Can We Use a Front-_wheel-Drive Engine Such as Honda B16 in a Rear-Wheel-Drive Car?

Yes, you can install a front-wheel-drive engine like the Honda B16 in a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car, but it involves significant modifications. This guide explores the key considerations for such a conversion.

Engine Orientation and Mounts

Mounting: Custom engine mounts are necessary to fit the B16 engine into the RWD chassis. Unlike a front-wheel-drive setup, the engine orientation might need to be adjusted.

Positioning: Ensure the engine is positioned correctly to allow the driveshaft to connect to the rear differential without obstruction.

Transmission

Compatible Transmission: A rear-wheel-drive-compatible transmission is required. You may consider using a transmission from a RWD Honda, such as the one from the S2000, or adapt a different RWD transmission to work with the B16 engine.

Adapter Plates: If using a different transmission, an adapter plate may be necessary to connect it to the engine, which requires precise measurements and engineering.

Drivetrain Configuration

Driveline: A custom driveshaft will be needed to connect the transmission to the rear differential.

Differential: A rear differential compatible with the drivetrain characteristics, including desired gear ratios and limited-slip differential (LSD), is essential.

Cooling and Exhaust

Cooling System: Ensure the cooling system is adequate for the engine's needs in the new orientation. Additional considerations for heat management may include radiator design and placement.

Exhaust Routing: The exhaust system will likely need to be redesigned to fit the new layout. Custom exhaust pipes and headers may be required to optimize performance and fit.

Electronics and Wiring

ECU and Wiring: Integrate the engine's ECU with the vehicle’s electrical system, which may require custom wiring or an aftermarket ECU. Ensuring proper functionality of the engine's control system is crucial for the overall performance of the car.

Legal and Safety Considerations

Emissions Compliance: Research and comply with local emissions regulations to ensure the engine swap is legal and environmentally acceptable.

Safety: Verify that the modifications maintain the vehicle's safety standards, including crash testing and performance metrics.

Conclusion

While it is technically feasible to use a Honda B16 engine in an RWD car, the project demands extensive mechanical knowledge, fabrication skills, and possibly substantial investment in parts and labor. It is advisable to conduct thorough research and consult professionals with experience in similar projects.