Has anyone thought about the other way to make the car manual?
11-06-2007, 09:36 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Missing In Acton, ON Canada
Age: 46
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Has anyone thought about the other way to make the car manual?
Please, no flames but... [has anyone entertained the idea of going rwd?]
Seriously. i was going to do this to my CB7 but i don't have a good place to store it until i'm ready to take on that kind of project (money wise, got shit to pay off :o ). So i figure like 16months or so from now i'll get a new AWD Daily Driver (read: canadian winters suck) and make the CL the project. It's honestly not that hard, if you know what your doing. id actually keep the j30 or possibly get a j35 deffinetly turbo, probably twin. as far as a trans i'm thinking Chev T56 6spd. just have to make a bell housing adapter. Then the rear axle goes where the gas tank was and a fuel cell in where the spare tire was. Exhaust may have to get run a little funky but the possibilities are endless.
Thoughts?
Seriously. i was going to do this to my CB7 but i don't have a good place to store it until i'm ready to take on that kind of project (money wise, got shit to pay off :o ). So i figure like 16months or so from now i'll get a new AWD Daily Driver (read: canadian winters suck) and make the CL the project. It's honestly not that hard, if you know what your doing. id actually keep the j30 or possibly get a j35 deffinetly turbo, probably twin. as far as a trans i'm thinking Chev T56 6spd. just have to make a bell housing adapter. Then the rear axle goes where the gas tank was and a fuel cell in where the spare tire was. Exhaust may have to get run a little funky but the possibilities are endless.
Thoughts?
11-06-2007, 10:53 PM
#5
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
It can be done, within reason 
11-06-2007, 11:13 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Missing In Acton, ON Canada
Age: 46
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
oh i probly will. i was just curious if anyone else has thought about it.
it's even more tempting to do with cl actually. nicer shape, bigger engine bay, plus the huge wheel wells means less fab work me
it's even more tempting to do with cl actually. nicer shape, bigger engine bay, plus the huge wheel wells means less fab work me
Trending Topics
11-06-2007, 11:53 PM
#10
Good luck man, I wish I had the money to turn mine into a 6 speed... but with that money I'd just buy a whole new car... that's why no one has attempted a swap, because our cars are just not worth it. But if you really like the CL that much and have the money, I give you props for attempting it. Keep us updated with details.
11-06-2007, 11:58 PM
#11
its a novel idea
but like others said, with the value of our cars in their present form, it's kind of counterproductive to dump over twice the car's value just to make it AWD. Unless of course, you're planning on keeping the car forever, in which case that'd be pretty dope.
but like others said, with the value of our cars in their present form, it's kind of counterproductive to dump over twice the car's value just to make it AWD. Unless of course, you're planning on keeping the car forever, in which case that'd be pretty dope.
11-07-2007, 01:43 AM
#12
Racer
Originally Posted by fliplyricist1
its a novel idea
but like others said, with the value of our cars in their present form, it's kind of counterproductive to dump over twice the car's value just to make it AWD. Unless of course, you're planning on keeping the car forever, in which case that'd be pretty dope.
but like others said, with the value of our cars in their present form, it's kind of counterproductive to dump over twice the car's value just to make it AWD. Unless of course, you're planning on keeping the car forever, in which case that'd be pretty dope.
11-07-2007, 03:50 AM
#13
Instructor
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: NorCal
Age: 37
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by davzilla
i'm talking within reason. like i'd say i could do it for 15k tops. it's what like 10k just to do the j35 w/ cl-s 6spd right?
Originally Posted by davzilla
as far as a trans i'm thinking Chev T56 6spd. just have to make a bell housing adapter.
