RWD to FWD

Author
Discussion

swallington

Original Poster:

3 posts

77 months

Thursday 17th August 2023
quotequote all
I have a 1998 Nissan Almera SRI currently running a GA16DE engine. There is a GTI version of this car that runs the SR20DE engine in FWD, and I am currently looking to carry out this conversion. I am up to speed on what is needed to convert the current 1.6 engine to the 2.0 and one of the bits that need changing as part of the conversion is the gearbox.

There are many platforms that were sold with the SR20DE engine and one of the more common is the RWD S15 Nissan Silvia. My question is looking to answer where an engine and gearbox from an S15 could be dropped into the N15 Almera? I feel very confident the engine will drop in with expected modifications but as the S15 is RWD I suspect that the gearbox may be more complex and may ultimately not be compatible.

Instead of just looking for a suitable SR FWD gearbox, I am exploring the S15 option because they come with 6 gears over the 5 in the other platforms.

I haven't had detailed eyes on the S15 setup itself, so if anyone has done something similar i'd appreciate any info that you can share.

HustleRussell

25,205 posts

167 months

Thursday 17th August 2023
quotequote all
No chance

WosMyName

4,613 posts

86 months

Thursday 17th August 2023
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I replied earlier then deleted it .

Is the OP trying to fit a RWD gearbox into a FWD car or converting a FWD car into a RWD car ? wobble

No chance sums it up .

chrisch77

700 posts

82 months

Thursday 17th August 2023
quotequote all
As above, no chance.

If you are having to ask the question if a RWD drivetrain will fit into your FWD hatchback then I think this project may be a stretch for you.

CrutyRammers

13,735 posts

205 months

Thursday 17th August 2023
quotequote all
I don't think you can just switch between the two. The drive comes out in opposite directions, for one thing. And the diff is usually built into the same casing on FWD cars I believe, whereas it's remote and separate in RWD.
There may be generic motorsport boxes which could be made to fit?
I think one of the touring car teams in the 90s experimented with something along these lines, Steve Soper maybe?

swallington

Original Poster:

3 posts

77 months

Thursday 17th August 2023
quotequote all
Thnaks, I have my answer and will keep searching for correct FWD gearbox

generationx

7,518 posts

112 months

Thursday 17th August 2023
quotequote all
swallington said:
Ramblings
Great lurking though!

HustleRussell

25,205 posts

167 months

Thursday 17th August 2023
quotequote all
swallington said:
Thnaks, I have my answer and will keep searching for correct FWD gearbox
Yep. I assume there aren't a lot of GTIs about? the way to make your conversion as practical as possible is to just swap in Almera GTI bits as much as you can. I wonder how interchangable bits from a Primera would be?

viggyp

1,919 posts

142 months

Thursday 17th August 2023
quotequote all
Most things are possible at a price I guess.

I remember someone had a Ford Puma which had a Sierra Cosworth lump set up transversely. The owner ended up using the gearbox/four wheel drive system from a Mitsubishi Evo 6.

Your post just reminded of the Puma. Good luck and hope you find your answer.

swallington

Original Poster:

3 posts

77 months

Thursday 17th August 2023
quotequote all
HustleRussell said:
Yep. I assume there aren't a lot of GTIs about?
Apparently 10 or less on the road today. Plus I prefer the SRI with rear doors, as GTI is 3 door.

HustleRussell said:
I wonder how interchangable bits from a Primera would be?
Very close. Some small differences with engine. But definitely an option.