Thread: AWD Conversion

After finding out there's an AWD version of our transmission I've been thinking about how sweet an AWD Grand Prix would be, especially up here in the MN winters. Any idea how difficult this conversion would be?

There is ONE and only One and it didnt work. HERE: http://www.barrett-jackson.com/appli...vecarlist.aspx

You mean this one?

Barrett-Jackson Auction Company - 1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX G8

I saw nowhere about it not working -- elaborate? Seems badass if it does though...V8 AWD. Hell I'd be good with just the AWD part.

THE VEHICLE IS NOT CERTIFIED TO COMPLY WITH ANY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS, RULES OR REGULATIONS AND MAY NOT BE DRIVEN ON PUBLIC ROADS. THIS VEHICLE WILL BE CONVEYED TO BUYER WITH A "SCRAP" TITLE.

Also I was told the trans took a dump thats why it never made it.
5.7 Liter/350hp V8 with a 4T65E AWD really doesn't go good together

Oh well Dave at TEP apparently builds up the AWD 4T65E as well so if I DID attempt the conversion I'd have one anyways. I'd also hook it up to my little 3800 lol not a V8. So it DOES work, you just have to build up the trans, correct? Now back to the main question, clarified. How difficult would be to add the RWD portion of the drivetrain once the AWD trans was dropped in? I don't have a whole lot of experience with drivetrains, but I'm assuming it would basically be move the exhaust and a couple other things to the side, add a driveshaft, add a rear differential, and add an axle with different wheel bearings.

I say go for it and dump about 10+ grand into your car.


Just steal all the parts of some guys Aztek or Montana, I forget what vehicle had it.


In theory if you did do it you would need the tranny, everything from the drivetrain, the rear suspension, and retrofitted exhaust, everything would be mostly custom. Also you could never lower your car off 4x4 status.

Originally Posted by Confusingboat

Oh well Dave at TEP apparently builds up the AWD 4T65E as well so if I DID attempt the conversion I'd have one anyways. I'd also hook it up to my little 3800 lol not a V8. So it DOES work, you just have to build up the trans, correct? Now back to the main question, clarified. How difficult would be to add the RWD portion of the drivetrain once the AWD trans was dropped in? I don't have a whole lot of experience with drivetrains, but I'm assuming it would basically be move the exhaust and a couple other things to the side, add a driveshaft, add a rear differential, and add an axle with different wheel bearings.

Its a whole lot more than that, cut frame, move suspension (if you don't get it right, it will always break parts and wear your tires out in a jiffy). do some custom wiring, turn the motor to go the right direction.

If you wanna spend 10-15+ grand on your car...go for it.

Converting your car to a different platform is something for the Pros, not something like you should be doing in your backyard with NO experience on drivetrains.

And not all cars can be, look at the cradle the engine sits in. there is no room for anything else.

Just go buy a RWD Z28

Originally Posted by JoshsGTP

Just go buy a RWD Z28

I think you're missing the point... and also this thread is called AWD conversion, not RWD conversion.

lol

IBTL....

I'm done

Lol I didn't mean to sound like a dick, but seriously if I wanted to buy something else I would. I just wanted a simple discussion regarding the process of converting a Grand Prix to AWD, not the typical "go buy a <insert car here>".

Also, it's not like I'd be in this alone if I were ever crazy enough to attempt it -- I know a lot of people with plenty of experience with cars that would be more than willing to help me out. If money were no object I would 100% commit to the conversion. Just wondering what it takes is all.

it takes way too much work is what it takes. id buy a whole different car before i even debating trying to do that.

Sounds interesting. Probably is allot of work. BUT, I'd like to see some pics anyway. I have a 2004 All wheel drive Aztek. Never thought about an AWD GP.

Originally Posted by Confusingboat

Lol I didn't mean to sound like a dick, but seriously if I wanted to buy something else I would. I just wanted a simple discussion regarding the process of converting a Grand Prix to AWD, not the typical "go buy a <insert car here>".

Also, it's not like I'd be in this alone if I were ever crazy enough to attempt it -- I know a lot of people with plenty of experience with cars that would be more than willing to help me out. If money were no object I would 100% commit to the conversion. Just wondering what it takes is all.

If GM and pontiac engineers cant make this work and you think you have an idea and a ton of money to spend on custom everything go for it I think it would be hella cool. I just hate tosee you waste all that time and money on something that would be an unreliable basket case at your expense,andIassumethats what all the other guys are trying to tell you. GM never released this car because it would have been more of a liability than a profit. The only people I would think might have the time and money to do this arnt driving a Pontiac Grand Prix as there primary source of transportation either.

Everytime I see one of these threads, I want to punt babies and punch kittens.

No I am punting human babies and punching kittens. Nothing redundant about hat.

Well I'm glad you're all having a good laugh about this. Sorry for being creative with my thoughts? I guess I'll just go do a top swap and drop a pulley like everyone else. And people wonder why **** never gets done in this country...

If you can pull it off awesome. But most people that start these threads have no idea what even part of the project would consist of.