4 wheel drive in a third gen?
4 wheel drive in a third gen?
What would it take to convert a third gen over to a four wheel drive? Anyone have any idea? Has it been done before? CAn it be done, or should i say how much is it going to cost?
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 764
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From: Emmaus, Pa
Car: 1987 Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: 355
Transmission: 1994 T56
Axle/Gears: BW 3.27 (stock)
all the parts are out there on s-blazers, etc., but fitment is pretty much impossible. there's nowhere to put a solid axle across the front unless of course you want to go through the motor?
You could always put a 6 inch lift on it and that might give you some room. Could you imagine seeing that go down the road. Also, you might want to put a full frame under it or at least sub-frame connectors. Actually I would have to say that It couldnt reallisticly be done and be worth it. You would loose all of your performance. And about the cost that would be tremendous also if you could get it to work. By the way, does anyone know how all-wheel drive works, does it take as much space and have a solid front axle.
Ben
Ben
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Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
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Posts: 4,627
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From: Houston Area
Car: Faster
Engine: Than
Transmission: You!
If you are talking about a AWD road racing car (and I hope you were) then you could use syclone/parts (ie transfer case etc..) then use a C-4 Idependent rear and you would have one bad *** handling car.
Did this post attract morons or is it me? Yes you've pinned me i want to lift my gta 12 inches put huge *** mudtires on it and go have some fun thats what i want you all got me there.
I want an AWD vechichle for road races.
2 people answered questions, 6 were morons.
I want an AWD vechichle for road races.
2 people answered questions, 6 were morons.
Ive seen one of these it was a t/a jacked up really high with a full frame underneath. I passed it on the highway a year ago
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1984 Z51 Auto, Ported and polished intake, K&N, MSD, Ram air/Cold air intake, no cat, no AIR, no egr, no swirls plates
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1984 Z51 Auto, Ported and polished intake, K&N, MSD, Ram air/Cold air intake, no cat, no AIR, no egr, no swirls plates
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 11
From: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
If you wanted to do it because you thought it'd be interesting, then that would be one thing, but you could probably buy an AWD car and prep it for racing for less than it'd cost you just to convert your car.
Apeiron, thanks. I was looking at converting an fbody to awd putting in a 6 speed and a high revving motor... It would be awesome fun to drive, and also just something cool to talk about.
I think the reason why some of the responses sound like they're coming from morons is because they realize that what you're talking about would be insanely difficult. Still though, it isn't IMPOSSIBLE. Given enough time and $$, any feat of engineering is possible.
I agree with the morons that suggested to START with something designed as an AWD vehicle.
I agree with the morons that suggested to START with something designed as an AWD vehicle.
It's just the fact that people come on here, dont have any advice to offer, or dont understand want, maybe even disagree with you... so they cut you down... What's that all about? I know it'd be hard thats why i said what i said in my first post.
Sorry, to anny i offended Im not in any posistion to decide who's a moron and whos not. Thanks
Sorry, to anny i offended Im not in any posistion to decide who's a moron and whos not. Thanks
Take the body off a 1/2 ton chevy 4wd truck, and start cutting the F-body till you can fit it on the frame. You will end up with a 1/2 ton F-body but you could make it a monster F-body with a lift kit and big tires and wheels. Or lower it to make a AWD car
that handles like a truck.
[This message has been edited by BlackBird91 (edited December 13, 2001).]
that handles like a truck.
[This message has been edited by BlackBird91 (edited December 13, 2001).]
I was being sarcastic, and I did ask about awd because I thought that that might be a possibility. If that is what you meant in the first place you represented it poorly by asking if you could convert it to 4-wheel drive.
