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RWD Conversion
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 10:45 pm
by 03silversxt
Has Anyone ever thought of doing a rwd conversion to a neon? I have always wondered how hard that would be? And how expensive?
Martin
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:16 pm
by Wenuden
it wouldn't be easy. everything in the engine bay would have to rotate 90*, you'd probably have to get a custom trans made to eliminate some drive-train power losses, cut/weld a tunnel for the DS into the passanger compartment probably. rear diff and axles. unless you're planning on throwing in a V8, what's the point? the 2.0 SOHC (even the magnum, stock or modded, short of forced induction) doesn't make enough power to even make it worthwhile performance-wise to convert to RWD.
I'd rather see an AWD 2.4T swap in a 2gn.
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:21 pm
by 03silversxt
You got a point there. But when I thing of rwd conversion, a V8 does come to mind
. Even a small block V8 would be sufficient since the neon isn't all that heavy! And yes, an AWD 2.4T would definately be worth while!
Martin
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:30 pm
by TN.Frank
Heck, in something the weight of a Neon a 3.7L V6 would make decent power. Plus, it'd be shorter front to back so it'd probably fit better in the engine bay over a V8.
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:41 pm
by KrackstaR
ls1=good
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:22 pm
by 03blackrt
This is certinaly one of them things that if you gotta aske, you can't do it.
It'd take alot of work, no matter what motor goes in it. Time would be better spent making room for larger tires upfront.
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:13 pm
by Wenuden
KrackstaR wrote:ls1=good
LS1 AWD in a neon? i'll take that.
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:35 pm
by Jamie
I think it could be something that could be done. but it would be faaar from a daily driver and would take more customizing than any 4 people would want to do. however if you have the time, tools, torch, welder, sheet metal, and money you can modify anything you want basically...
I thought about the possibilities of a 318 or a 360 from a Dakota a while ago while hacking into mine. starting with a JUNK car with a good frame...you would basically have to hack out the firewall. then cut the inside in half to make a hump for the drive shaft. fit the engine and trans, build engine and trans mounts, build a new firewall, build up the hump, create a shifter hole, ditch the fuel tank. fit a rear end in it, cut the rear end so it fits the car's wheel well, order a custom length drive shaft, custom length axle shafts for the rear end. could probably do a fuel cell in the trunk, the plastic tank would have to go to make room for the rear end. beat the trunk well up some more to maybe remount the plastic one,,, don't know why you would though. then the steering... it would take me about two hours to describe how i would have to do the steering. interior... yeah right... easy way would be to carb it, or to stick with FI you could use stock wiring harness and computer from a Dakota. not sure what you could do with the cluster. probably would have to scrap it depending on how bad you had to bring back and angle the firewall for engine/tranny clearances.
like putting an busa motor on a moped... ok my creative juices are done...
Monstar Garage anyone??
Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 7:27 pm
by soul_sword34
It's been done before. I saw the car that put the 2.0 in the trunk and ran the rear wheels that way. Looked like hell though.
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 1:15 am
by contagious18
i seen it done in a 1st gen
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 2:14 am
by 2001Neon_LX
Ya that one with 2.0 mounted sideways in the trunk acually works from the video i've seen on streetfire, just search Dodge Neon and you'll find it in there somewhere.
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 2:31 am
by titansxt
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:31 am
by contagious18
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 9:01 am
by -Devil-
you could go with an IRS setup and not have to hack up the center line of the floorpan as much because the driveshaft wouldn't have to move around
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 11:57 pm
by pyro
Put a V6 in the backseat with a transaxle, with the motor longitudinal(front-back). Build a firewall right behind the front seats and go back to the package tray with a removable section, and the motor as far forward as possible-mid engine style. Radiator still in front, fuel cell in former engine compartment. Cut out the trunk floor and pan, weld in a perimeter frame, and fab a drop out cradle for the motor, so you can work on it. If you beat on a big chrysler V6 very much, you will probably have to work on it.
Get it sorted then put a mild amount of boost to it if you have the $$'s and the balls. That 3.5 motor has great low end, but dies on top, and will probably make the neon do wheelies!
Or buy a Focus, and the kit to put a V8 in the front. Sometimes Ford is so cool!