FWD to RWD

Post Reply
User avatar
makzin
Enlisted
Posts: 20
Registered for: 9 years 6 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: MK1 Citi Sport 1.4i
Location: South Africa
Contact:

FWD to RWD

Post by makzin »

Sup People.

Was wondering how much or how hectic will it be to convert a front ween drive car to a rear wheel drive. I saw a WV Mk2 that was rear will drive. So it is possible but just want to find out what to look out for on such a project

Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk

the open road with curves makes driving an absolute pleasure :driving: :popcorn: :troll:
User avatar
panic-mechanic
Panic's Place
Posts: 26715
Registered for: 21 years 8 months
Membership No: 79
Location: Benoni, putfontein.

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by panic-mechanic »

A lot.
Stephan van Tonder - Jhb - Putfontein Benoni
'05 Audi A6 3.0L TDI Avant
'09 Touareg 3l TDI
'13 VW CC 2l tdi (repair project)
'05 Touareg v10

Perfect Power dealer. I do dyno tuning.
User avatar
amstel18
Lieutenant-Colonel
Posts: 4834
Registered for: 16 years 3 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Tiguan Allspace
Membership No: missing
Location: Brackenfell, Cape Town

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by amstel18 »

If you need to ask, then you can't do it...
Current:
2022 GWM P-Series LT 4x4
Ex:
2018 VW Tiguan Allspace
2013 Audi A3 Sportback 1.8 TFSI S-Tronic
2015 Pure White 1.2tsi Comfortline
2011 2L BiTdi ROK D/C Highline
2006 Seat Ibiza Cupra TDI
91 Caddy, ADY motor on mp9, wildcat 4-1 branch and 50mm Evolution s/s exhaust
96 1600 Chico (sold)
OettingerTDi
Lieutenant
Posts: 1337
Registered for: 19 years 4 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Touareg / Caddy / Polo / Citi
Membership No: missing
Location: Centurion
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by OettingerTDi »

I would seriously suggest that you perhaps hop onto the internet and google this or check out Youtube, I'm sure that many others worldwide have tried and documented this.

Anything is possible in theory, but unless you are a very skilled panelbeater with lots of time, CAD/CAM skills and with access to some jigs, cutting and welding tools, it's not something for the feint hearted.
Anton van Graan

Current:
2009 Touareg 3.6 VR6
2007 Caddy Life 1.9 TDi
2004 Polo 1.6 Comfortline
2000 Jetta 4 TDi
1997 Chico 1.3

Previous:
2003 Audi S4
1999 Uno Turbo
1998 Jetta 3 CLX (Taken by a friendly chap called Jack)
1993 Uno Turbo
1988 Ford Laser 1600i Sport
User avatar
makzin
Enlisted
Posts: 20
Registered for: 9 years 6 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: MK1 Citi Sport 1.4i
Location: South Africa
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by makzin »

amstel18 wrote:If you need to ask, then you can't do it...
True Image

Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk

the open road with curves makes driving an absolute pleasure :driving: :popcorn: :troll:
User avatar
makzin
Enlisted
Posts: 20
Registered for: 9 years 6 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: MK1 Citi Sport 1.4i
Location: South Africa
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by makzin »

OettingerTDi wrote:I would seriously suggest that you perhaps hop onto the internet and google this or check out Youtube, I'm sure that many others worldwide have tried and documented this.

Anything is possible in theory, but unless you are a very skilled panelbeater with lots of time, CAD/CAM skills and with access to some jigs, cutting and welding tools, it's not something for the feint hearted.
I did some research. I have no panel beating experience but have a project I've been meaning g to start. Just need to get direction. This RWD was an idea but after a few hours of Google it will very expensive

Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk

the open road with curves makes driving an absolute pleasure :driving: :popcorn: :troll:
OettingerTDi
Lieutenant
Posts: 1337
Registered for: 19 years 4 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Touareg / Caddy / Polo / Citi
Membership No: missing
Location: Centurion
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by OettingerTDi »

It will essentially be a full strip down to a bare bodyshell and cutting it to pieces to fit a modified floorpan to accommodate the now longitudinal engine, modified firewall, transmission tunnel, propshaft and diff to start with. Then adding the various mounting points for the suspension and drivetrain and strengthening of the chassis, where necessary. You will essentially be building a car from scratch.

