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why convert a 4x4 saph to 2wd ?

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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 09:18 PM
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Default why convert a 4x4 saph to 2wd ?

hi people

just swapped my erst for a saph cossie 2wd.
my question is it used to be a 4x4 why would someone
convert it to 2wd ??? because i dont see the benifits of doing
this.
the guy also threw in a launch control kit is this worth putting
on the car or selling on if so how much.

thanks Martin
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 09:27 PM
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usually swapped as 4x4 boxes are a bit weak compared to 2wd boxes,or some ppl like 2wd,but as there getting thinner on the ground,a converted 4x4 gives you the newer and hopefully lest rusty shell

cheeRS stu
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 09:29 PM
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Lots of reasons , if i wanted a 2wd sapph id start with a late 4x4 and convert it ,
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by STUCOS
usually swapped as 4x4 boxes are a bit weak compared to 2wd boxes,or some ppl like 2wd,but as there getting thinner on the ground,a converted 4x4 gives you the newer and hopefully lest rusty shell

cheeRS stu
so its a good thing then as i was looking into converting it back to a 4x4....

thanks Martin
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Old Aug 15, 2010 | 09:33 PM
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As said, there are loads of reasons.

When I get closer to buying a SaphCos, I will buy the latest 4x4 I could find then convert to 2WD. My reasons would be that the colour I want is easier to find on later 4x4's (Moonstone or Silver), and the 4x4's usually have the nicest interiors, like Late-Spec dash, all leather etc.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Frenchy0204
As said, there are loads of reasons.

When I get closer to buying a SaphCos, I will buy the latest 4x4 I could find then convert to 2WD. My reasons would be that the colour I want is easier to find on later 4x4's (Moonstone or Silver), and the 4x4's usually have the nicest interiors, like Late-Spec dash, all leather etc.
so i am guessing not to convert it back to a 4x4 then ......
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 09:52 AM
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cost is a common reason

500bhp RWD = ok on good condition standard box with uprated clutch and diff
500bhp 4wd = best part of 10 grands worth of transmission
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 10:00 AM
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As above, depends what you prefer, maybe someone just got bored of it and converted it, or liked the car but not the setup. Thought about converting mine but changed my mind.
RE; the launch control kit, don't have much experience with them TBH, maybe you're better off putting up a seperate thread about it. If you think you "need" launch control then install it, personally i wouldn't bother, but that's just me, you'd use it for a week then get bored of it.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by rog
As above, depends what you prefer, maybe someone just got bored of it and converted it, or liked the car but not the setup. Thought about converting mine but changed my mind.
RE; the launch control kit, don't have much experience with them TBH, maybe you're better off putting up a seperate thread about it. If you think you "need" launch control then install it, personally i wouldn't bother, but that's just me, you'd use it for a week then get bored of it.
sound mate thanks for that i think i will be keeping it 2wd as the previous owner
said it was 380bhp but will get it dyno soon.
and for the launch control i will start a seperate post for it thanks.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 10:06 AM
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i would only use launch control to be a chav and make it pop and bang but dont think i would ever properly use it! the 2wd transmission is stronger, provides less drag, some could argue its more fun and unless you are really really ragging it past about 60 mph you cant tell its either imo
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by m4tt274
i would only use launch control to be a chav and make it pop and bang but dont think i would ever properly use it! the 2wd transmission is stronger, provides less drag, some could argue its more fun and unless you are really really ragging it past about 60 mph you cant tell its either imo
so is there any benifits from it apart from making it pop and bang ?
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by martin24uk
so is there any benifits from it apart from making it pop and bang ?
launch control is very good and gives u a much better launch!
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 11:03 AM
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As I always say on the old 2wd 4x4 debate threads 2wd for going side ways, doing burnouts, breaking rear diffs like its gone out of fashion and general boy racer asbo behaviour

4x4 for good grip off the line and round the twisty bits

as said big horsie power in a 4x4 does cost a bomb with regards to uprating the drive train but at least it won't step out on the rear at 80 mph resulting in your once white boxers to be coloured a shade of brown

I can't see the reason for converting these cars though apart from if you want a later car with 2wd, personally if I wanted a 2wd saph I'd look for a nice one and buy it

Ps: its not launch control that makes the pops n bangs that would be the anti lag


Luciano
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 11:31 AM
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My mate is converting his after driving my 2wd. As Charlie says it is personal choice really, he just found it more fun to drive he said. The 4x4 drive train also eats up some of the horsepower too of course... if it doesn't break first with big power mods.

