Charlie's no budget mid engine build: *Codename:BlakBishop*

[wytbishop]

So I'm looking for opinions on what the best performing FWD product out there is. Doesn't really even have to be Mazda though it would make me happy to stay in the family. I'm in the very first stages of planning a new project and I'm curious about FWD donor options.

Should be capable of 400hp with reliability, good options available for running gear, suspension, brakes etc. reasonable availability of parts.

Tell me your thoughts.

[MrMazda92]

I know it's not Mazda, but it couldn't hurt to consider this guy(the 568, 7th trans down I believe)

http://www.thedodgegarage.com/trans_guide.html

"The Ultimate FWD manual transaxle, basically a 555 with the upgraded syncros, cast 5th gear end plate, increased input shaft size (in 91) and 4 plane shifter rail setup. Some 568's have one other difference over the 555, it has the mounting tab and hole for a crank angle sensor used just in the 224 hp 16 valve engines. This transmission was used in all Intercooled Turbo vehicles (and some minivans) from 90-93."

Torque holding capability? I'd hope so...

[onlytrueromeo]

MS3? Hard to find a FWD performance car that's won more awards of late.

Oldsmobile Toronado?

What years are you looking at? Will it be a DD? A weekend cruiser or a track beast? Does it need safety equipment?

Many people would argue a multitude of Honda's, but I've never really been a fan of anything honda besides the engines.

Why FWD?

[wytbishop]

I can't tell you...lest I be mocked. the concept is a pretty common one, mostly it's just something to wrap my brain around for the forseeable future.

Old or new doesn't matter. It won't be a true daily car but needs to be reliable. I would consider a honda drivetrain...but it would hurt me a little inside.

I'll look at that dodge page when I get a chance. thanks.

[RS_OBD'oh_2]

It kills me to say so. But Honda is your best choice. Be it a B series or K series engine, the aftermarket makes the build a joy, as the sky is the limit. I know it's a total sin to say so. But, after doing an all custom build, I won't be doing it again.

[marcdh]

Toyota e153 gearbox from turbo mr2 plus adapter plus a bp boosted to the max or just 3sgte and Toyota box.

What about fe3? Does it use g series? If so fe3 plus kl to e153 adapter plate they were talking about on CP perhaps?

I think I know what you're thinking and I think it's a great idea.

[wytbishop]

Well it occurred to me that I don't have a really intense project on the go to occumpy my mind for the next several years so I hatched an idea a few days ago based on another forum I stumbled upon.

Every mechanical engineer's dream is to build a mid engine sportscar...so I am going to design and fabricate one. Full tube chassis, complete custom. I will probably do a ZE-T and adapt it to a toyota tranny, but I am curious to know if there are other well laid out FWD drivetrain options out there.

I expect this to take the next 5-7 years...but really what else do I have to do?

[wytbishop]

Uh oh. I think I may have just fallen in like with a Subaru 4WD idea.

[onlytrueromeo]

I like the idea, and think it's a great project. FWD just to center the drivetrain?

[wytbishop]

Well FWD because I don't want to use a MR2 or Fiero drivetrain and I'll never be able to afford a Porche or Ferrari drivetrain. The big problem is that there are very few front wheel drive cars with any REAL power.

I'm trying to figure out right now if it is possible to mate a RB26DETT to a FWD transmission. I think that would be a great powerplant.

EDIT: I suppose it's possible to just not connect the rear output shaft of the stock tranny to anything. Not sure how that would affect the operation of the tranny.

[AaronTietje]

Ever consider the VW? They have the 1.8t with front or AWD options. Also VW has in their mk5's and 6's a 200 hp 2.0T There's tons of aftermarket for VW's engines.

You could even get a junk yard VR6 or 1.8t.

[wytbishop]

I really want to have the option of attaining monster power levels. I would like to start with something that makes more than 200hp out of the box.

The RB26DETT is pretty much THE monster motor and can easily be make to produce 600hp...but it's long and the tranny it naturally mates to is also long. It is possible to adapt it to a Porche G50 trans, but that's BIG$$$.

I am also looking at the JDM variant of the MR2 turbo. 247hp is the published value but I'm not sure what it's capable of.

[Savin]

If you don't mind V8's:
* 2006–2009 Chevrolet Impala SS
* 2006–2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
* 2005–2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
* 2008–2009 Buick LaCrosse Super
All FWD and have a 303hp and 323ft/lbs LS4 in 'em.

There's also Cadillac and their FWD Northstar engines.

...(I think they are all automatic though)

[Nd4SpdSe]

If you don't mind V8's:
* 2006–2009 Chevrolet Impala SS
* 2006–2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
* 2005–2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
* 2008–2009 Buick LaCrosse Super
All FWD and have a 303hp and 323ft/lbs LS4 in 'em.

There's also Cadillac and their FWD Northstar engines.

...(I think they are all automatic though)

I was just thinking those when I read "Ferrari". People like to put in Northstart V8's in Fiero's. My buddy had a 500hp turbo GXP, but his auto trans needed some beefing to handle it.

[windofire]

i've got a m8 that just finished his MR2, before he started it had 190whp and he's expecting something like 220-230 now and its NOT the turbo version ( non turbo version is listed at 160hp) . they seem quite easy to find some good power in and they're lots of fun to drive.