I have seen how Volkswagen Motorsport builds an S2000 Volkswagen Polo 4-wheel drive rallycar, the tools required as well as the CAD designs involved. If you have no relevant experience and presumably not the tools referred to earlier, you are in the deep end of a bottomless pool of wallet emptying effort, as confirmed by Google.
Anton van Graan

Current:
2009 Touareg 3.6 VR6
2007 Caddy Life 1.9 TDi
2004 Polo 1.6 Comfortline
2000 Jetta 4 TDi
1997 Chico 1.3

Previous:
2003 Audi S4
1999 Uno Turbo
1998 Jetta 3 CLX (Taken by a friendly chap called Jack)
1993 Uno Turbo
1988 Ford Laser 1600i Sport
VAG Fan
Lieutenant
Posts: 1440
Registered for: 8 years
Location: Pretoria

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by VAG Fan »

Just for argument's sake, what about starting with a syncro drivetrain? A Mk2 Syncro (for example) doesn't have a longitudinal engine. Is the body all that different from a FWD Mk2?
Mark R.
- - - - - - - - - -
2004 VW Golf TDI, type 1J, AHF, 317k (2016-current) --- daily
1990 VW Fox, type 16, HM, 304k (2005-current) --- spare runaround
Previous:
1992 Audi 500 SE, type C4, AAR (2001-2020) --- nice while it lasted
1983 VW Golf GTS, type 17, FR (1992-2005) --- most fun car I've ever had
1978 Audi 100 GLS 5E, type 43, WC (1991-92) --- died in the side of a Rekord who cut me off
- - - - - - - - - -
OettingerTDi
Lieutenant
Posts: 1337
Registered for: 19 years 4 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Touareg / Caddy / Polo / Citi
Membership No: missing
Location: Centurion
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by OettingerTDi »

VAG Fan wrote: Thu Jun 13, 2019 2:10 pm Just for argument's sake, what about starting with a syncro drivetrain? A Mk2 Syncro (for example) doesn't have a longitudinal engine. Is the body all that different from a FWD Mk2?
Everything up to the firewall will probably be OK, perhaps just having to accommodate the Syncro gearbox and transfer case, but from there on backwards is a redesign of the floorpan to accommodate the propshaft, exhaust, rear suspension and so on.

Also bear in mind that trying to find a Syncro set up to fit a MK2 body will be impossible in SA, as we never got them here, so you will need to import a used set-up or try to find one of the two ex-factory Golf Syncro's that were rallied here in the late 80's, early 90's. You can probably try to find a set-up as used in the Volkswagen T3 Microbus Syncro, but the dimensions will be totally different and would require heavy modification to fit.
Anton van Graan

Current:
2009 Touareg 3.6 VR6
2007 Caddy Life 1.9 TDi
2004 Polo 1.6 Comfortline
2000 Jetta 4 TDi
1997 Chico 1.3

Previous:
2003 Audi S4
1999 Uno Turbo
1998 Jetta 3 CLX (Taken by a friendly chap called Jack)
1993 Uno Turbo
1988 Ford Laser 1600i Sport
User avatar
makzin
Enlisted
Posts: 20
Registered for: 9 years 6 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: MK1 Citi Sport 1.4i
Location: South Africa
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by makzin »

OettingerTDi wrote:
VAG Fan wrote: Thu Jun 13, 2019 2:10 pm Just for argument's sake, what about starting with a syncro drivetrain? A Mk2 Syncro (for example) doesn't have a longitudinal engine. Is the body all that different from a FWD Mk2?
Everything up to the firewall will probably be OK, perhaps just having to accommodate the Syncro gearbox and transfer case, but from there on backwards is a redesign of the floorpan to accommodate the propshaft, exhaust, rear suspension and so on.

Also bear in mind that trying to find a Syncro set up to fit a MK2 body will be impossible in SA, as we never got them here, so you will need to import a used set-up or try to find one of the two ex-factory Golf Syncro's that were rallied here in the late 80's, early 90's. You can probably try to find a set-up as used in the Volkswagen T3 Microbus Syncro, but the dimensions will be totally different and would require heavy modification to fit.
Sh%T that's pricey...

Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk

the open road with curves makes driving an absolute pleasure :driving: :popcorn: :troll:
OettingerTDi
Lieutenant
Posts: 1337
Registered for: 19 years 4 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Touareg / Caddy / Polo / Citi
Membership No: missing
Location: Centurion
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by OettingerTDi »

Although it sounds like a lekker project, there are so many things to consider, of which the price of the components is probably the cheapest. It's the cost of planning, tools, labour and trail and error that will determine the project's success.

Assuming you get the whole project done, the next big hurdle would be to register the whole lot if you intend using it on our roads. Different weight specifications and most probably a different engine. Getting insurance should be fun too.

To quote my Dad - If the short cut was really that short, the long route would have gone that way.
Anton van Graan

Current:
2009 Touareg 3.6 VR6
2007 Caddy Life 1.9 TDi
2004 Polo 1.6 Comfortline
2000 Jetta 4 TDi
1997 Chico 1.3

Previous:
2003 Audi S4
1999 Uno Turbo
1998 Jetta 3 CLX (Taken by a friendly chap called Jack)
1993 Uno Turbo
1988 Ford Laser 1600i Sport
User avatar
makzin
Enlisted
Posts: 20
Registered for: 9 years 6 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: MK1 Citi Sport 1.4i
Location: South Africa
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by makzin »

OettingerTDi wrote:Although it sounds like a lekker project, there are so many things to consider, of which the price of the components is probably the cheapest. It's the cost of planning, tools, labour and trail and error that will determine the project's success.

