Post 413486 by Disco427 on 2011-09-30 17:50:56
This idea has been kicking around in my head for a while now and an impending change in circumstances might allow room for a project and a T5R estate, fingers crossed.
So i thought it was time to do some research and see if anyone has done a RWD conversion or knows of one anywhere?
I have the basis of the project already, my 97 t5 which i love to bits apart from 2 things..... its beige interior (yuk!) and it being front wheel drive.
So i'm hoping someone can help me with some questions i have....
1)Is the AWD rear axle any good? Ive read about the propshaft woes but not really found much about the axle as yet.
2)Are the rear floor pans in the Fwd's the same as the AWD? Thus making it easier to fit the AWD axle and suspension set up. Other option would be a 700/900 axle with a slipper as i know it would be strong enough but would it be major agro to fit?
I know my way around a tape measure/grinder/welder etc but i'd rather not spend months married to them. :)
Finally ( for now ) Can anyone recommend a good source of s/h bits either from a breakers around the Midlands or someone on here who breaks the odd one or two?
A big thank you for any help given, i'd really like to see this project make the road.
Oh and feel free to call me mental if you wish... i might just be. :)
Post 413527 by T4Rick on 2011-09-30 20:34:34
I will be watching this with great interest ive always wanted to do this to my 850 saloon.I was gonna use 960 rear axle and box maybe even a skyline box
Post 413532 by Tomcat on 2011-09-30 20:40:19
Not much info yet but this may help a little (once he posts some more info)
Post 413533 by M-R-P on 2011-09-30 20:40:21
Antz is undergoing a similar project with a 240, I think he's using a lot of 900 series bits (gearbox and propshaft) It might be worth a look at his thread.
Good luck with the project, keep us updated as this will obviously make interesting reading.
Post 413536 by Tomcat on 2011-09-30 20:42:23
[quote=martinrpeachey;413533]Antz is undergoing a similar project with a 240, I think he's using a lot of 900 series bits (gearbox and propshaft) It might be worth a look at his thread.
Good luck with the project, keep us updated as this will obviously make interesting reading.[/quote]
The difference there is that the 240 was already RWD so he's just (lol, yeah just) converting it to a T5, S70's FWD.
Post 413542 by M-R-P on 2011-09-30 20:48:38
[quote=Tomcat;413536]The difference there is that the 240 was already RWD so he's just (lol, yeah just) converting it to a T5, S70's FWD.[/quote]
Good point TC, although the act of fitting the T-5 lump with a rear drive gearbox and propshaft, modifying the sump and mounting it would still be handy to observe.
The only downside of a T-5 is the catastrophic understeer when booting - it onto/off of a wet roundabout. I always wondered why they didn't make it rear drive.
Post 413550 by LiamT4 on 2011-09-30 21:08:50
If only volvo had made them rwd, think they'd be worth a bit more now.
Good luck with it.
Post 413553 by p fandango on 2011-09-30 21:13:23
the AWD rear axle is based on the Volvo 900 unit, & do believe they have different boot floors according to Vadis
Post 413566 by T4Rick on 2011-09-30 21:34:35
[quote=martinrpeachey;413542]Good point TC, although the act of fitting the T-5 lump with a rear drive gearbox and propshaft, modifying the sump and mounting it would still be handy to observe.
The only downside of a T-5 is the catastrophic understeer when booting - it onto/off of a wet roundabout. I always wondered why they didn't make it rear drive.[/quote]
I wouldnt mind drifting an 850 round a round about lol
Post 414338 by Kerry_T-5R on 2011-10-04 17:52:15
These guys did it : [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyX6yiXKga0[/ame] Maybe you could get into contact with them?
Post 415772 by T4Rick on 2011-10-10 20:39:11
Seems to handle quiet well.How would i get in contact with them Kerry ive always wanted to a rwd car lol
Post 417737 by T4Rick on 2011-10-20 21:46:54
Im also 80% certain a cosworth box will mate upto the volvo block as well then you could either go 2wd or 4wd
Post 417755 by smithy on 2011-10-20 22:13:17
most peeps run a 940 with 850 body panels or s70 body panels and i think that vid is a 940 with 850 panels the rear quater windows look like 940/960 ones .and dont forget the 850 and the 5 pot engine was designed in the 940/960 first before they made them fwd.
Post 417853 by T4Rick on 2011-10-21 15:08:08
But could you use a 960 axle
Post 417865 by Dangerous Dave on 2011-10-21 16:43:08
The AWD model uses a modified 960 diff (with auto locker) and multilink suspension with self levelling shocks, so its practically the same but with coil springs instead of a leaf spring.
To transplant an AWD system into a FWD 850 would require a huge amount of effort, you need the fuel tank and suspension setup and a whole load of other things. Plus like Pedero says, I think the floorpan is different (need to clarify)
Post 417886 by smithy on 2011-10-21 18:54:48
use an awd platform in the first place then things get alot easier for a rwd 850 and you could also fit a redblock 16v turbo too
Post 417902 by T4Rick on 2011-10-21 19:58:49
Couldnt you get away with a 960 transmission tunnel and remove the boot floor for added clearance.
Post 417904 by smithy on 2011-10-21 20:09:27
or just get a 940 and play
Post 417905 by T4Rick on 2011-10-21 20:12:31
Never been keen on the 960 .Ive got the 850 saloon and ive always liked them but always wondered what it would be like if it was rear wheel drive
Post 465546 by streaky744 on 2012-02-21 22:00:26
not an s70 but same theory could be applied.
this is one monster rwd c70
http://www.garaget.org/?car=137682