Ok I've read through about 50 threads about this type of things and all I want is a simple answer.

is it A) cheaper to convert my current FWD 3.5L magna to AWD,
B) Use an AWD chassis in good condition and transfer panels (From wreck)
or
C) Just buy one and convert it to manual?

I've read through so many threads and I'm confused as to what to do. So a b or c, simple quesion, simple answer :)

All of the options will be hellishly expensive...

im not 100% sure, as i have never done it but im guessing just buying an AWD its the cheapest

Afaik it's been done to death that a manual conversion to an awd just isn't feasible or at least practical.

In terms of fwd --> awd conversion, there are so many different components (suspension, fuel tank, floorpan) it would be far cheaper and easier to sell up and simply buy an awd.

Just put EVO running gear in your FWD.. with Twin Turbo motor..:P

Buy AWD and convert to manual. But you've got to get the right hardware.

Yeah out of those three options the cheapest would be converting the AWD to manual as the compliancing/engineering work for the others would be huge.

Just put EVO running gear in your FWD.. with Twin Turbo motor..:P

That or just buy an evo or 3000GT 2nd hand. wouldnt be much more than the magna with all the extra drivetrain expenses....

The only decent solution seems to be to buy an AWD and put an evo box in it, although it won't come cheap. If I had all the money in the world my magna would be

AWD TJII
EVO Gear Box
Massive single turbo (Booya-esq)
Full Ralliart kit.

Would be quite an incredible machine I'd think...

The only decent solution seems to be to buy an AWD and put an evo box in it, although it won't come cheap. If I had all the money in the world my magna would be

AWD TJII
EVO Gear Box
Massive single turbo (Booya-esq)
Full Ralliart kit.

Would be quite an incredible machine I'd think...

hahaha thats what ive been planning for a long time.

except TT for teh win!

Hmmm well money is the issue, all I want is a v6 Manual AWD that isn't gonna send me bankrupt :(

Oh well might have to look into buying a TT Soarer :P probably cheaper to find one of those in manual, it would do the job :P

I'm also aware that the soarer is RWD not AWD :P

EVO VII gearbox 5 speed - $1,750. Really thats not much more than a 3rd gen 5 speed


http://www.tweakit.net/shop/index.php?cPath=59_60_73

There's far more to it than just that though. The trans tunnel has to be widened etc...

There's far more to it than just that though. The trans tunnel has to be widened etc...
Would it? Aren't the tranny's still east-west with the AWD's. If so I would have though that the only modification to fit it in would be to the firewall.

I've read on here that the AWD system is completely mechanical, is this the case. Because if it were to be electronic somewhere along the line, that would also be controlled by the transmission control unit. That could be a real big problem to overcome.

If you were to get an AWD then I'd recommend using the money to go towards a turbo conversion. Turbos and autos go very very well together :D

Would it? Aren't the tranny's still east-west with the AWD's. If so I would have though that the only modification to fit it in would be to the firewall.

I've read on here that the AWD system is completely mechanical, is this the case. Because if it were to be electronic somewhere along the line, that would also be controlled by the transmission control unit. That could be a real big problem to overcome.

If you were to get an AWD then I'd recommend using the money to go towards a turbo conversion. Turbos and autos go very very well together :D

its is electronic, with the AYC etc.

i dont think the tranny tunnel would have to be widened as the box is exactly the same size as the inves 2 box present in the awd.

Hmmm well money is the issue, all I want is a v6 Manual AWD that isn't gonna send me bankrupt :(

Oh well might have to look into buying a TT Soarer :P probably cheaper to find one of those in manual, it would do the job :P

I'm also aware that the soarer is RWD not AWD :P

good luck with that one mate... afaik TT soarers in manual are very rare.. my brother was after one, but ended up goin the auto instead

its is electronic, with the AYC etc.

i dont think the tranny tunnel would have to be widened as the box is exactly the same size as the inves 2 box present in the awd.
Yeah I was talking about the AWD system that is in the Magnas. From what I've been able to make out the Magnas have a rear LSD and open front diff, but I haven't been able to ascertain if the central coupling/differential is a electronic variable differential, or if it's manual.

If you were to convert to a manual using an EVO box then it may be possible to put in the EVO diffs as well, in which case you would also want an EVO TCU. Although I would think that'd add a fair bit of $$$ to the mod.

Yeah I was talking about the AWD system that is in the Magnas. From what I've been able to make out the Magnas have a rear LSD and open front diff, but I haven't been able to ascertain if the central coupling/differential is a electronic variable differential, or if it's manual.

If you were to convert to a manual using an EVO box then it may be possible to put in the EVO diffs as well, in which case you would also want an EVO TCU. Although I would think that'd add a fair bit of $$$ to the mod.

The trans tunnel in the AWD are wider compared to the FWD magnas. On the inside,
its about 30cm wide.

Also... from autospeed
The new rear differential is a mechanical plate type that's the same as that found on the Lancer Evolution 6 RS. The tailshaft, transfer case, centre drive coupling (of the viscous variety) and open-centre front diff are also common to the Lancer Evo 6; the heavy-duty Evo parts necessary to handle the toque of the 3.5-litre V6. Note that the centre viscous coupling provides a 50/50 front-to-rear torque split in normal conditions - the same as the conventional Subaru AWD system.

I know for a fact that the rear diff is a multi-plate clutch toruque sensing LSD.

^^^ Cheers for that it's creared a few things up for me.

So from that info it looks like you'd want a manual box from an EVO 6 (maybe 5 or seven 7) and all the stuff to work it and probably a custom bell housing to connect the box to the block. Dunno how the flywheel would match up as well :doubt: . I'd be thinking that the flywheels would be of a different diameter as well.

It looks to me that a manual conversion definately wouldn't be cheap or easy. Although I have read a thread on here somewhere that Raliart did convert a couple of AWD's over to manual, but ended up just using the autos for the rallying. If you really are keen to do this you may be able to get in contact with someone who was on the team or has access to their records. That'd be the best bet. As they'd know what you'll need and what needs to be custom fabricated.

Also heres some info on the various options for the EVO 4-7 drivetrain, just if anyone's interested.
http://www.coordsport.com/Transmission%20&%20Differential%20Information%20Nov%202001.pdf

SlickTH was in contact with them as he got a ralliart engine off them. I asked him to quiz them but never got anything back. They had two manual demos apparantely. So there must be a way.

SlickTH was in contact with them as he got a ralliart engine off them. I asked him to quiz them but never got anything back. They had two manual demos apparantely. So there must be a way.

There is if you have a big factory and lots of money and lots of spare parts to play with.