Author Topic: Another Weird Idea... (Read 2374 times)

moldyoldy · « **on:** March 29, 2008, 12:01:52 pm »

Had another weird idea last night, maybe someone can shed some light on the difficulty level. I'm more comfortable doing a rear wheel drive conversion, but had a front drive conversion idea. I know the old Dodge Omnis and Plymouth Horizons came with VW blocks until Chrysler got theirs down pat. Idea = How about dropping a VW diesel into an old K-car? One of my neighbors has an old Chrysler Town & Country wagon (the little K car one, not the minivan) that is immaculate, but the engine's shot. Basically, the car is mine for the taking, but before I jump into it, I want to know how bid a can of worms I'd be opening up. I'm hoping that when Chrysler designed the K car, they took the Omni / Horizon front clip and stuck a different back side on it, but somehow I'm guessing it'd be too much to hope for. If it can be done, the upshot would be a comfy little wagon that rides much better than any Rabbit or Jetta could ever hope for, yet still get great mileage! Ideas? Comments? Am I losing what's left of my mind?

burnt_servo · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2008, 12:37:02 pm »

i'm pretty sure a omni isn't calssified as a "k" car .

i was replacing a head gasket on a 1990 dodge spirit last night ........

unless your really good at fabrication , and have money to burn , and really really bored ... it would require a ton of work , and a ton more work to make it work well .

moldyoldy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2008, 01:04:27 pm »

That's kind of what I thought, Thanks! If I want to go with something newer, maybe I'll go with the ol' "Diesel in a Tracker" route.

the caveman · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2008, 07:08:23 pm »

If the bell housing fits a vw block why not make it work. Fitting it up to the tranny in a conversion is one if not the most critical things. If it fits and the mounts should line up too then 3/4 of the hard *** is already done..
make the exhaust and done.

RabbitJockey · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2008, 07:29:07 pm »

i don't think it would be that hard, even the ones with chrysler motors in them are laid out just like a vw engine bay

Patrick · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2008, 08:40:43 pm »

Looked at a 4 cylinder out of an older caravan one time, looked like the block would bolt to the volks trans BUT!!! pretty sure the crank was drilled different........... clutch or torque converter mounting might turn out to be an issue. would be a cool deal if it worked. know anyone that has a few k cars ripped apart to take a look at??

jtanguay · « **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2008, 12:15:49 am »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkf4cxAaTmA&feature=related

lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnCkP_J9AhA&feature=related

haha stupid gm saturn

fastvicar · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2008, 10:47:38 am »

Have you ever actually driven a K-car? I tend to think that experience alone would steer you clear of this project. My neighbor has all the free horse manure that I want. I just don't want any.

moldyoldy · « **Reply #8 on:** March 31, 2008, 02:12:31 pm »

Yes, I have driven a K car, my wife had a LeBaron 2 dr version, and while not in the same class as a traditional body on frame car, I find the ride quality to be head and shoulders above any Rabbit/Jetta I've been in. I'm one of those dinosaurs who want to be as isolated from the road as possible, I want that the good 'ol fashioned living room on wheels feel. I HATE the firm "euro" ride. I had an '89 Ford Crown Victoria, and still think it rode 100% better than my Mercedes 300-D.

the caveman · « **Reply #9 on:** March 31, 2008, 03:48:01 pm »

i garranty neither your crown vic or merc rode as well as my 1970 renault 12 or my pal's brand new renault 5 gtl. seats were in the 12 were like full recliners and the 5 could go around corner's like a champ. totally amazing for such econo boxes.
if the k cars are in decent condition and worth the time just go head and convert it. If nothing you'll be laughing your ass off when it's up and running. worth it just for that. If you use enough duct tape you can be jsut Red Green

CoolAirVw · « **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2008, 11:29:57 am »

This has been brought up before so the idea isn't so weird. Doing a search might get you more info.

I always thought the rampage truck (its like an omni truck similar to rabbit truck) would be neat.

I know some of the early chrysler FWD had VW 020 trans in them. If you got one of those certainly the conversion would be easy.