Sonata converted into AWD?? - Hyundai Performance Forums

2literguy · 05-12-2003, 08:43 PM

OK, now I know that ANYTHING is possible with time, money, and patience, but can the Sonata be modified for an all-wheel drive setup? I'm sure its been thought about before, but I know nothing about how big the AWD system used by Mitsubishis are and how the rear end is mounted and setup. Can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks
-2liter

tranceokido · 05-15-2003, 11:25 AM

2liter-
Well like you said anything is possible. With the Sonata it is but there are so many things you would have to do that it probably wouldn't even be cost effecient. First you would have to widen the exhaust tunnel to mount the drive shaft, find a spot to put the transfer case, and then set up the rear suspension to be able to handle an AWD setup. I really don't know much about converting it but I have taken a look and there are so many other things you would have to do, like that gas tank and stuff. I say if your going to stick with your 4banger then just turbo charge it and swap a manual into it and move on from there. You won't be disappointed with this conversion at all. Just ask Justin. Then from there you can move on to modifying it further. The Sonata is acutally not a bad handler with a modified suspension and lowered center of gravity from what I hear, even with the V6. But I am sure with the 4cyl it will be much more nible on its feet.

CleanAccent · 05-16-2003, 09:02 PM

With enough money you could do it. Wouldn't you just rather have a Audi S4?

DSM-SONATA · 05-17-2003, 10:07 AM

It can be done. you would need to source a galant vr4 or eclipse gsx complete rear end, and you would need to cut and weld the rear floor pan. the fuel cell actually has to be resized, but that isn't a problem, simply just get one from another car. the sonata usually holds about 65 litres of fuel, so that's why it's fairly large. This is a very big and costly job, and then you will definitely need to have it engineered, and insured.

i thought about going into this venture, and i know that "turbo hyundai" Tom with the sonata has also, but i personally won't be. I think that the Y2 or anything newer, is just to heavy still to work with. I personally wouldn't go any heavier than a Y1 sonata, or elantra, as the heavy weight puts a lot of stress on the drivetrain. To give you guys some insight, i plan to revert my car back to standard once the car runs 12's in the 1/4 at the track, as i will have achieved my goal for the car, (all be it a long goal), I will then sell it, and swap my motor into a mitsubishi lancer GSR 4wd and drop the 4g93t 1.8 out and swap it with my current 4g63t. At least this way, i'm purchasing a car that is structually designed for 4wd from factory, and has the proper suspension and geometry setups required without requiring re-engineering. i think that the availability of first generation awd dsm's in the usa and all left hand drive markets for such cheap prices that i hear in some forums, makes it to simple to take that option rather than converting your car to awd. i think the awd conversion on a sonata would definitely have to go hand in hand with a 4g63t motor swap, or a very decent rebuild of the sonata motor (unlikely) outside korea for a decent price to the average owner. Having being one of few people to have done an engine swap on a sonata, or any hyundai for that matter, I can only tell you that I would not recommend this option as being viable for any owner.

karmaracer · 05-23-2003, 04:58 PM

GOODNIGHT!!!!! YOUR GOING TO SELL IT!!!!
I thought you were dedicated man!! That car is awesome!!

Well....just one less twelve second sonata in the world!