I'm planning a build for a rear mid engine V8 in my 1990 integra as the title says. My main goals are: either AWD or RWD (just that is quite a large undertaking), a V8 mounted about where the rear seats and where the spare tire well is, either between the axles or slightly above the rear axle with the majority being in front of it. I already have the Acura ready to go and I'm doing a lot of research into what engine to put in and how to convert the teggy to AWD or RWD (I think I'm going to prefer AWD but if the work is too great then I'll settle for RWD). Now, I'm not posting here to see what you guys think about how it's too difficult of a task or not to do this build, I'm posting to see what engine and transmission you guys recommend. I have a bias towards the 1UZ out of the 1990 Lexus LS400 as it easily propels a 4,000 pound (1800kg) sedan to 160mph (~260kmh) and I'm hoping it'll take a 3,000 pound (~1400kg) to between 180mph and 200mph (290-320kmh).

So, my problems with the 1UZ is that the transmission that mates with the engine from the factory is used as a front engine RWD automatic and I want a manual mid engine AWD build, so I need a new transmission that'll pair up through an adapter plate then be able to link up to an AWD drive train, or a different engine to drop in. Ideal weight is under 1600kg after taking the added drivetrain and engine weight, which might not be feasible, I'm not completely sure. Thoughts?

If any of this sounds like I don't know what I'm talking about then please point it out because chances are you're right. Lot's of thought goes into these cars from the engineers and I highly doubt I have as good of an understanding as they do.

 

IMO you'd want to find something where the engine and power train will mount in a similar orientation to the drive axle as it was originally intended, then just modify axle lengths if needed to get the proper track width. So looking for something with a front engine, FWD V8 that is a manual that you could stick in the rear. Which currently nothing is coming to mind. I don't see how using a longitudinally mounted V8 in the rear would work with RWD or AWD though.

Might be better off settling with a V6. Either way, interesting project.

 

Most mid engine cars have longitudinally mounted engines, that's not an uncommon thing. Notice in the picture where the driveshaft output is on the transmission.
And if you really want to stretch it, with enough engineering and fabrication you can mount most any engine to any transmission. I know Boostedboiz on youtube recently successfully rotated a K-series motor and mounted it to a WRX tranny in the STI chasis and have actually driven it. For this project, the key is all in the transmission. You WILL need a transmission from a mid engine car if you want to longitudinally mount the engine. And if you're doing AWD, the you WILL need the transmission from a mid engine AWD vehicle. For AWD, you'll actually just be swapping over the entire drivetrain of a mid engine AWD vehicle. And for engine choice, you just have to figure out how to get it mounted to the bellhousing on the tranny you choose.

 

I am just thinking it would be much more difficult to source the drive train from a mid engine vehicle than a front engine, FWD vehicle. And it is possible to relocate a front engine, front drive to the rear and has been done many times before.

Just sayin'

 

Oh yea I know, I've seen a few builds done like that where the B18c is literally just chillin in the hatch lol. I was just going off of OP's desire to have a V8 and how those are always longitudinal. But you're right, it would be FAR easier to put in a transverse engine in the back and once you decide to go that route, lots of V6's come to mind. IMO, all wheel drive is pretty much out the window. On another note, his estimate or goal for the final weight is way too high. He's hoping for below 1600kg (3500lbs) and all wheel drive Integras have been done at around 2700lbs.

 

Typical 1 post wonder.
999/1000 times this goes no where and was just a pipe dream, but who knows... maybe in 5 years he'll come back and post his 200mph AWD V8 mid engine Integra.

 

Oh yea, I fully expect this to never be built. When it comes to this kind of stuff, if you have to ask about it on forums then you won't be able to build it.

 

What transmission, rear diff?

 

Small block Chevy V8 is what you want if going transverse mount. The 5.3 liter V8 was available in a FWD transverse layout in a few different vehicles. And those engines can make surprising levels of power with a little boost.

Stick with RWD. You're already taking on a super ambitious and challenging project. To think you can also make it AWD...just no, draw the line somewhere.

Most (semi) affordable cars with longitudinally mounted mid engines and transmissions are...Porsches. Unfortunately Porsche transmissions aren't cheap. Not even remotely.

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/hybrid...ersion-981613/

 

I'm considering an LS4 in my Gen 2 and I'm wondering if anyone thinks that's a bad idea. I don't think it'll fit in the front so I'd have to have the shop put it in the back and have it power the back wheels instead. Thoughts?

 

Possible if your a good fabricator. Super expensive if not. Actually, expensive and time consuming either way.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-...share-2004368/

 

 

You're bringing this to a shop to get done? How much are they doing exactly? Because if you're just dropping your Integra off somewhere and saying, "here, make this a mid engine car." 15k for the engine and ALL that LABOR is not enough. 15k is a good amount of cash to work with if you're the guy doing all the work/fabrication. It seems like your main reason for doing this is more power. Just swap the b18a with a built and turboed b18c. Seriously, 15k will make PLENTY of power on a B-series. And then you can take the remaining $8k and put that into the rest of the car.

 

 

 

 

So bored with this whole quarentine business that I'm going back through old posts. Just came across this gem lol

 

It never happened. But I do remember the rear h22a dc2 integra, awesome build...wonder where it is now.

 

Oh I know, I was using "gem" sarcastically. That rear H22 build was incredible though. From what I remember, it had actual intakes fabd into the rear quarters and a prelude dash. I'm sure it's floating around somewhere. Can't imagine that being parted out.

 

I remember that car... it was white wasn't it ?

 

Yep sure was. A lot of the picture links are dead but I'm sure through waybackmachine or something you could find them

 

Or just google.

The integra was local to me. I remember it well.

https://www.team-integra.net/threads...version.66688/

 

lol, you'll spot my username over there and in the thread.

 

Didn’t that guy move from Mooresville to Burgaw? I remember reading about the build in Sport Compact Car years ago For the first “Ultimate Street Car Challenge”, before the build thread turned up on the web. I remember it was really impressive going through his write-up, some of the suspension geometry he got into went way over my head. I felt like if he’d boosted it with a turbo instead of that plain-jane Jackson SuperCharger, he could’ve put out much higher numbers, and possibly won that contest.