I was on the way home today just thinking about making an AWD Z/G. I know that there is a G35X sedan which is AWD and was just wondering if it could be possible to make a Z/G coupe AWD? I know with the right amount of money anything is possible but I was just curious to see if it would even work. That way we could knock down the Evo's and STI's a peg or two.

 

I believe ther already was a AWD G 2dr.....

 

there was a thread already done on this... but im sure just like you said if you shovel enough money into you can get it to work.

 

It'd probably end up costing more than what you paid for the car to do the conversion.

 

It would be more feasible on a G35c than the Z. Even though its all the FM platform, the G35c and G35s are both 112.2" wheelbases compared to the Z's 104.3, so you would need to do driveshaft modifications at the very least. I think if you got the entire transmission and drivetrain from a G35x, you could transplant it fairly easily into a G35c 5AT as compare to the Z. Other than figuring out if there is any additional fabrication or parts swapping for the transfer case and front differential, the only real challenge is programming the ECU and TCM with a hybrid of the G35x TCM logic to communicate with the G35c ECU and other electronics.

The big downside is you'll add about 300 lbs to the car. G35x uses 3.5 gearing to offset the weight and make up acceleration. Although the F/R bias of ATTESA is great and very performance oriented, the L/R differential biasing leaves a bit to be desires. The G35x drivetrain uses open differentials in both the front and rear. Ask anybody who owns one that does HPDE's about how quickly their brakes wear out.

Its a smart design because its effective (new EVO is using it too), but to bias the torque between the left and rear sides, the brakes must be engaged. With an open diff, the effective torque is always balanced to both wheels. When you get wheelspin, the effective amount of torque resistance of the spinning wheel is applied to the wheel with traction. The ABLS system engages the brake on the spinning wheel to add resistance to the axle. By adding resistance, there is more effective torque applied to both axles.

Because the G35x is designed with no diff and has aggressive AWD logic in the TCM, its questionable if a mechanical diff would decrease brake use while retaining an effective AWD setup. Without a F/R ATB style diff, you really can't have true mechanical AWD without electronic intervention. Remove the ABLS and you have 4WD.

 

Real rubber (265+)+ a real diff (no VLSD crap) + seat time = faster per $$$ than any 4wd frankenstine setup will get you

plus, 4wd is snoozarific

 

It's all good, but, from what people that have actually built cars are saying, it is not only a matter or a drivetrain swap. First of all, the engine bay layout of the G35 vs G35x is different (different alternator placement, etc), that's why there are no FI'd G35x's yet. Second, the driveshaft that goes from the transfer case to the front wheels if flimsy and will break as soon as you make a lot of power. Top secret was able to but the engine/drivetrain from a r34 skyline into a Z, but the is way too much money for most of us, mortals.

I am sorry to say, but if you want a fast, sporty AWD with AT, get an audi TT with Quattro and a V6 and let the guys at the HPS work their magic on it.

 

There actually are a few FI G35x, if you just head on over to g35driver.com. A combination of stillen and vortech, also please clarify where you got the information that the driveshaft on the X is flimsy. I have never heard anything about this, not doubting you just wanted to get more info on this.