I too would by the correct car and be original - but each to his or her own!
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 11:40 AM
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thanks people, gave me alot to think about.
still not sure about the launch control but as said will
start another thread for some more info on it.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 01:37 PM
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It's personal preference as to what you like, some people get 4x4 then want big power and as said then convert 2WD as the running gear is stronger, or some want a 2WD so instead of selling simply convert it, or see a 4x4 they like.

The same thing can be seen on the TV show "Wheeler Dealers" that was a 4x4 converted to 2WD.

Mine is original 2WD and have never had any problems with it what so ever, so that means no broken diffs, going sideways into things etc, if you respect the cars for what they are then there will be no problems.

Launch control is a predetermined rev limit set that allows you to run full boost from the start line, you can simply plant the throttle until the aforementioned rev limit is reached.

Both this and anti lag create loud pops and bangs and is illegal for street use hence it is switchable.

Martin
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 02:41 PM
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Mines 2wd. If I got rid, I'd get a 4x4 and convert it most probably.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by charlie luciano
As I always say on the old 2wd 4x4 debate threads 2wd for going side ways, doing burnouts, breaking rear diffs like its gone out of fashion and general boy racer asbo behaviour

4x4 for good grip off the line and round the twisty bits

as said big horsie power in a 4x4 does cost a bomb with regards to uprating the drive train but at least it won't step out on the rear at 80 mph resulting in your once white boxers to be coloured a shade of brown


Luciano
Mine dont step out at 180mph Jimmy .

What you meant to say was 2wd for those that want to go fast & 4X4 for fairies, like Mike Rainbird .
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 03:21 PM
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[QUOTE=MadRod;5047995]Mine dont step out at 180mph Jimmy .
Goes well in straight lines rod hows it go on the track??
What you meant to say was 4wd for those that want to go fast allround & 2wd for a mess around./QUOTE]

Last edited by derekd; Aug 16, 2010 at 03:28 PM.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 08:09 PM
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Makes me laugh how everyone says 4x4's handle so much better than 2wd's. 4x4's have more grip yes but having driven both i prefer the handling of a 2wd car. The turn in is better and feels more direct imo.

On a damp and wet surface the 4x4 car will allways have the advantage, To say you only have a 2wd car to go sideways and do burn outs is a very blinkered comment imo.
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 08:45 PM
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Originally Posted by martin24uk
thanks people, gave me alot to think about.
still not sure about the launch control but as said will
start another thread for some more info on it.

your better off with a good 6 degree beam and decent suspension and tyres for launching than launch control.
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Old Aug 17, 2010 | 07:12 AM
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I have owned both at the same time, I still have the 4x4 but I much preferred the 2WD, it felt easier and alot more responsive in terms of steering, and faster even though it was a stage 1 and the 4x4 was stgae 3. Only thing i didn't like was the gearchange, but that's just being picky and easily sorted. Having said that, in terms of grip/handling, i'd take the 4x4 anyday of the week, but that's just my driving preference.
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Old Aug 18, 2010 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by martin24uk
so its a good thing then as i was looking into converting it back to a 4x4....

thanks Martin

As Ben has said
2wd has the best gearbox and diff
4x4 has the best block

so both together = a good cossie
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Old Aug 18, 2010 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Nash
To say you only have a 2wd car to go sideways and do burn outs is a very blinkered comment imo.
What I put down in my post was meant to be a light hearted bit off banter aimed at the 2wd owners on site and nothing more, smilies were present to reflect this fact

I always put more or less the same wording on the 2wd 4x4 debate threads and us lot (4x4 owners) always get stick and banter about being fairies and the cost of uprating the 4x4 drive train etc

so in the spirit of banter yes the standard 4x4 box is no good above 300 ft/lbs of torque but 2wd cossies are not as bullett proof as you 2wd owners would like to think, I've seen many a shattered diff and this results from driving the car like a cunt and nothing else


Luciano
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Old Aug 18, 2010 | 10:50 AM
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4wd is idiot proof.

2wd handles well with only minor mods in the grand scheme of things (3 door hubs, decent shocks and springs and a 6 degree rear beam) but even then needs someone who knows what they are doing.

So if you are an idiot, buy 4wd and it will protect you
If you have talent buy rwd and it will reward you
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Old Aug 18, 2010 | 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Chip
4wd is idiot proof.

I don't know about that mate, a 4x4 can catch you out too if you don't got the bottle to keep you foot on the gas pedal round corners/round abouts


Luciano
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