ive been thinking about this for a while

[Will]

You could just flip the dashboard to the back of the cab and turn the seats around. The hood is the trunk now. I think I saw a video of some guys in Europe that were driving around like that freaking everyone out.

I don't see the big deal.

Here's a Honda Odyssey in action--your future drivetrain. Imagine taking a good 1,000# or 1,500# off of this.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

flipping the dashboard around doesnt sound very practical...your engine is now in the front again. the whole idea was to make a rear engine RWD

 

[littleme13]

ok you want rear engine rear wheel drive. it aint cheep but it will hold 600 hp...lol
http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=8620

 

[rurouni20xx]

ill keep that in transaxle in mind when i decide to bolt a triton v10 in my ranger, til then i dont recommend spending 14500 on a tranny. plus thats for a mid engine, not true rwd. a midengine means cutting the cab out and making your ranger a cabover in a sense.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Hate to burst your bubble will but id put my old ladies 3.8L Mopar in the Town and country against that anyday.

later,
Dustin

 

[Will]

Hate to burst your bubble will but id put my old ladies 3.8L Mopar in the Town and country against that anyday.

later,
Dustin

Yeah. Time your Town and Country and see if it will run 7.2 seconds 0-60.

You're just mad because I don't like Country Music.

 

[rurouni20xx]

discourage inbreeding...ban country music...just kidding...lol

 

[wrecking-crew]

i might do the mid engine thing. i dont want to spend 20 grand on transfer thingys and such.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Yeah. Time your Town and Country and see if it will run 7.2 seconds 0-60.

You're just mad because I don't like Country Music.

Sorry but i dont think i could stomach driving that thing for more then 7.2 seconds.

Turn off the traction control and it will do the smokyiest FWD burnout you ever did see though.

Im about ready to show her who the man is and sell the frickin thing. I went to move it yesterday to get out and got it buried in the mud in the driveway. So i had to move 3 other vehicles, get the F150, and pull it out of like 2 inches of mud. I was rather pissed, and late for bar nite

.....and yes, i think everyone should like country music

later,
Dustin

 

[rurouni20xx]

thats interesting but its a van...plus its a dodge...thats two major problems right there. whatever worx for you buddy. wrecking crew, the mid engine idea is great for balancing a vehicles power to weight, the driver and engine are centered between the wheels proportionally and when lowered/leveled w/ stiff suspension makes for an awesome driving experience. thats why lambos use this design, it would be cool but i dont really see a way around the transaxle, you could mount the engine to 2wd trans and stub the tranny to the rearend w/ a shorty shaft or maybe even bolt them together using and adapter or if your lucky enuff 4 grade 10 bolts, the length of the assembly versus cab placement may be an issue however. if you get a tape measure and have room for all this that would be cool, but i have a feeling your going to have a fan next to your asscheeks.

 

[wrecking-crew]

thats interesting but its a van...plus its a dodge...thats two major problems right there. whatever worx for you buddy. wrecking crew, the mid engine idea is great for balancing a vehicles power to weight, the driver and engine are centered between the wheels proportionally and when lowered/leveled w/ stiff suspension makes for an awesome driving experience. thats why lambos use this design, it would be cool but i dont really see a way around the transaxle, you could mount the engine to 2wd trans and stub the tranny to the rearend w/ a shorty shaft or maybe even bolt them together using and adapter or if your lucky enuff 4 grade 10 bolts, the length of the assembly versus cab placement may be an issue however. if you get a tape measure and have room for all this that would be cool, but i have a feeling your going to have a fan next to your asscheeks.

i need to think on how im gonna set it up now.....

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i would still go with the FWD transaxle idea. no special transmissions/transaxles required. everything is already bolted together and ready to drop into the bed.

 

[rurouni20xx]

i agree w/ wicked for simplicity sake, the mid would be cool to see but very dif to do.

 

[Will]

We have a '99 Grand Caravan with the 3.8 in the family. It's a good engine and has no problem scooting that van around. I was suggesting the Honda Oddyssey drivetrain which has much more power--the 3.8 is an old pushrod motor that is very much like the pushrod 4.0 we have. I have an '05 Pilot with the same motor and my wife's parents have an '08 Oddyssey and they will spank the 3.8. The 3.8 has a good yank off the line but it lays down quickly. The Honda 3.5 is a nasty beast and you wouldn't be disappointed.

My brother-in-law has an Acura TL with a 3.2 Honda Vtec. We took it down to Florida this Christmas and that thing is scary fast. From a stop, you absolutely can't steer. It's well over 300hp from only 3.2 liters and I think it could run 13s and 5 second 0-60s--and has leather seats, individual climate control. It has a ratchet shifter like an old B&M Quicksilver except intead of pulling it up into ratchet mode, you push it over. If you are going 60 and want to pass someone, you are going 100 before you can blink. The 3.5 Honda is the same motor essentially--but larger. You would love it in a 3,000# Ranger.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

ya, but there are plenty of drivetrains that could be used that arent...you know...hondas.

what about the supercharged 3.8 from a buick? "only" 240 horsepower, but a torquey bastard at 280ft-lbs at only 3600 rpm.