I've not really read up on haldex but you seem to know abit could you explain a little for me as it might be an option ?

Haldex is the name of the 4Motion / Quattro system in the Volkswagen A4 platform cars (Audi A3, VW Golf MKIV V6/R32, Audi TT)

It's a temporary 4WD system with permanent drive to the front wheels, there is a transfer box on the side of the gearbox connected to a propshaft which are both permanently engaged, between the prop shaft and final drive is the haldex clutch, this is an electronically controlled hydraulic system which is engaged when the front wheels begin to slip (I believe the stock haldex controller kicks in after 1/7 a rotation of slip is detected?)

It is nothing like the permanent 4WD system found on the bigger VAG group cars although fairly impressive in itself, not a major job to package either as there is no centre diff - after all it was designed for front wheel drive cars, with modifications to the rear of the floor pan only from what I understand. My boot space is a hell of a lot shallower than 2WD Golfs and the rear uses a subframed independent suspension set up as opposed to the dead axle found on said counterparts.

I'm pretty sure adaptorman fitted a haldex system to his caddy?

Edited 4 January, 201214 yr by AMD_Man

I've not really read up on haldex but you seem to know abit could you explain a little for me as it might be an option ?

Haldex is the name of the 4Motion / Quattro system in the Volkswagen A4 platform cars (Audi A3, VW Golf MKIV V6/R32, Audi TT)

It's a temporary 4WD system with permanent drive to the front wheels, there is a transfer box on the side of the gearbox connected to a propshaft which are both permanently engaged, between the prop shaft and final drive is the haldex clutch, this is an electronically controlled hydraulic system which is engaged when the front wheels begin to slip (I believe the stock haldex controller kicks in after 1/7 a rotation of slip is detected?)

It is nothing like the permanent 4WD system found on the bigger VAG group cars although fairly impressive in itself, not a major job to package either as there is no centre diff - after all it was designed for front wheel drive cars, with modifications to the rear of the floor pan only from what I understand. My boot space is a hell of a lot shallower than 2WD Golfs and the rear uses a subframed independent suspension set up as opposed to the dead axle found on said counterparts.

I'm pretty sure adaptorman fitted a haldex system to his caddy?

Cheers mate that makes sence now and I have seen a rear wheel caddy before looks cool but I believe its possible just going to be hard work

Joe i think I'm going to make an adaptor plate to mate the syncro 02 gearbox to my afh il sort it out when i get the syncro box to me and can start playing around, if it doesnt look too easy to do or is gunna be a right pain il get a lupo gti bottom end and fit all my internals in that and it will mate straight upto the larger box but i want to avoid this way for other reasons tbh.

Probably been said already but you will most likely need the floorpan from a Mk2/3 Golf Syncro, to fit propshaft, exhaust etc. This seems to be the way most people convert to 4wd. You can then get kits that allow the Haldex/4Motion to be fitted.

Normal Syncro wont cope with much power but a Rallye/G60 setup can apparently cope with up to 300hp before you get problems.

With a 1.8t you probably want Haldex, if you manage to chop in and weld the Mk2 Syncro floor then DutchBuild do a DIY kit to fit haldex. You could probably chop in the floor from a Mk4 4Motion/S3 etc but I've never seen this done before and the cars are substantially bigger than the old Polos so just might not work.

The Haldex/4Motion can take lots of power, 350hpish from a 1.8t will be manageable. As has been said though the 4Motion isnt permanent 4wd, I think the newer system in the Mk5 Golfs has 10% power at rear wheels all the time then switching as needed up to 100% rear powered.

Syncro as far as I'm aware is permanent 50/50 AWD so maybe a Mk3 Polo with Mk2 Syncro floorpan and the stronger Rallye/G60 Syncro parts sticking below 300hp would be the best way to go. Keep the weight down too with smaller less complicated Syncro parts.

Then there is still the problem of getting a 1.8t to fit, like in a Mk1 Golf it will most likely need lower mounts and tipped back I think. Then theres the problem of a 4wd-1.9t compatible gearbox that also mounts into the Polo, bearing in mind the engine placement has also been changed.

And suspension, really not sure what you would do here. Id imagine some sort of Mk1/2 Golf frankenstein setup into the Polo, then theres the Syncro problem as the rear differs from a standard Golf.

Its a big move, but anythings do-able.

Edited 4 January, 201214 yr by Doogal

Probably been said already but you will most likely need the floorpan from a Mk2/3 Golf Syncro, to fit propshaft, exhaust etc. This seems to be the way most people convert to 4wd. You can then get kits that allow the Haldex/4Motion to be fitted.

Normal Syncro wont cope with much power but a Rallye/G60 setup can apparently cope with up to 300hp before you get problems.

Floorpan wont be needed. Its too far out from what they'll be trying to achieve and will be a lot easier and cheaper to sheet metal fab it themselves. Shouldnt be too hard in reality.

Stinkypete pm coming your way.

I did think the Syncro floor would be too different from the Polo but must be easier than creating one from scratch, suppose if its not going to be road legal though you dont need thinks like interior etc fitting so the floor could be shaped how they like.

I did think the Syncro floor would be too different from the Polo but must be easier than creating one from scratch, suppose if its not going to be road legal though you dont need thinks like interior etc fitting so the floor could be shaped how they like.

Its not the floor thats needed, It'll be just as easy to create a tuneel from sheet, continue it under the rear seats, and as far as my measurements worked out there is plenty of room under the rear once you have removed the wheel well. Adaptor plates for the rear beam, centre bearing mount, cut the firewall for the transfer box to fit in the front and potentially it wont be too hard. This is all theory though!

Syncro should be up to the job provided that the power is kept sensible. Its trying to shift less weight than if it was in a corrado, golf or jetta dont forget. Haldex is ecu controlled and can be mapped to suit. Suspension wise at the front is dependant on how the engine is mounted. I'd be inclined to use an original subframe, wide track it and go from there. Suspension is the least of your worries.

Turrets can be fabricated for the rear to accommodate the syncro rear suspension, coilovers i'd imagine.

I'm putting an 02 type hybird box in the front of mine and in reality it doesnt take a lot of work with the welder. The only issues they'll have is the transfer box behind the engine, the mounting bracket to the engine (stinkypete with the AFH will have to have a very funny shaped downpipe to work around it all) and I'm sure a few other teething problems along the way.

I'm going turbo too so a downpipe will be fabricated after to go round whatever is needed and my floor pan will be tubular framed with sheet ally/steel on top

right i received my new mk2 syncro gearbox, rear diff and rear driveshafts on friday and looking at the rear trackwidth i only need to widen it 50mm either side at the rear still need to sort front driveshafts yet but going to try and get hold of the syncro front ones. also to fit the box to the block just need to make an adapter at work as have all the dimensions now and get a mk2 golf flywheel and clutch. car is now off the road so will be starting getting the rollcage in for a start then butchering the tranny tunnel.

If you use a Lupo GTI 6 speed block you should be able to bolt it to an 02 box

If you use a Lupo GTI 6 speed block you should be able to bolt it to an 02 box

See my post re this on clubgti. Is not possible after all. Lupo box is 02T which is a slightly different fitment again.