What about RWD Protege?

[muohio]

I know that the topic of an AWD Protege is being drilled out, but has anyone seen or done a RWD conversion? I was thinking that we could possibly use the tranny from a Miata and the rearend. New axles and drive shaft would be needed, but I'm sure that could be easily fabricated. The other issue is the engine since it's mounted the wrong way. Again, mounts would have to be fabricated as long as the bay is long enough. The nice thing is, you could have the inlets and outlets of the turbo system close to the FMIC if you so choose.

The best part of this would be having a lot of Miata parts available at salvage yards or even buying an older one for a couple thousand. This is meant more for discussion than anything else.

 

[Kooldino]

I know that the topic of an AWD Protege is being drilled out, but has anyone seen or done a RWD conversion? I was thinking that we could possibly use the tranny from a Miata and the rearend.

First of all, the tranny from a miata mounts parallel with the car, whereas ours mounts perpendicularly. Secondly, what makes you think we can use a Miata tranny and rear end? Why not one off of a Supra? Or a vette? Don't assume that because the miate and protege are made by the same people that their components are compatible at all. That's basically like assuming that you could plug an AMD K6 into an Athlon motherboard.

New axles and drive shaft would be needed, but I'm sure that could be easily fabricated. The other issue is the engine since it's mounted the wrong way. Again, mounts would have to be fabricated as long as the bay is long enough.

The tranny wouldn't sit right at all. Honestly, you'd have a better chance of success if you pulled the miata motor AND tranny and custom fit it into a protege.

The nice thing is, you could have the inlets and outlets of the turbo system close to the FMIC if you so choose.

The best part of this would be having a lot of Miata parts available at salvage yards or even buying an older one for a couple thousand. This is meant more for discussion than anything else.

 

[muohio]

First of all, the tranny from a miata mounts parallel with the car, whereas ours mounts perpendicularly. Secondly, what makes you think we can use a Miata tranny and rear end? Why not one off of a Supra? Or a vette? Don't assume that because the miate and protege are made by the same people that their components are compatible at all. That's basically like assuming that you could plug an AMD K6 into an Athlon motherboard.

First, I didn't assume anything, but asked a general question. I never said that the Miata is an exact fit because it is Mazda. I just offered it as an option. I even stated that the motor in the Protege is mounted the wrong way. I also stated that mounts would have to be made to correct that.

The tranny wouldn't sit right at all. Honestly, you'd have a better chance of success if you pulled the miata motor AND tranny and custom fit it into a protege.

Again, I stated that and didn't offer an opinion on the motor. How do you know that the tranny won't sit right? Have you spoken with or seen a build up where this was attempted? If so, that's all I was asking.

 

[Kooldino]

First, I didn't assume anything, but asked a general question. I never said that the Miata is an exact fit because it is Mazda. I just offered it as an option.

I understand that, but WHY did you offer it as an opinion? Are you a mazda expert? Did you do calculations to base your opinion off of? Or did you just pick it out of a hat because it's a fellow mazda?

I even stated that the motor in the Protege is mounted the wrong way. I also stated that mounts would have to be made to correct that.

You'd need more than mounts...how would mounts fix that? Short of rotating the entire engine.

Again, I stated that and didn't offer an opinion on the motor. How do you know that the tranny won't sit right?

Rebuild a few protege motors and you'll see why.

 

[atxpro5]

theres no room for a drive shaft with out some crazy custom work. or no exaust.... or so i've heard.

 

[SFC01v2]

Probably be easier to turn the engine and seats around, weld up the new rear wheels (was front wheels) in a straight ahead direction, install a steering rack and linkage on your new front wheels (was rear). Mount up some new pedals and then bob's your aunties live in lover! Nice teardrop shaped aero profile to boot. Don't know how the forward facing exhaust outlet would go though, that is the only downside I can think of.

 

[jflo]

just get a g35 sedan if you want a RWD 4 door car.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

theres no room for a drive shaft with out some crazy custom work. or no exaust.... or so i've heard.

the p5 body should have the space like on the sport20 AWD wagon where you can run a drive train

 

[charles]

You'll need a split fuel tank with a transfer pump system....

Look into a 90-91 AWD Protege... much better start with that than with your regular FWD Proteges.

 

[Replica]

The miata rear end isn't very strong. Why not do a Ford 8.8?

 

[shinzen]

Or as a thought, get the AWD system from japan, and disable the front drive- would probably be a much simpler option- not that it would be easy by any means, it would still require a lot of fabrication and expense.

 

[deckedoutmp5]

it can be done, i had mine on a lift for a while and we looked to see what it would take. new gas tank and thats it. its not worth it though if your goin to use another 4 banger pos. i only looked because I am looking for a p5 body and sit it on a rail frame tube with a 520 block and 9 in re. tubbed out. why not just get the AWD p5 parts and do the conversion, although awd = the suckage with speed. bottom line, good luck but not worth it. its hard enough to get our cars fast with 2wd let alone 4wd. **** that.

peace- trav