Transverse I-4 swap?, Kicking around ideas Options

[capn914]

Wondering about swapping in a Japanese i-4 mounted transversely, complete with tranny. Anyone done something like this? I've searched and read a few hours in here, and haven't seen anything on this topic.

No real immediate plans, just thinking down the line I might want an alternative. And I just read an issue of Sport Compact, and blown away ... Hope I don't get called a troll, though. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Mueller]

it has "sorta" been done...instead of a honda motor, the guy used a Ford 2.3 (or 2.4) turbo engine and transmission...I want to say a Ford Escort was the donor for the transmission

the toyota MR2s are more or less a complete FWD package thrown into the back of the car.....the biggest issue would be the rear trunk, since it would have to be cut out to clear the engine since you are moving the engine closer to being over the rear axles....not a bad idea, but not a good one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smash.gif)

[capn914]

But there are so many different manufacturers, so many different sizes etc., I'm not sure I'd have to cut the trunk if I could simply find a compatible combination. Is there any kind of comprehensive index on engines of different makes, with measurement specs & such?

I'd like to be able to chart out the various combos on some kind of autocad-like program, or for that matter you remember those tech drawings in Road & Track? Is there an archive of those drawings? I think that would really help all of us who are thinking of swaps but would like to get an idea of the possibilities. I'll do some googling and report.

Thanks for the reply-

[Mueller]

just guessing here, but you'd have to find an combo that has a measurement of less than 16" from the top of the motor to the centerline of the axles....if you "must" use a FWD engine/transmission combo from the same car, the best alternatives would be subaru or audi/VW...but only the audi/vw cars that have the drive axles perpendicular to the crank, such as the newer Passats or Audi A4's (same setup as the stock 914)

[Mueller]

Are you still going forward with your VR6 transplant?

yep....I attempted to bolt on the new flywheel and adapter plate over the weekend, but I did not have the special driver for removing the original flywheel bolts, it looks like a larger version of the 12 point drive that is used on our CV joints...once I get the correct tool, I'll fit the transmission to the motor and test fit it into the engine compartment.....I'm thinking I'm going to have to move the engine and transmission forward by at least an inch to clear the trunk wall....I thought I could remove to eliminate the possible interferance issue, but the camshaft(s) tower is in the way....

[phantom914]

But there are so many different manufacturers, so many different sizes etc., I'm not sure I'd have to cut the trunk if I could simply find a compatible combination. Is there any kind of comprehensive index on engines of different makes, with measurement specs & such?

I'd like to be able to chart out the various combos on some kind of autocad-like program, or for that matter you remember those tech drawings in Road & Track? Is there an archive of those drawings? I think that would really help all of us who are thinking of swaps but would like to get an idea of the possibilities. I'll do some googling and report.

Thanks for the reply-

With the bulkhead being in front of the wheel centerline and with all (AFAIK) FWD transverse engines being at least a partially over the wheel centerline, I don't think there is any possibility of not having to do cutting.

Andrew

[F4i]

Someone here is doing a 1.8t no?

[Pnambic]

Sorry for the thread theft... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Mueller, are you keeping a running total of costs involved with the VR6 transplant like Andyrew did?

[Pnambic]

But there are so many different manufacturers, so many different sizes etc., I'm not sure I'd have to cut the trunk if I could simply find a compatible combination.  Is there any kind of comprehensive index on engines of different makes, with measurement specs & such?  

I'd like to be able to chart out the various combos on some kind of autocad-like program, or for that matter you remember those tech drawings in Road & Track? Is there an archive of those drawings? I think that would really help all of us who are thinking of swaps but would like to get an idea of the possibilities. I'll do some googling and report.

Thanks for the reply-

With the bulkhead being in front of the wheel centerline and with all (AFAIK) FWD transverse engines being at least a partially over the wheel centerline, I don't think there is any possibility of not having to do cutting.

Andrew

Hmmm...doing some cutting to move the engine back might make for more room in the engine compartment for radiator setup.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[scotty914]

with a suby 2.5 i have room for a rad in front of the motor, i gunna put a scoop underneither to push air through the rad at speed