With $15K you can just buy a '98-'02 Camaro SS or WS6 Trans Am WITH the 6 speed Chevy T-56 transmission, RWD, AND a 325hp V8....and save yourself the headache. Just my
11-07-2007, 04:41 AM
#14
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Southlake, TX
Age: 37
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
I mean i can give you credit for wanting to do this, but in all honesty you can probab;y go out and buy a good 4WD car, like a Subbie Legacy or Impreza WRX.. I mean a good used Legacy GT, sure its only got 4 cylinders, but the layout provides some good torque.... not to mention the turbocharger
heck, you might be able to find a decent used EVOVIII or IX for that kind of cash
honestly, buy tyhe car, its the same money, its ALOT easier, alot faster (in terms of purchase time vs build time), and youll get a better result because the car is MADE for 4WD as opposed to our CLs made for their FF-ness
I mean in the end its YOUR money and YOUR time, and YOUR car, so its all YOUR call, if you want this bad enough, dont let us stop you, but if you wanna be... lets face it... reasonable, you should be listening
heck, you might be able to find a decent used EVOVIII or IX for that kind of cash
honestly, buy tyhe car, its the same money, its ALOT easier, alot faster (in terms of purchase time vs build time), and youll get a better result because the car is MADE for 4WD as opposed to our CLs made for their FF-ness
I mean in the end its YOUR money and YOUR time, and YOUR car, so its all YOUR call, if you want this bad enough, dont let us stop you, but if you wanna be... lets face it... reasonable, you should be listening
11-07-2007, 08:32 AM
#15
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
Originally Posted by I Fear No Five O
With $15K you can just buy a '98-'02 Camaro SS or WS6 Trans Am WITH the 6 speed Chevy T-56 transmission, RWD, AND a 325hp V8....and save yourself the headache. Just my
I too have thought about it, but don't have the resources to do such a fab project myself or a good shop to help me. But for that kind of money and time I would just buy a RWD. That's me, with that said, I would kill to see a project like that actually done, it would be wonderful to see something new done with a CL. Anything's possible with the right know how, and work. They fit an LS1 vette motor, rear axles and dash into a civic for gods sake
11-07-2007, 09:11 AM
#16
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Missing In Acton, ON Canada
Age: 46
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Cool, valid questions and comments. You guys are way more mature than some other boards.
I'm not sure where the confusion came from but the car will be RWD, not AWD. I am going to buy an AWD for a new daily driver, leaning towards the subaru baja actually.
actually they're even cheaper than that. but then i'd have to drive a chev. the only good thing about that car is the motor & driveline.
To those of you that brought up the value of the car point, thank you. See i just bought mine 6 months ago for $4500. so it's already not really worth anything. The body is in pretty good shape so why not hack it apart in a couple years. Obviously i'd never get the money back i put into it, the only cars you can make money redoing are are the older muscle cars and street rods.
Let me make it clear that this is a project i'll be doing pretty much all myself, i'm not gonna pay somebody to do what i am perfectly capable of.
I've seen the LS1 swapped civic pics, that's not what i'm after.
I'm not sure where the confusion came from but the car will be RWD, not AWD. I am going to buy an AWD for a new daily driver, leaning towards the subaru baja actually.
Originally Posted by I Fear No Five O
With $15K you can just buy a '98-'02 Camaro SS or WS6 Trans Am WITH the 6 speed Chevy T-56 transmission, RWD, AND a 325hp V8....and save yourself the headache. Just my
To those of you that brought up the value of the car point, thank you. See i just bought mine 6 months ago for $4500. so it's already not really worth anything. The body is in pretty good shape so why not hack it apart in a couple years. Obviously i'd never get the money back i put into it, the only cars you can make money redoing are are the older muscle cars and street rods.
Let me make it clear that this is a project i'll be doing pretty much all myself, i'm not gonna pay somebody to do what i am perfectly capable of.
I've seen the LS1 swapped civic pics, that's not what i'm after.
11-07-2007, 09:33 AM
#17
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
Originally Posted by davzilla
I've seen the LS1 swapped civic pics, that's not what i'm after.
Originally Posted by me
Anything's possible with the right know how, and work. They fit an LS1 vette motor, rear axles and dash into a civic for gods sake
11-07-2007, 09:33 AM
#18
140,000 miles young
I'd say do it. ThinJim's is coming along really well (2nd gen), but he's making a drag strip track monster not a streetable car. Are you planning on a street car or a track car?
I say go for it - you don't do something like this for the resale value, you do it so you can have a RWD Acura CL! Make it look nice and you could pay off some of the debt. you will surely fall into with car show prizes and such...
I say go for it - you don't do something like this for the resale value, you do it so you can have a RWD Acura CL! Make it look nice and you could pay off some of the debt. you will surely fall into with car show prizes and such...
