So this may be a new gen topic as I plan to drop a 2wd Impreza trans with an EJ22 into my '84 coupe but I figure there might be more hands on people here.

 

What I plan to do is make my car a super fun and satisfying driving machine that shifts smooth as butter. EJ22 for availability reasons and I already have a fwd 5spd out of an Impreza so no adapter plate will be involved. Would like to stay away from AWD for weight reasons.

So here's my question. Has anybody built a fwd trans and if not, aren't they pretty much the same as the awd trannys just without the awd stuff on the rear? What could I do to make it row through the gears smooth as butter? Aftermarket syncros and short throw shift kit good enough or do I even need fancy syncros? And how about limited slip front diffs?

 

Thanks for any insight.

A limited slip diff up front is an awesome upgrade - even in the 4wd/awd mob they under estimate it IMO.

As for the setup of the gearbox it's already done.  Being a FWD only gearbox you'll probably find the diff stubs are the 23 spline units rather than the 25 spline ones.  If not, swap for a 23 spline set while you put the LSD in.

What you will have to work out is the gearbox crossmember, shift linkages and how you'll match your speedo drive to the actual speed you're doing unless you're upgrading to to the EJ sized tyres.

Regards

Bennie

PS: I wouldn't stress about the "extra weight" of the AWD setup.  I would go the AWD over the FWD simply for the better handling in all conditions - and you'd be able to throw it into corners harder.  It's already a lighter body so you're on a win there!

Cheers

Bennie

I'm sticking with fwd just because I already have the trans and I'm not wanting to do all the work to swap the car over to AWD. Speedo doesn't work and hasn't since I got the car so I'm not too concerned about that either. And i'm pretty sure it's a 23 spline trans sp I can use the axles that are already in the car, correct? Thank you for the feedback!