[quote author=Badgerspeed link=topic=135824.msg2926172#msg2926172 date=1234267288]
[quote author=dimaorlov link=topic=135824.msg2925968#msg2925968 date=1234245624]
Yes its a hard project - no doubt. Can be done though with the right parts. And would probably cost about what you already have in the car.
[quote author=Badgerspeed link=topic=135824.msg2925445#msg2925445 date=1234235591]
No offense... but if you are asking about the conversion here you are not ready to put an AWD system in your car. Unless you have a buttload of cash to pay someone to do all custom work... I'm guessing it would cost at least 2-3 times what you already have in the car.
Think about it. The car is set up for FWD, there is no space for a rear pumpkin or driveshaft, whole floor would have to be redone... nevermind, the electronics. If you really want a 3 sedan with AWD, go buy a cheap subie and make a lifesize picture of your car and tape it to the side.
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There are various ways to go about doing it some hard and some easier - Its not about persuading him to do it or NOT to do it. The car was already made with AWD in mind so dont go on about having no space for this or that. If you know these things as a fact - sure, if not - than dont state anything as such. Let the guy dream and if he is ambitious enough - it'll happen.
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I think the guy can dream all he wants. He thought my post was funny so what is the harm to try and give a dose of reality. It seems you know a lot about the 3... give him a realistic quote of what it costs, instead of bashing my opinion. Help him out... trust me I would love to see it done.
And I will eat my words... apparently it is possible if you got connections with Japan. Sounds like big bucks.
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When I priced out whats neccessary for the conversion I came to about $6800 in parts, with some needing abit of custom attention. I can do the work myself - which would include things like fabrication of exhaust, some mounts, and installation.
It took a long time, between a few people across the country, and alot of sifting through Mazda manuals and exploded views.
RWD was my initial idea and its straight forward in the sense that you dont have to mess with AWD.
Fabbing/retrofitting a few subframe for the front, and modifying the firewall/tunnel and a whole lot of rerouting of wiring and hoses turned me off from the idea. The car would be awesome in RWD configuration, maybe when its 10 years old and sitting in my garage - then Ill tear it apart.