11-07-2007, 11:16 AM
#20
Drifting
not sure if many 1st genners have thought about it or tried it, but there's a 2nd gen CL that is currently being built for RWD:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191803
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191803
11-07-2007, 12:01 PM
#21
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Missing In Acton, ON Canada
Age: 46
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
yeah this:
is quite a bit farther than i was going. I can't wait to see that finished though.
no i'm aiming to retain as much of the stock structure as possible. Think more time attack than drag queen, but totally streetable; 300-400whp range. Plus a bunch of custom stuff, paint, various CF bits, suicide the doors/shave handles.
is quite a bit farther than i was going. I can't wait to see that finished though.
no i'm aiming to retain as much of the stock structure as possible. Think more time attack than drag queen, but totally streetable; 300-400whp range. Plus a bunch of custom stuff, paint, various CF bits, suicide the doors/shave handles.
11-07-2007, 11:59 PM
#22
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Missing In Acton, ON Canada
Age: 46
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
So i was talking to my mechanic and he suggested going AWD using a Pilot Drivetrain. I was actually surprised he was finally entertaining the idea at all. I dunno though, it would be way more complicated to get everything setup right. RWD would be much easier.
I was checking out IRS setups and the 300ZXTT uses a 9.05" rear diff. That's nice and beefy. but it's also 114lbs.
Deffinetly have to commit to a TT setup to justify that one.
I was checking out IRS setups and the 300ZXTT uses a 9.05" rear diff. That's nice and beefy. but it's also 114lbs.
Deffinetly have to commit to a TT setup to justify that one.
11-08-2007, 02:20 AM
#23
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Southlake, TX
Age: 37
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
I mean it would be best to Stick to a Honda set, for 2 reasons, 1 because the CL is already a Honda, and 2 because im sure Honda parts are easier to work with than Chevy parts
but yeah the newer 4WD K24 layouts would work, if youre up to spending some cash the SH-AWD J35 driveline off a RL might work too..... either way will still take a S**TLOAD of custom fabbing which might add up to a fair bit of change
but yeah the newer 4WD K24 layouts would work, if youre up to spending some cash the SH-AWD J35 driveline off a RL might work too..... either way will still take a S**TLOAD of custom fabbing which might add up to a fair bit of change
11-08-2007, 08:13 AM
#24
Advanced
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: burbs of chicago
Age: 44
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My question is wether or not the engine bay is long enough.
IMO, its a sweet project but expect it to be worth change when you are done. It would be a very hard car to sell. I have a swapped 240sx, and while its somewhat common, Ill never get my money back out of it. Likely when the day comes I will part the car out.
IMO if you have the time and money, go for it.
I had a friend with a corvette rear suspension under a datsun 280z. Really was not THAT big of a deal to make work from what I gather. I would not mess with AWD, it will become a major headache for you. The front suspension pickup points will likely be in the way.
RWD would be pretty sick I have to say. The LS/LT motors are hard to beat dollar for dollar.
Evan
BTW, have you checked to see how much weight you are adding in the nose? Also, plan on chassis stiffening. I think the torque being applied to the back (where it is NOT from the factory) could twist the hell out of your car.
IMO, its a sweet project but expect it to be worth change when you are done. It would be a very hard car to sell. I have a swapped 240sx, and while its somewhat common, Ill never get my money back out of it. Likely when the day comes I will part the car out.
IMO if you have the time and money, go for it.
I had a friend with a corvette rear suspension under a datsun 280z. Really was not THAT big of a deal to make work from what I gather. I would not mess with AWD, it will become a major headache for you. The front suspension pickup points will likely be in the way.
RWD would be pretty sick I have to say. The LS/LT motors are hard to beat dollar for dollar.
Evan
BTW, have you checked to see how much weight you are adding in the nose? Also, plan on chassis stiffening. I think the torque being applied to the back (where it is NOT from the factory) could twist the hell out of your car.
11-08-2007, 08:32 AM
#25
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
Originally Posted by 240z4u
My question is wether or not the engine bay is long enough.
IMO, its a sweet project but expect it to be worth change when you are done. It would be a very hard car to sell. I have a swapped 240sx, and while its somewhat common, Ill never get my money back out of it. Likely when the day comes I will part the car out.
IMO if you have the time and money, go for it.
I had a friend with a corvette rear suspension under a datsun 280z. Really was not THAT big of a deal to make work from what I gather. I would not mess with AWD, it will become a major headache for you. The front suspension pickup points will likely be in the way.