Assuming you get the whole project done, the next big hurdle would be to register the whole lot if you intend using it on our roads. Different weight specifications and most probably a different engine. Getting insurance should be fun too.

To quote my Dad - If the short cut was really that short, the long route would have gone that way.
So a engine swop is the safer bet.

Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk

the open road with curves makes driving an absolute pleasure :driving: :popcorn: :troll:
User avatar
Jetta2
Field Marshal
Posts: 14929
Registered for: 17 years 3 months
Car Make: VW, VW, Aprilia
Car Model: Mk3 Golf VR6, Mk4 Caddy, RSV4
Membership No: 1087
Location: Menlo Park, Pretoria

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by Jetta2 »

A client of mine wanted to build a Mk2 Rallye clone.
He found the complete running gear (front suspension, gearbox, propshaft, rear diff, rear suspension, etc) somewhere on Ebay, but the cost to get the stuff to SA would have been over 6oK. And that excludes the price of the parts, that was just the shipping costs.
He did calculations and what not and IIRC, the rough figure was around 200K for JUST the parts needed before the build process would even begin...

Needless to say he canned the idea and did an ABF turbo setup.
Ryan Demoser

1996 Mk3 Golf VR6
2017 Caddy Maxi Crew Bus 2.0 TDI
2013 Aprilia RSV4 track toy
2021 Aprilia RS660 road bike
OettingerTDi
Lieutenant
Posts: 1337
Registered for: 19 years 4 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Touareg / Caddy / Polo / Citi
Membership No: missing
Location: Centurion
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by OettingerTDi »

makzin wrote: Thu Jun 13, 2019 3:23 pmSo a engine swop is the safer bet.
Assuming you want to beef up the performance in your 1.4i per your avatar, yebo
Anton van Graan

Current:
2009 Touareg 3.6 VR6
2007 Caddy Life 1.9 TDi
2004 Polo 1.6 Comfortline
2000 Jetta 4 TDi
1997 Chico 1.3

Previous:
2003 Audi S4
1999 Uno Turbo
1998 Jetta 3 CLX (Taken by a friendly chap called Jack)
1993 Uno Turbo
1988 Ford Laser 1600i Sport
User avatar
makzin
Enlisted
Posts: 20
Registered for: 9 years 6 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: MK1 Citi Sport 1.4i
Location: South Africa
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by makzin »

OettingerTDi wrote:
makzin wrote: Thu Jun 13, 2019 3:23 pmSo a engine swop is the safer bet.
Assuming you want to beef up the performance in your 1.4i per your avatar, yebo
I'm not needing that one up. Recently bought a Mk2 GTI with a dead engine and gearbox.

It needs: engine, gearbox, seats and dash.

Sent from my ANE-LX1 using Tapatalk

the open road with curves makes driving an absolute pleasure :driving: :popcorn: :troll:
OettingerTDi
Lieutenant
Posts: 1337
Registered for: 19 years 4 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Touareg / Caddy / Polo / Citi
Membership No: missing
Location: Centurion
Contact:

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by OettingerTDi »

makzin wrote: Thu Jun 13, 2019 3:33 pmI'm not needing that one up. Recently bought a Mk2 GTI with a dead engine and gearbox.

It needs: engine, gearbox, seats and dash.
2.0 litre 8valve or ABF 16valve plus gearbox and some other toys to make it work would be a ideal combination. Plus no modifications to body or chassis required.
Anton van Graan

Current:
2009 Touareg 3.6 VR6
2007 Caddy Life 1.9 TDi
2004 Polo 1.6 Comfortline
2000 Jetta 4 TDi
1997 Chico 1.3

Previous:
2003 Audi S4
1999 Uno Turbo
1998 Jetta 3 CLX (Taken by a friendly chap called Jack)
1993 Uno Turbo
1988 Ford Laser 1600i Sport
User avatar
ICE King
Cadet
Posts: 820
Registered for: 12 years 10 months
Car Make: VW
Car Model: Polo GTI 20V , Mazdarati
Location: Cape Town

Re: FWD to RWD

Post by ICE King »

Trying to do a unique build with a Mk2 is going to be tough and very expensive if you're not able to DIY,
every possible combination of mods/drive-train/engine was done before ,anything is possible with loads of cash.
1992 Mazda 323 B3 - Masala Mods
2008 VW POLO GTI - 76mm DP + 63mm exhaust , induction, FMIC, Thanas Tuned
Post Reply