saw this Civic at an autocross in Washington 20-25 years ago. Blown away with the attention to detail. Almost as if Honda actually built it. Hope it's still around.

WHOA! Wonder if it survives today. That is AWESOME.

mndsm wrote: 5.3 FWD LSx derivative, and whatever hatchback you choose.

This seems to be hitting the Easy button, unless I'm missing something. Any way to hook up a manual, though?

You are on a dangerous path, grasshopper!

The first project I wanted to do was a turbocharged EJ22 in the back of a Justy, R5 Turbo style. Used to have all the pieces, just never built it. Sold the EJ.

Still have the Justy, if you are serious. ME is a long way away...

The problem with the Subie FWD transmissions is they are long, and weak. They were only put in the weakest Subies, and the tailstock is actually longer than the AWD, once you account for the linkage. Makes it hard to fit in an econobox, unless you have really short legs (ask me how I know...)

I DO, however, also have a FWD Subie trans, if you can't be convinced otherwise.

An AWD Subie trans can be used, with the rear output shaft blanked off. This give lots more power potential. (WRX? STI? Full dogbox?).

Transverse FWD is the better answer.

Dodge Omni (good choice) with a K car FWD subframe in the rear. If you are serious about THIS one, I also have a complete Spirit RT with the Turbo 3. This would KICK in an Omni.

Or, I can also supply you with a Turbo Caravan shell to drop it in (twin engined 600 hp??)...

Yes, my yard is full of all the crap that would feed your wild ideas (apparently you and I have similar degenerate nightmares).

chaparral wrote: GM FWD cars mount the entire powertrain on a removable subframe. All the V6s bolt to one of the manual gearboxes (F40?), for which an LSD is available.

This is exactly what I would do, a supercharged series ii 3800 and swap the supercharger for turbo. The fiero getrag 5 speeds work too

I used the complete '88 fiero rear sub and fabbed the motor mounts for the stock svt motor...turbo coming soon. Btw, use only the '88 rear sub, the suspension dynamics are far superior.

Why not a VQ35 out of a Maxima, that is what I would use. Not sure what I would put it in.

Available with manual transmission and everything I believe.

In reply to Rob_Mopar:

Just saw this thread, same car. Still have it, it sat for 20 years then I got it out and started autocrossing it. Suspension is now c4/c5 corvette, and the engine is a all aluminum 434 small block chevy. Also move the engine forward an additional 12 inches. Running 335 A6'S on all four corners on 12.75 wide wheels. Has data logging and ABS, here are some recent pics.

In reply to waynger:

More details please!!!

Oh, and I love the seats...

Personally I want to do the 3.5 ho and transaxle combo from an intrepid. North south orientation with a proper powerband. Should also be short enough to stuff in anything. My vision is a 914.

waynger wrote: In reply to Rob_Mopar: Just saw this thread, same car. Still have it, it sat for 20 years then I got it out and started autocrossing it. Suspension is now c4/c5 corvette, and the engine is a all aluminum 434 small block chevy. Also move the engine forward an additional 12 inches. Running 335 A6'S on all four corners on 12.75 wide wheels. Has data logging and ABS, here are some recent pics.

You sir are a genius, an evil genius. Is this your portrate? Can I join your fan club? Oh, and yes, more pics, lots and lots more pics plus lots of lovely details.

alex wrote:

mndsm wrote: 5.3 FWD LSx derivative, and whatever hatchback you choose.

This seems to be hitting the Easy button, unless I'm missing something. Any way to hook up a manual, though?

Yes. The F40 will bolt to the LS4 (aluminum 5.3 out of Monte Carlo SS, etc.). However, I don't think the block has a starter boss casting, so you have to rig up a starter somehow. It's been done...but it's some work.

In reply to Adrian_Thompson:

I will start a build thread got lots of pics

You might want to check out the Kimini book which covers everything involved in stuffing FWD drivetrains into the back of things, OEM or otherwise. It's on lulu.com, and yes, it's my book :)

To stay in-theme, I always wanted to put a turbo RX-7 engine and transaxle in the rear of a Datsun B210. By the time I had the resources to do it though, the Datsuns had all but vanished.

DeadSkunk wrote: I was looking at a Taurus SHO V8 drive train and contemplating sticking it in the back of some sort of small hatchback. I did find a cheap Omni and lots of Focuses.

The Taurus SHO v6 comes with a manual box...