Tech:Engine/A Series/Converting to RWD
Converting A-Series engines to RWD can be done.
List of things that you might want to consider when installing a 4AGE based engine into an KE70/AE71/AE86.
Engine Crossmember - You can use the engine crossmember from an AE71/AE86 as the engine mounts will bolt straight up. If you have a KE70 crossmember, you will have to get custom engine mounts made.
Gearbox Crossmember - You can use the gearbox crossmember from an AE71/AE86 as the gearbox mount will bolt straight up. If you have a KE70 crossmember you will have to re-drill some holes to mount the gearbox.
You can use the engine mounts from an AE71/AE86 4A-C engine or have some custom made. Realise that custom made engine mounts require engineering.
Flywheel / Clutch / Pressure Plate / Throwout Bearing
There are 2 different size 4AGE flywheels, for 200mm and 212mm clutches. If yours is the 200mm clutch, just buy an AE71/AE86 200mm clutch kit. If yours is the 212mm Clutch, you will have to buy an AE92 100KW 4AGE 212mm clutch kit (also you will have to buy a throwout bearing from an AE86, as the AE92 clutch kit throwout bearing is completely different).
FF / MR mount 4AGE engines do not have a spigot bearing in the crankshaft. You can press a spigot bearing from an AE71/AE86 4A-C into the crankshaft.
There are 2 main options for a gearbox
T50 Gearbox - You can source a T50 gearbox from an australian AE71/AE86 or get one from an imported AE86. There is 1 main difference between the australian and japanese T50 gearboxes. Both of these should handle stock power without a problem.
ADM T50 (Australian Domestic Market) - Clutch fork on passenger side of car.
JDM T50 (Japanese Domestic Market) - Clutch fork on drivers side of car.
W5x Gearbox - You can use a W55 gearbox with a bellhousing adapter, people usually swap to these when their engines are putting out high power figures as T50 gearboxes are a lot weaker. Note that you will have to modify your tailshaft to suit the different gearbox output shaft.
What tailshaft option you take depends on what gearbox you have and what diff you're adapting it to. Some people decide to have a custom 1 piece talshaft made out of their existing tailshaft. Also you may chose to install a tailshaft loop in case the tailshaft decides to let go.
There are 3 options for your intake, these are also dependant on if your 4AGE is smallport or largeport.
JDM AE86 Intake Manifold - The stock intake manifold that came on the large port blue top 4AGEs can be used if you already have one or are able to source one cheaply. You can use these on a smallport motor but you will need an adapter to go inbetween the manifold and the head.
Cut n Shut Intake Manifold - This is a popular option for converting the FF / MR intake manifolds to a RWD layout. This is probably a better option as they are more common and cheaper to buy. You will have to find someone that can cut the throttle body mount off and swap it onto the opposite side of the intake manifold.
Quad Throttle Bodies - Nothing beats the sounds of quad throttle bodies, its a good way to go if you want a tough N/A engine.