RWD would be pretty sick I have to say. The LS/LT motors are hard to beat dollar for dollar.
Evan
BTW, have you checked to see how much weight you are adding in the nose? Also, plan on chassis stiffening. I think the torque being applied to the back (where it is NOT from the factory) could twist the hell out of your car.
IMO, its a sweet project but expect it to be worth change when you are done. It would be a very hard car to sell. I have a swapped 240sx, and while its somewhat common, Ill never get my money back out of it. Likely when the day comes I will part the car out.
IMO if you have the time and money, go for it.
I had a friend with a corvette rear suspension under a datsun 280z. Really was not THAT big of a deal to make work from what I gather. I would not mess with AWD, it will become a major headache for you. The front suspension pickup points will likely be in the way.
RWD would be pretty sick I have to say. The LS/LT motors are hard to beat dollar for dollar.
Evan
BTW, have you checked to see how much weight you are adding in the nose? Also, plan on chassis stiffening. I think the torque being applied to the back (where it is NOT from the factory) could twist the hell out of your car.
11-08-2007, 09:41 AM
#27
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
Originally Posted by 240z4u
Wow now I feel like a dumbass.... is this swap going to occur in a CL or j30? LOL
I was under the assumption he was going to make a FWD car RWD.
Evan
I was under the assumption he was going to make a FWD car RWD.
Evan
11-08-2007, 10:03 AM
#28
Trolling Canuckistan
This reminds me of Jay Leno putting an engine from and Abrams tank into a car. It's not worth what it cost to do, but it so friggin' cool that you can't call him crazy.
Go for it!! Maybe you can sell it to Leno when your done.
Go for it!! Maybe you can sell it to Leno when your done.
11-08-2007, 12:48 PM
#29
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Missing In Acton, ON Canada
Age: 46
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Just to give you guys a little background info on me, i've been a car guy all my life, it's in my blood. my dad had a fiberglass kit car company when i was born and car's are the only thing that's held my attention ever since (and women). I got my first honda in 97, it was a 94 accord exr coupe with a slush box. back then there was very little to play with.
That got stolen just before christmas 2001
Then i had an 88crx si for 2 months, but i'm 6'2" 320lbs and well i didn't feel safe, fun car though.
After that it was my pride and joy, lol. A 1993 Accord EXR 5speed. I redid the whole car, built f22a1, CF dualfriction clutch in a 97 exr 5spd, Apexi SAFC2, short shifter, sus tech sway bars, rotor over hub with lude srv calipers, slotted rotrs all around, H&R sport springs with KYB GR2's, front and rear upper strut braces and the black 17x7's i have on the CL. I did all the work myself
I slid that into a curb in february It's on blocks in my driveway. You can see it in the Deer pics in the background.
4yrs ago I went back to school to become a certified welder mig & stick. In Feb i went back again to get my tig ticket.
I've spent the last 6 months working at a custom hotrod/musclecar shop.
The first thing i worked on was a 66 mustang fastback, I replaced some body/floor panels made motor mounts for a 302 cobra jet and tubbed the rear end.
Next was a 69 chev cheyenne pickup, chopped the frame to convert it to short box, boxed & c-notched, installed air ride suspension, cupped the front control arms so the front crossmember sits 1/2" on the ground, also sealed up the floor and replaced the cab corners and made motor mounts for the 5.3 vortec.
Then there was the 69 camaro, did 3" tubs for the 275/45R20's, installed 4 bar system, shortened the Ford 9" axle, installed the full tubaular front subframe and air shock suspension, shaved haldes, marker lights, made custom hood scoops, side exit exhaust tail spolier and motor mounts for an LS7.
After that it was the project for hell, a 65ish mercury comet caliente. I laid that bitch out:
the black and redish pickup in the background is the 69 cheyenne
Cut out all the factory suspension (front & rear), front is now mustang 2 IFS, rear is triangulated 4 bar with shocks and air bags all around.
Replaced alot of the floor, sealed up the large gash/hole in the tunnel, filled all the body holes, patch panels everywhere. i was kind of getting sick of work on it, but then i finished the suspension, we took it off jack stands and saw for the first time how low it was. It was all worth it.
