Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

So I recently acquired a 2008 Volkswagen R32 as my new daily driver. Wow, this R32 is fast as hell. The motor looks pretty small and converting to rear wheel drive doesn't seem that bad. I realize there are better motors out there that produce much more horsepower, but this little V6 in a roadster would scream in its NA mode. Sick power if you were to force induction. There is an VR6 in a junk yard I think I could pick up for pretty cheap.

Just dreaming.

IIRC, there was a member that either was converting or following someone that was doing a rear wheel drive conversion.

From what I remember, it was a screaming idea.

Funny, I also had pondered VR6 swappability for my project, depending on the state of the current U20 (would like to keep the U20, but if not viable...).

As a former '04 R32 owner, I miss the sound very much.

the trick would be to find a RWD trans that bolted up, right?
Although Kennedy engineering is known to make anything bolt up to a VW transaxle, so might hve something along the lines of going the other way.

A quick "Goodgle" lists lots of commotion. Several people thinking/talking about the same thing (VR^ to rwd).
I didn't see a perfected/well proven setup but lots of different ideas.
Basically they all boiled down to: get a VR6, get a rwd transmission, make an adapter plate to bolt 'em together". I didn't see anyone discussing ecms tho so I'd imagine it would have to be a stand alone unit like a Mega Squirt, Wolf, etc.
I think anything's doable if you waive enough money at it but there's gotta be a gain vs expense somewhere in any equation....
Would be a nice setup tho as the VR6 take less space than some 4 bangers.
I just realized that it's likely any solution would adapt a GTI engine as well since VW sells the same trans on both engines.
Hmmm, I wonder if my wife would notice if the GTI came up missing....
Dan

From what I read, people have used a Passat transmission, but they are weak.....something about changing it from AWD to RWD....I did not read the complete thread.

Kennedy does make adaptors for VR6 engines and T5 transmissions, just not together.
There was also an AUDI bell housing that fits a VR6 that has been suggested.....need to adapt to a T5 or ? as that trans is also suggest to be weak.

I love the sound of the VR6

Yeah, there's a guy who used a VR5 trans, clutch and backplate. All bolts to the VR6.
I dunno how weak that trrans ins, he's got it behind a turbo vr6 in a Cobra replica but I don't know if it's driving yet.
We drove an R32 before buying the GTI. Very smooth engine, made a sound unlike any I've heard with pushed hard, sort of like tearing cloth. I liked that car but too much money for what we wanted at the time.
Dan

greydog wrote:Very smooth engine, made a sound unlike any I've heard with pushed hard, sort of like tearing cloth.
Dan

Sometimes referred to as "angry wookie" sound. It really is a terrific noise.

everything runs hotter when you fudge the fuel numbers ! VW

Would the W12 fit ? put the radiator in the trunk
I have a 2.2 audi turbo diesel ,it sure had the pull up hills long hills but you would need a 2.5 geared rearend

what year is the VR6 ? isn't a immoblizer ECU system is it ? 03 -06? and up cause that could be a problem

If you think MK5 is fast try the MK7 Golf R!
I am partial to the MK4 R32 but damn these cars are astoundingly heavy for their footprint.

Alvin wrote:If you think MK5 is fast try the MK7 Golf R!
I am partial to the MK4 R32 but damn these cars are astoundingly heavy for their footprint.

I could have picked up a MK7 R for a little more than I paid for the R32. I think the resale will be better from what I have researched. The MK7 is much faster and you have the option of the 6 speed or the DSG. It is a heavy car for how small it is. It sure corners and handles well though.