mid-engine sunfire?

[IsaacCarlson]

I found the mid engine integra. That is sweet. I also found this.
Mid Engine Coupe Project - Fiat Coupe Forum

[Capt. Pinbacker]

I've wanted to do a mid-engine swap into a cavalier for a long time. Except, i would be wanting to put a small-block-chevy or v-6 AND transmission AND rear axle with diff----- not using a transaxle. AND, i wouldn't be doing it for handling reasons (although that would probably be a benefit), i would be doing mostly for ease of maintenance and dependability.

i don't need the rear seat. One problem i'm thinking about is the driveshaft may end up being too short, or there may not even be room left for a driveshaft. Although i know there is a kit available to make a short-shaft TH-350 even shorter. OR possibly use a transfer case and flip the rear axle around backwards (like the front axle of a 4x4 truck).

P.S. My cavalier definitely has a front sway bar.

[Jasen]

Originally Posted by Capt. Pinbacker

I've wanted to do a mid-engine swap into a cavalier for a long time. Except, i would be wanting to put a small-block-chevy or v-6 AND transmission AND rear axle with diff----- not using a transaxle. AND, i wouldn't be doing it for handling reasons (although that would probably be a benefit), i would be doing mostly for ease of maintenance and dependability.

i don't need the rear seat. One problem i'm thinking about is the driveshaft may end up being too short, or there may not even be room left for a driveshaft. Although i know there is a kit available to make a short-shaft TH-350 even shorter. OR possibly use a transfer case and flip the rear axle around backwards (like the front axle of a 4x4 truck).

P.S. My cavalier definitely has a front sway bar.

Not intending to high jack this thread.

How much HP are you planning? From what I've read a type1 VW transaxle will handle 300 HP in it's stock configuration and you can buy the trans-dapt plate off the shelf. But it does limit you to a 4 speed.

"We now return you to your regularly scheduled thread"

[Capt. Pinbacker]

Very low HP, relatively speaking---i'm doing this for economy, bare-bones type transportation---econotrans as i call it. So, no more than 250HP/350TQ.

i'd rather not mess with a transaxle at this time because i'm more familiar with a conventional longitudinal transmission. Now, i could do what I.C. is doing---pretty much moving the fwd drivetrain section to the rear. But if that were the case, i would just modify/simplify the existing drivetrain to my tastes---switch to carb, simplify ignition etc. and just leave everything up front.

But the whole reason, mostly, is to get the drivetrain in an easy to work on, accessible spot.

[Frank Lee]

Crawling in through the back seat and old trunk is easier than through the hood how?

[Capt. Pinbacker]

i would say so---have you ever tried changing the water pump or power steering pump in a J car?

[niky]

Fitting a longitudinal mount in the back seat is like putting a square peg in a round hole. It can be done... but you'll need to make a bigger hole.

A longitudinal engine built into the back of a regular car would necessitate either moving the rear axle backwards or the front seats forward. It's a poor fit. A transverse engine will sit properly behind the front seats, and you will be able to reach the accessories from the front.

A longitudinal mount will work. But a Beetle box for a V6? Those things can hardly take modified Beetle power (which is why Beetle draggers go for Samba gearboxes). You want something bigger, definitely.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Capt. Pinbacker

I've wanted to do a mid-engine swap into a cavalier for a long time. Except, i would be wanting to put a small-block-chevy or v-6 AND transmission AND rear axle with diff----- not using a transaxle. AND, i wouldn't be doing it for handling reasons (although that would probably be a benefit), i would be doing mostly for ease of maintenance and dependability.

i don't need the rear seat. One problem i'm thinking about is the driveshaft may end up being too short, or there may not even be room left for a driveshaft. Although i know there is a kit available to make a short-shaft TH-350 even shorter. OR possibly use a transfer case and flip the rear axle around backwards (like the front axle of a 4x4 truck).

Why not a Corvette transaxle?

[Capt. Pinbacker]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Why not a Corvette transaxle?

i've considered this, but: a) where to find one? b) could be complex as far as mounting etc.; With a conventional solid rear axle (Hint: S-10's are the perfect width) you have the same three mounting points as the existing axle. These tabs can be easily copied and welded in.