Alright so almost all of you have seen the 3 nx's I recently picked up well here is the reason why. I'm looking at starting another nx build in spring or summer and plan on spending a full year to complete it. Now you probably noticed the poll by now and seen it says rwd, yes that is correct I want a rwd nx as well now. Anyways I've been looking at numerous different engine/drivetrain combinations hoping to find one that would be a challenge to do as well as best bang for the buck to get those hp numbers. I'm only posting this info on this forum as i'm keeping it some what of a secret build until I fully launch the idea. If you have any suggetions about the options in the poll or others not listed let me know. Thanks

Also I will be using the nx body with the roll cage in it since that one barely has any rust.

I've researched the rb26 as well but i'm rulling that one out due to cost and difficulty to find parts.

I would say a mid engine or RWD SR20, don't ruin it with a toyota motor. In most cases I would look at this thread and kind of shake my head because I would think it would be a pipe dream for someone, but after seeing you fab skills I think you will be able to pull it off. SO good luck, and I can't wait to see the build thread start.

with your fab skills i say u take a fwd sr20det and fwd tranny put it in the back seat with solid axils idk how to do it but u could do it so im saying mid engine sr20det kind of lol

I said RWD SR setup. Even a VE would be cool, but i will leave that up to you. I dont think RWD would be that bad considering you have done the AWD conversion and the rear end should be about the same you just have to worry about turning the motor up front. What ever you go with it will be unique and badass.

I've already done measurements so I know I can fit a rwd sr20det or even 2jz in the engine bay if I rework the firewall andrad support some. Currently i'm leaning more towards the mid engine since I basicly have everything already so theres really no cost left to it.

What do you want to do with the car? Not knocking the idea, but it would be worth it to get the car corner weighted if you want the car to handle, especially if you went mid engined (the coolest option by far). If the NX in question is just a shell, you could throw some ballast of the rough weight of the engine/tranny in the back.

Ya the car needs to handle well, just be a fun track and street car. I know if I want something rwd I could just go buy a 240 or so but whats the fun in that . I've been looking at mr2 and other cars to see how they were designed to help out with the idea. I really don't see it being to complicated of an idea to due but every single thing has to be fully thought through of course to make sure nothing major goes wrong.

Mid Engine rwd-rough plan
Ok if I went this route I would be looking at cutting the frame rails out of one of the donors and welding them in the back. Using gti-r rear hubs with custom parallel links or do a control arm setup, different spring rate suspension to handle the weight. More then likely doing a Mr-2 style hatch & vents were the rear side windows are. The front becomes the spare tire compartment and will use a electric power steering pump up there as well to keep power steering. The engine itself will probably be a regular sr20de with a turbo kit. Reverse alt mod on it for easier access. Still throwing around ideas for the shift linkage to keep it a 5spd(might do paddle shifter setup). Oem nx hubs in front with half shafts tightened in to keep the hub together. Will be running a fuel cell once again which will probably be in the front well protected.

Rwd Sr20det swap-rough plan
This plan will basicly be just like the awd setup except the firewall will have to be rebuilt and possibly the radiator support. Use gti-r rear subframe for correct wheel base and 240 rear diff also fuel cell in the back once again. Would use 240 front subframe & tranny member unless to bulky to work in which I would make my own. Seems fairly straight forward to me.


Another option is the mid engine but with a vq30de or vq35de

I voted rwd. But i think the mid engine idea would be cooler, especially considering you have alot of the needed parts already. The vq would be cool as well but would add some obvious cost to the project, and i think it would be more of a headache than its worth. Vq's are easy to find and decently priced, but finding a good lsd trans seems a bit tougher.

Thanks for all the input so far guys. If you have any other ideas or suggestions throw them my way as I may be overlooking some things. Like I said before I don't plan on starting it until spring or summer so lots of time to get a solid game plan down and possibly some drawings made up.

mid with an sr20 that would be the

Would you have to push the firewall back at all with the RWD set up?If you ever need help welding/fab work let me know I will take a drive up.

And NX would be the best choice out of a B series chassis if you were set on doing a RWD setup, doesn't it have the biggest bay?

Yes you would have to move the middle of the firewall back and move the radiator further to the front as well as a bigger tunnel for the tranny and there is enough clearance width wise. I do have ruff measurements of all the above rwd engines & there basicly all the same (5ft 2in from the front of the engine to the shifter in neutral). I would position it so the shifter is in the nx oem location or at least close and mount it there unless doing some other type of shifting mechanism which will allow more room if needed.

Alright i've decided i'm going to do the mid engine swap since I feel it will be a bit more of challenge (design wise) and its the cheapest route. Once I finish up my plans this winter for the current nx I will be starting this one so figure spring. I'm fairly excited and can't wait to begin!!!!!!!

Awesome, plain and simple.

I think you should keep this one under wraps until it's done!