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RWD vs 4Wd
DIY Si - 9/11/08 at 07:42 PM

Right, since I've been sat in front of the computer whilst the wife watches tat on telly, I've been surfing Ebay and the interweb and have had a thought. I'm still eagerly awaiting the Epona, but am wondering if it would be worth the bother of making it 4WD? I want the car to be as usable and as fast as possible, as it would be my only car, but I don't want to be scared of taking it out in the wet crappy winter weather. I don't need to drive it to work, as I have a van for that, but it would get used for all my other driving. Would the 4WD make much of a difference, or would it salve my mind more than it does the car's ability to kill me in a tree?

[Edited on 9/11/08 by DIY Si]


phoenix70 - 9/11/08 at 07:52 PM

a good 4wd system will give you a lot more grip in the wet, so if you want a car to be used all the time ,without having to tip toe every corner, then go 4wd.


johnston - 9/11/08 at 07:58 PM

4WD can be as much fun as RWD if its set up right..

We set a mates EVO3 up for gravel rallying knew we'd hit the button when he said it was like a GRP4 escort with 300brake

and even on tar we could get her tail happy but still as safe as 4WD


turbodisplay - 9/11/08 at 08:00 PM

I remember seeing a police program where some kid 14 -16 gave the police a good run in a XR4x4i. On loose gravel the car behaved very well considering how fast they were going.
I`m using a 4x4 system to keep my car satble in the wet, without traction control it is probally too easy to lose it, especially when you are used to easy to drive fwd cars.
Darren


DIY Si - 9/11/08 at 08:02 PM

All sounds good so far then! I'm looking at the sierra 4x4 gear at the moment, but is there a better/cheaper/lighter version out there? Or one with better/more suitable gear ratios for a high revving V6?


mr henderson - 9/11/08 at 08:19 PM

Is this 4wd in a Locost context? If so, I'm wondering if the compromises (and expense) necessary with be really worth it. Not saying it isn't, just saying I'm wondering

John


DIY Si - 9/11/08 at 08:30 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mr henderson
Is this 4wd in a Locost context? If so, I'm wondering if the compromises (and expense) necessary with be really worth it. Not saying it isn't, just saying I'm wondering

John


That's part of why I'm asking, never having owned a 4WD, I'm unsure if it's worth the extra hassle in a such a small light car, such as the Epona.


omega0684 - 9/11/08 at 09:58 PM

i wouldn't bother having a 4wd losoct unless you are going to stick 350+ bhp in it, just not worth the hassle. just stick with RWD.


DIY Si - 9/11/08 at 11:02 PM

Well, the engine will start with 200 bhp. And I intend to supercharge it afterwards, so although it might not be quite 350, it should end up with near 300 if it all goes to plan.
Or I might just upgrade to the Alfa 3.2 V6, which is 240-250 bhp to start with, and then strap a blower that!

[Edited on 9/11/08 by DIY Si]


Liam - 9/11/08 at 11:49 PM

I luuuurve 4WD.

Not many alternative to the ford bits if you need the freedom to put the engine where you want it in relation to the axles - i.e. a seven-like layout. My car is around 50kg heavier than it would have been if it was 2WD, all other things the same, so not too bargesome.

Liam


Simon - 10/11/08 at 01:15 AM

Iirc, Hicost's car has a Cossy lump in it.

Ford made 4WD Cossie's, so you just need one of them for a donor

And his just made 440bhp on the dyno

ATB

Simon


mcerd1 - 10/11/08 at 07:29 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Simon
Iirc, Hicost's car has a Cossy lump in it.

Ford made 4WD Cossie's, so you just need one of them for a donor

And his just made 440bhp on the dyno

ATB

Simon


most of the cossie 4x4 (sierra and escort) bits are the same as an XR4x4i

the cossie's have 3.62 diffs the same as the V6's (the 2.0 XR's have 3.92 diffs if you want a lower ratio off the shelf)

I think the only running gear difference is the hubs and brakes are slightly bigger on the cossie

assuming you could mod the chassis and you've got room for all the bits (and I can't see why you couldn't if it can be made to fit a locost, dax and so on.....) the only issue I can see is fitting an alfa V6 onto an MT75 box

btw - did I mention I've got a 2.9 XR4x4i going spare

[Edited on 10/11/08 by mcerd1]


DIY Si - 10/11/08 at 04:35 PM

Ok, so it shouldn't be too much hassle to fit it, although I appreciate it will make things a bit tight in the front. As for the gearbox, is it better to use the type 9 or the MT75 4x4 box? Is the type 9 4x4 any stronger than it's 2wd version at all, as I think it might be a bit much power wise for it in the long run. Making the engine fit to either will be the same amount of hassle, so I've got a free choice.