Ben
Ben
actually way back in the day in the late 69' they took a 66 cutlass and made it 4WD it had a 2 blown 455's one in the trunk, one under the hood, they used a tornado trans axle for the front wheels and i belive another in the back for the rear wheels, anyhow this thing would burn all 4 wheels the entire 1/4 mile and was still running low 10's. there was also a 70' chevelle i saw on ebay about a year ago was a 70' chevelle with 2 455's with a similar setup making over 1,200 HP in total, its possible, and kick *** but expensive
GTA i think that is a tight idea i have pondered the same thought.
as 2 the idea it seams that the hump between the dr&pass would have 2 b modified 2 incorperate the trans axel(transfer case) but the rest should move kind of smooth i.e(raise the motor 1" 2 make room 4 the dr. shaft install rack & pinion steering and ect... but of course the all mighty dollar will make things happen it just matters how LIMITED your imagination is!! i.e some MORONS OUT THERE!!!
LATE -J.C.-
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92 F-BIRd FORMULA T-TOP (WHITEKNIGHT) 5.7L-98,700R4 TCI STREET FIGHTERTRANS,TRANSGO-HP KIT,KEVELAR CLUTCHES,VETT SERVO 2500STALL,54MM-AS&M TB-PORTPLENT,LARGETUBRUN,L-98 ALUM. HEADS PORTED CRANE AFPR.45PSI,SMOG PUMP GUTTED,
UNDER PULLEYS K&NCOLD AIR KIT,160THERMO,ELDB HEADERS W/3 1/2 Y PIPE 2 RINO CAT 2 DUMP
MSDDIST,6AL,TAYLOR WIRES
2BLASTERCOIL.ACCELL PLUGS
CUSTOM FASTCHIP BY ED WRIGHT,AUBERN POSI W/ RICHMOND 3.23 AND MOSER AXEL SPLINES CRYGO FROZEN,TUBE FRAME CONNEC,EIBACH PRO.,HOK.LOWER ARMS,PAN,TQ ARM,ALUM. DRV.SHAFT.
PST KIT.1LE BRAKE KIT CROSSED DRILLED ROTORS MANY MORE MODS FORESEEN IN MY ERA!13.01ET @ 108.75MPH ON MICK E.T & PIZZA CUTTERS UP FRONT
as 2 the idea it seams that the hump between the dr&pass would have 2 b modified 2 incorperate the trans axel(transfer case) but the rest should move kind of smooth i.e(raise the motor 1" 2 make room 4 the dr. shaft install rack & pinion steering and ect... but of course the all mighty dollar will make things happen it just matters how LIMITED your imagination is!! i.e some MORONS OUT THERE!!!
LATE -J.C.-
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92 F-BIRd FORMULA T-TOP (WHITEKNIGHT) 5.7L-98,700R4 TCI STREET FIGHTERTRANS,TRANSGO-HP KIT,KEVELAR CLUTCHES,VETT SERVO 2500STALL,54MM-AS&M TB-PORTPLENT,LARGETUBRUN,L-98 ALUM. HEADS PORTED CRANE AFPR.45PSI,SMOG PUMP GUTTED,
UNDER PULLEYS K&NCOLD AIR KIT,160THERMO,ELDB HEADERS W/3 1/2 Y PIPE 2 RINO CAT 2 DUMP
MSDDIST,6AL,TAYLOR WIRES
2BLASTERCOIL.ACCELL PLUGS
CUSTOM FASTCHIP BY ED WRIGHT,AUBERN POSI W/ RICHMOND 3.23 AND MOSER AXEL SPLINES CRYGO FROZEN,TUBE FRAME CONNEC,EIBACH PRO.,HOK.LOWER ARMS,PAN,TQ ARM,ALUM. DRV.SHAFT.
PST KIT.1LE BRAKE KIT CROSSED DRILLED ROTORS MANY MORE MODS FORESEEN IN MY ERA!13.01ET @ 108.75MPH ON MICK E.T & PIZZA CUTTERS UP FRONT
Supreme Member

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 0
From: Pueblo Co
Car: 1989 C4
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 307
Well I think this is a good discuion but not resonable. Sportscar=4x4. The hardest part would be to fabricate in the front axle, you couldent use a full size front axle so your looking for an S10. You could pull the body off your 3rdgen and swap it onto an s10 frame then drop the frame and have about the same ground height a fbody should be. If you were to find a newer shift on the fly 4x4 to swipe the electric 4x4 controlls out of you would be ok. (a 4x floor shift couldent be done in a fbody)the steering linkage would need to be reconfigured and im sure it would be an electronic nightmare, but its doable.
