Discussion
Would be difficult to do with anything other than motor bike engines (the car Andy is talking about was a Z-Cars built ultima GTR that used two turbo Haybusa motorbike engines and gearboxes).
The only way i can see it working is is you used a Lambo / Audi R8 engine and trans combo or a suitable aftermarket alternative. You would still need to run a shaft (well several, with joints) from right at the rear of the car to the front. There you would need to house a diff and probably move the dampers (using push rods) as well as run front drive shafts. Getting the diff in the middle of the front wheels could be tricky as well as the shaft would be coming down one side of the car.
This should allow you to run a normal engine in there, but the LS might not work anymore with the addition of the drive shaft. You would probably have to change the engine mounts and loose the passenger seat to make way for the shaft.
The only other way i could see it working is if you turned the engine 180 degrees and mounted the trans (a conventional gearbox with center diff) in front of the engine (moving the engine back quite a bit). You would then have a pretty straight shot at the front diff but would still need a shaft down the side of the engine for the rear diff.
You are going to loose significant cabin space with this method to accommodate the gearbox, but might move the wight more central in the car (no gearbox hanging out behind the rear wheels). Interestingly this is the method used by Quafie for their 4WD GT car back in the 90's (before it got band).
Think if you really want to go down the 4WD route it would be better to start off with your own chassis (see GTRCLIVE's thread in the kit car section for starters) as you can then mount things where they are needed rather than modding a current chassis.
The only way i can see it working is is you used a Lambo / Audi R8 engine and trans combo or a suitable aftermarket alternative. You would still need to run a shaft (well several, with joints) from right at the rear of the car to the front. There you would need to house a diff and probably move the dampers (using push rods) as well as run front drive shafts. Getting the diff in the middle of the front wheels could be tricky as well as the shaft would be coming down one side of the car.
This should allow you to run a normal engine in there, but the LS might not work anymore with the addition of the drive shaft. You would probably have to change the engine mounts and loose the passenger seat to make way for the shaft.
The only other way i could see it working is if you turned the engine 180 degrees and mounted the trans (a conventional gearbox with center diff) in front of the engine (moving the engine back quite a bit). You would then have a pretty straight shot at the front diff but would still need a shaft down the side of the engine for the rear diff.
You are going to loose significant cabin space with this method to accommodate the gearbox, but might move the wight more central in the car (no gearbox hanging out behind the rear wheels). Interestingly this is the method used by Quafie for their 4WD GT car back in the 90's (before it got band).
Think if you really want to go down the 4WD route it would be better to start off with your own chassis (see GTRCLIVE's thread in the kit car section for starters) as you can then mount things where they are needed rather than modding a current chassis.
I can't imagine the misery of trying to run a driveline forward from the (mid-) engine compartment through a passenger compartment, firewall, et al never designed to accomdate it. Running an electric KERS thingie in the front seems relatively straightforward but the energy recovery and storage capabilities added to the complexity of the software system to drive it all is the work of a BIG CAR COMPANY (all caps for the gravity of the challenge!).
I'm surprised that the dual Suzuki power doesn't save any weight though dual gearboxes (presumably) must be the reason.
I know this is just a thought experiment (as was my repowering with a non-V8 engine thread was) I'd suggest that if you are looking for an AWD lightweight mid-engine car, you start with a LaFerrari and work it from there.
V
I'm surprised that the dual Suzuki power doesn't save any weight though dual gearboxes (presumably) must be the reason.
I know this is just a thought experiment (as was my repowering with a non-V8 engine thread was) I'd suggest that if you are looking for an AWD lightweight mid-engine car, you start with a LaFerrari and work it from there.
V
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