1999 s70 AWD (2.4T) auto to manual

[Ganio]

Initial disclamer: I have been reading through the forums and can't get a clear answer as no post seems to represent my particular situation. Basically if possible I want a turbo, awd, manual, pre 2001...

So I am buying a '99 s70 AWD that needs at least a new head gasket, but the body and interior are a 9/10. I am buying this because I came to the conclusion that I needed a new project car to eventually be my daily driver. I started thinking about the money that it would take to get my '94 854 Turbo up to snuff... It's fun and reliable, but I can't afford to replace all of the little things that are wrong with it to make it perfect for less than the car is worth. I mean for anywhere near what it's worth.

So I am picking up the s70 for $1250, a quick look over says that it wasn't abused as much as a leaky head gasket was neglected. I have a friend who can rebuild the engine for me if need be, but what I am wondering is, since I might have the engine out anyway are their any problems with converting it to manual while I am at it?

I know that converting a FWD auto turbo to manual isn't a problem if you are dropping the trans in to the car, the other way around involves a lot of extra parts and what not. I also know that dropping a turbo in to an NA is a pain. So, how much of a pain is dropping a manual in to a turbo awd?

I understand that this might be a problem, but most of the posts I have read through are from someone trying to drop a turbo in to a manual car or convert their engine to a turbo or some weird science what not.

I also can't find for sure that you could get an AWD turbo manual. If you could I know that this could be done "easily" if the right parts are sourced.

Now, for a conclusion to my questions, if this is something that would be silly and cost WAY more than is practical, an auto AWD turbo will be fine, there is a lot of room for fun. Manual is more fun though.

Thanks for sticking with me...

[Ozark Lee]

The problem you are going to run into is the transfer case side of the transmission. The housing on the AWD transmission is a good bit different than the FWD version. If there even is such a thing as a AWD manual transmission in the US it will be rare.

You are also going to run into software issues when you take out the TCU that may or may not be a big deal. I would put a call into ARD Tuning and have a chat about the options there. Lucky has been able to deal with the Motronic ECU's for a manual swap with no problem but with the ME7 I don't know how big a deal it is. Anytime you deal with getting a custom tune the price of entry is in the $500.00 neighborhood and then you will likely need to get new software downloaded which tacks on at least another $250.00 at the dealer. In reality it will likely be at least double that since a frickin key costs $200.00.

...Lee

[tryingbe]

Can't that 99 AWD be converted to FWD only?

[Ozark Lee]

Can't that 99 AWD be converted to FWD only?

Sure, and that would be the path of least resistance.

...Lee