Last week i finsihed builing the entire rolling chassis for a 1932 Ford Hi-boy Roadster. THere's way to much stuff to list on this one, so I'll get pics of it tomorrow as well as some of the other cars. Needless to say it's part of a live build for Performance World in Toronto this coming march. I'm pumped.
That got stolen just before christmas 2001
Then i had an 88crx si for 2 months, but i'm 6'2" 320lbs and well i didn't feel safe, fun car though.
After that it was my pride and joy, lol. A 1993 Accord EXR 5speed. I redid the whole car, built f22a1, CF dualfriction clutch in a 97 exr 5spd, Apexi SAFC2, short shifter, sus tech sway bars, rotor over hub with lude srv calipers, slotted rotrs all around, H&R sport springs with KYB GR2's, front and rear upper strut braces and the black 17x7's i have on the CL. I did all the work myself
I slid that into a curb in february
It's on blocks in my driveway. You can see it in the Deer pics in the background.4yrs ago I went back to school to become a certified welder mig & stick. In Feb i went back again to get my tig ticket.
I've spent the last 6 months working at a custom hotrod/musclecar shop.
The first thing i worked on was a 66 mustang fastback, I replaced some body/floor panels made motor mounts for a 302 cobra jet and tubbed the rear end.
Next was a 69 chev cheyenne pickup, chopped the frame to convert it to short box, boxed & c-notched, installed air ride suspension, cupped the front control arms so the front crossmember sits 1/2" on the ground, also sealed up the floor and replaced the cab corners and made motor mounts for the 5.3 vortec.
Then there was the 69 camaro, did 3" tubs for the 275/45R20's, installed 4 bar system, shortened the Ford 9" axle, installed the full tubaular front subframe and air shock suspension, shaved haldes, marker lights, made custom hood scoops, side exit exhaust tail spolier and motor mounts for an LS7.
After that it was the project for hell, a 65ish mercury comet caliente. I laid that bitch out:
the black and redish pickup in the background is the 69 cheyenne
Cut out all the factory suspension (front & rear), front is now mustang 2 IFS, rear is triangulated 4 bar with shocks and air bags all around.
Replaced alot of the floor, sealed up the large gash/hole in the tunnel, filled all the body holes, patch panels everywhere. i was kind of getting sick of work on it, but then i finished the suspension, we took it off jack stands and saw for the first time how low it was. It was all worth it.
Last week i finsihed builing the entire rolling chassis for a 1932 Ford Hi-boy Roadster. THere's way to much stuff to list on this one, so I'll get pics of it tomorrow as well as some of the other cars. Needless to say it's part of a live build for Performance World in Toronto this coming march. I'm pumped.
11-08-2007, 01:35 PM
#31
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
You're my hero
11-09-2007, 06:48 AM
#35
HEET Miser
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Jersey-no-more, MD
Age: 48
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
nice exr , damn theives
finished pics of the comet? ...god, i'd love to see that with a mighty powerplant and painted very shiny black and evil-like...
props for the work, and get going with the rwd
, damn theives finished pics of the comet? ...god, i'd love to see that with a mighty powerplant and painted very shiny black and evil-like...
props for the work, and get going with the rwd
11-09-2007, 01:43 PM
#36
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Missing In Acton, ON Canada
Age: 46
Posts: 804
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
the comet left a week after those pics, in the same shape. the customer just wanted us to do that much and he took it from there. He did say he was going with a big block though.
time wise, if i could just work on this, i'd say a month or so, two tops.
time wise, if i could just work on this, i'd say a month or so, two tops.
11-09-2007, 02:14 PM
#38
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
iTrader: (6)
Wow, those are some great projects, wish I had the know how that you do to do some crazy shiz like that. Can't wait to see what you can get goin on the CL
11-12-2007, 12:09 PM
#39
Peace, Love & Acura
That is just too much money to spend on the CL. These cars were never intended for this kind of swap. You would be putting the fuel cell behind the rear axle. Have you ever heard of the Corvaire or the Pinto? That design is very dangerous in a rear end collision. Odds are, you will put a lot of time and effort into this project and not be happy with the reliability of the end result. Good luck though, and props for invoative thinking.
OMFG! I want that '66 Fastback and '69 Camaro SO bad! Those are amazing cars. Please PM me some pics of those cars fully restored!