Matrix S is av w-awd

GMan

New member
Any one take a New Matrix S for a test drive ?
I have driven a Scion TC with the 2.4. Pretty nice engine for driving around town.

It is available with awd too, but only in Auto. :x
http://www.toyota.com/matrix/specs.html

Too bad Toyota missed an opportunity to put a 5sp awd in the line up.
Hell Toyota Must have some left over 5sdp trannies ?

I guess spare 185 5spd boxes could be swapped in. :evil:
(depending on local emission testing a 3sgte swap would be easy too.)

Regards;
 

GMan

New member
Salsa Guy":1hua962y said:
I'm looking into a 3SGTE AWD swap.
Could work ? Depending where you live; inspection With OBDII may be a problem ? :shrug:
Use the 2.4 engine and a turbo kit with a 205/185 tranny ?
Convert the stock ECU to manual or use a manual ecu ?
Would be an interesting project :D

Pleasant Regards;
 

athousandleaves

New member
The Matrix received the same AWD system used on the ST215 Auto Caldina wagons known as "V-Flex" and isn't the same as the alltrac.

V-Flex is a lazy 4WD system and only occasionally partially locks up and kicks in when slipping or cornering because power is sent into the front diff first.

They don't really have a center differential and most of the transfercase assy is in the rear diff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMwAysEHRYQ
Note how the fronts are able to spin when the rears don't and the engine doesn't stall from resistance. In an alltrac all four wheels would be spinning if the car was beached on snow however if two wheels are stuck/slipping you'll stall the engine from the resistance in the drivetrain.

Would be interesting if you could fit the FWD Matrix front LSD and lock the center of the AWD model though... not too sure if you'd want to street that setup however!
 
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