SSC
SSC
I know why u would prolly want it..to get a better Jump at the line...well AWD would make your car alot heavier.. so really you might make out good..or it could do nothing but make your car slower, I would stick with a larger drag tire and some burnouts should help you if you wanna make a jump.. But dont try inventing a AWD Camaro..
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~1985 Camaro Z28~
V8,305,700R4,K&N Edlebrock Air Filter,& MSD 8.5MM Super conductor Wires,
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~1985 Camaro Z28~
V8,305,700R4,K&N Edlebrock Air Filter,& MSD 8.5MM Super conductor Wires,
I think it could be done with Cyclone running gear, but it looks like either you would have to raise the engine, or move it back into the firewall. Raising it would affect the center of gravity and increase body roll in corners. However, moving the engine back would probably help in all areas accept for driver comfort. I think it would be really cool to see it done, but I personally like the 4x4 idea better. Put it on a K5 frame with 44 inch boggers, and then you can just run over the imports! My 2 cents...
Supreme Member

Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 28
From: Adrian, Mi, USA
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
The front drive system from a syclone, typhoon, or an AWD Astro, plus the transfer case would be a good base to start from. It is possible to mount the front axle IN PLACE OF the front crossmember, and fabricate engine mounts in a different location. This would alleviate the need to raise the body too far, and also the need to put the body on another frame. (way too much weight that way)
The transmission tunnel would have to be modified to accept the transfer case, and this is where you will run into problems. I do not think there is enough room under there, without significantly changing the floor pan, and, as the front driveshaft is on the drivers side, the seat may have to be moved uncomfortably far forward, if there is room for it at all. I am unsure if there is another alternative for a transfer case that would require less room. (and be able to handle the power of a V8......)
I had considered this conversion a while back, after driving my brothers AWD Eclipse. The handling characteristics were just
awesome. (and, my major reason for considering this......) I gave
up the project due to lack of funding. (I have the complete front suspension from a 91 Toyota 4 Runner.)
This would be a rather cool project, but, would require an awful
lot of fabrication/engineering. Too much for me at the moment.
The transmission tunnel would have to be modified to accept the transfer case, and this is where you will run into problems. I do not think there is enough room under there, without significantly changing the floor pan, and, as the front driveshaft is on the drivers side, the seat may have to be moved uncomfortably far forward, if there is room for it at all. I am unsure if there is another alternative for a transfer case that would require less room. (and be able to handle the power of a V8......)
I had considered this conversion a while back, after driving my brothers AWD Eclipse. The handling characteristics were just
awesome. (and, my major reason for considering this......) I gave
up the project due to lack of funding. (I have the complete front suspension from a 91 Toyota 4 Runner.)
This would be a rather cool project, but, would require an awful
lot of fabrication/engineering. Too much for me at the moment.
Does anyone know if the syclone and typhoon came with a solid front axle? that would be a good place to start looking if you were really serious about doing this or you are just courious.
You know, there's something I thought about that would be at least worthy of studying. Pontiac made a small number of AWD 6000s in the late 80s/early 90s.
I got to mess with a '90 AWD 6000, and although it was a clapped-out ghetto ride at the time, it still got up. I'm thinking Pontiac would have had to deal with many of the same problems that an F-body owner would.. Namely, how to mount the transfer case under a unibody chassis not designed to support it, low ground clearance, etc.
If you didn't look closely at the 6000, you wouldn't know that it had two axles. It wasn't lifted like the previous pictures of F-bodies were.. It was a total sleeper.
Just something to think about!
I got to mess with a '90 AWD 6000, and although it was a clapped-out ghetto ride at the time, it still got up. I'm thinking Pontiac would have had to deal with many of the same problems that an F-body owner would.. Namely, how to mount the transfer case under a unibody chassis not designed to support it, low ground clearance, etc.
If you didn't look closely at the 6000, you wouldn't know that it had two axles. It wasn't lifted like the previous pictures of F-bodies were.. It was a total sleeper.
Just something to think about!
LOL not sure if I wanna touch this one or not, but here goes.
