AWD F-Body

I was wondering if it would be possible to make a Trans Am into an all wheel drive vehicle. I understand that it would be a huge undertaking even for the best of mechanics but I just want to talk about conceptual ideas here. I want to know, because I plan on building a 650 rwhp TA pretty soon,(2-3 years) and traction could be a huge problem.
I have noticed that all AWD's are sideways mount engines. What is the reason for this?? Is there some mechanical impossibility/reason why it isn't possible to make this project happen?

:frog: Come on guys, show me what you've got!!:frog:

Well...where to start...

First, not all AWD cars have transversely-mounted engines. Most Subarus and Audi/Volkswagens, for starters. The reason so many AWD cars have transversely-mounted engines is because that's what their platform started with. In theory, a longitudinal engine would be easier to build an AWD vehicle from (adding a tailshaft from the transmission could send the power toward the rear).

Lamborghini Diablo, Porshce 911...just thinking of more AWD cars with longitudinally-mounted engines.

As for an F-body with AWD...packaging is the problem. You would need a transfer case to send power up toward the front wheels. Mounting the transfer case (the unit from the Astro/Safari/Syclone/Typhoon would be ideal) would interfere with the exhaust system, primarily the catalytic converter, which I believe sits under the passenger's side footwell.

...Mercedes-Benz M-Class and E-Class; BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, and X5...

If you could get a transfer case mounted (which would illegally remove much of the emissions control system), your next problem would be where to put the front driveshaft and front axle. Again, lack of space would prevent many available axles from being used. The front axle from the Syclone/Typhoon would be a good candidate, if room could be found for it, but you'd probably be forced to use the rear axle from these trucks as well...to match the gear ratios.

...Ford Sierra/Escort and Granada/Scorpio...

Good luck, but if I were you...I'd find a better place to throw my money.

Yes you can. But I hope you have A LOT!!!! of money.

If you turn the TA to an AWD drivetrain, it really wont be a TA anymore. You'd be better off trying to put the LS1 engine in a 3000 or another AWD car.

I'm sure it can be done but a what cost I do not know. I know you can do a fox body chassis mustang cheap but only because of luck. 1. Some Jeep models use T-5 tranny's which will bolt right up to a 302 and now you have your transfer case. Also lucky thing #2 Jeep wrangler front axle is the same width as a Ford 8.8. So if you know a talented machine shop it can all be done for under $1500.

Originally posted by GTStang
I'm sure it can be done but a what cost I do not know. I know you can do a fox body chassis mustang cheap but only because of luck. 1. Some Jeep models use T-5 tranny's which will bolt right up to a 302 and now you have your transfer case. Also lucky thing #2 Jeep wrangler front axle is the same width as a Ford 8.8. So if you know a talented machine shop it can all be done for under $1500.

Don't expect a Mustang to be so easy, either. While the parts may be available...and similar parts can mate to the F-bodies...the problem isn't the 4wd system (another problem you'll have), it's where to put the extra parts.

The F-bodies pack in lots of things in their little bodies. On the passenger's side is one of the catalytic converters. This is the place where a transfer case would need to go. If you were to remove (or, somehow, relocate) the cats, you'd still have to cut into the passenger's footwell (already small) to put the transfer case there.

Then, there's the problem of where to locate the front driveshaft and front axle. All of these problems would be exactly the same if you're working with the F-bodies or the Fox-bodied Mustangs.

Next, if you're mounting Jeep Wrangler transfer cases, they're 4wd, not AWD. The Wrangler system is made for off-roading, not performance driving. You'll have the low gear to help you climb rough terrain, but the whole system won't do much for on-road driving.

While the Ford conversion may cost $1,500 in parts and connecting them, it'll cost much more than that for body modifications. All you'll get in the end will be a high-ground clearance Mustang (or F-body) with good off-road capabilities but no better (and probably worse) on-road abilities.

When i spoke about the mustang it was from expirence because my the guy who does all my auto welding needs did it. The hieght of the car will be raised 1 inch total which on a car that is already low isn't very noticable. With this raise all the exhuast stuff like full length headers on this stang whic hang much lower than stock f-body exhuast manifolds are above the drive shafts. This is all done buy where u weld and mount the drive axle in the front u add. The gear ration is fine in low-wheel 4X4 in will make this 85 Mustang gt do 12.45 in the 1/4mile. But if You wanna do over 130mph u gonna have to change the ratio's true. But not the ratio's in the tranny but in each axle around a 3.55 is real nice. For all the specifics on an F-body I don't know. I said i dunno what it would cost either. I was just ssaying it was possible like anything is. And in a Fox-body stang it turned out to be possile fairly cheaply.

I had thought about doing a motor swap on a 3000gt VR4 but I just don't think that there is enough room under the hood for the motor + the twin turbo setup that I will have. I could be wrong though. I have lots more research to do. I was just needing some thoughts.

thanks guys