FWIW you'd be hacking up a car that would be better suited to other uses. You could pick up a AWD Turbo DSM for between $200-3000 that with an afternoons tweaking would run low 13's.
Its quicker, easier, more feasible, etc... Look into them, they're butt ugly and whatnot, but they move and theyr'e awd and CHEAP!!!.
GM didn't even think the independant rear suspension was worthwhile to put in the thirdgen platform, and that would be MUCH easier than trying to put a AWD chassis under a thirdgen.
FWIW you'd be hacking up a car that would be better suited to other uses. You could pick up a AWD Turbo DSM for between $200-3000 that with an afternoons tweaking would run low 13's.
Its quicker, easier, more feasible, etc... Look into them, they're butt ugly and whatnot, but they move and theyr'e awd and CHEAP!!!.
GM didn't even think the independant rear suspension was worthwhile to put in the thirdgen platform, and that would be MUCH easier than trying to put a AWD chassis under a thirdgen.
There is a motor out there that has the trasfercase running throught it. It't the new GM straight six in the new envoy's and Jimmys. GM has raced a motified motor in pikes peak hill climb it was a beast. I would like to see GM introduce the new camaro or firebird with a awd plateform.
I think you attracted the morons because you said "4 wheel drive" (typically associated with trucks), in the subject instead of "all wheel drive" (typically associated with cars). And you know the type of people who stereotypically like 4 wheelers.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,106
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From: Ontario, Canada
Car: Bonnievillie
Engine: 3.8L
why would anyone change there 1st gen to a 4x4 like that?
what a waste!
but on the other hand .. its something thats never been done..
but its really pointless.
Hey your not the only one that was thinking of 4x4 for his Camaro. I was also intrested if it was possible in doing so to a Camaro. Becasue the new Subaru Imprezas really impress me with there 4x4 and turbo engines, they fly and grip really nicely.
Cya
what a waste!
but on the other hand .. its something thats never been done..
but its really pointless.
Hey your not the only one that was thinking of 4x4 for his Camaro. I was also intrested if it was possible in doing so to a Camaro. Becasue the new Subaru Imprezas really impress me with there 4x4 and turbo engines, they fly and grip really nicely.
Cya
I don't see why this is such a stupid idea really. The 3000GT's are 4 wheel drive and they'll beat the hell out of any thirdgen anyday stock vs. stock. If you could hook up on all fours wouldn't that be better than hooking up on just two??
You'd have to rework the entire A-arm assembly to accept CV joints because a solid axle would be 1) way too much weight and 2)practically impossible given the space you have. In reworking the A-arm, you'll probably have to redo most of the front suspension meaning ALOT of custom fabrication and like everybody else has stated, big bucks.
Its an interesting idea, would definitely be cool to talk about and try but the benefits just may not add up.
You'd have to rework the entire A-arm assembly to accept CV joints because a solid axle would be 1) way too much weight and 2)practically impossible given the space you have. In reworking the A-arm, you'll probably have to redo most of the front suspension meaning ALOT of custom fabrication and like everybody else has stated, big bucks.
Its an interesting idea, would definitely be cool to talk about and try but the benefits just may not add up.
Hey. It's pretty much all a question of how bad you want to do it. I heard all the same negativity when I wanted to convert my 2.8L S-10 Blazer to F/I 5.7L/AWD. All I heard was 'well thats stupid, just put a carb on it and tear all that 4wd junk out'. Just remember- those who talk **** never actually do anything original if anything at all. Anyways you probably could do it with a Sy/Ty/Bravada/Astro/Safari setup but you'd have to refabricate a section of floorboard to fit the transfer case + front driveshaft. The front diff wouldn't matter, as long as it's the same ratio as the rear- you could pretty much use any one that would fit. I would probably shoot for a more integrated system like the new Azteks- those are mainly FWD with an output to the rear instead of having separate trans/transfer case. I'm pretty sure the AWD Porsches r the same way. Just do a bunch of research into different AWD cars & see what you might be able to make fit (Subaru, etc...). Just think- what would a one of a kind AWD IROC go for on eBay?
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