GermanAutoConnection Custom Conversion:
'98 Cabriolet Modified to Accept a Quattroä Rear End and
5-Speed Manual Transmission For more details, see our
Automatic to 5-Speed Conversion
Process Overview
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Cabriolet Quattroä conversion (in process):
We are modifying Jim Web's 2WD '98 Cabriolet to accept a Quattroä rear end
and manual transmission. At first we were contemplating installing a V8
3.6 motor. The future plans now include a 30V motor, brakes, etc.
Testimonial from customer:
"Keith is partially through a conversion of my '98 Cabriolet from the
stock FWD Automatic to a Quattroä 5 speed. The journey so far has been
very positive and realizing this is an evolutionary project. I've found
Keith and Bruce to be very forthright in their conversations with me.
I'm getting timely updates. This is a great collaborative experience and
I'm looking forward to making my final testimonial when the project is
complete."
Jim Webb
Getting ready to go to the body shop
Body work: car was rear-ended so we had the frame pulled and
body work completed up to the primer stage. The final paint job will be
completed after the conversion is finished. Jim is considering a tricked
color (black or blue with a hint of purple).
Euro bumper
Fitting the rear bumper
First cut in the body- no turning back now!
Modified rear diff. support
B4 rear suspension. We found out after attempting to
line up the B4 setup that the Cab. is actually more similar to a B3.
Using the B4 would require cutting a large portion of the frame. Back to
the drawing board!
Testing fit of B4 rear end
Most recent shots. Ready to build sub-frame mounts. These
measurements need to be exact!
Cut out most of pan and modified for dual single-tip exhaust to
give a contemporary appearance. Note: at first one of the ideas was to
simply insert a B3 floor pan into the Cabriolet chassis. This might have
worked but still wouldn't have left enough room for the dual exhaust. The
bottom line here is that A LOT of cutting and rebuilding is required.
Coil-over setup
Jim's Audiä utility vehicle
Driveshaft lengthened - rebuilt rear suspension and brakes
Custom dual single-tip exhaust
There is still an issue with the suspension configuration
which creates instability, especially when turning. More work on the rear
end will be required before this car can be considered roadworthy. We'll
be updating this exciting project as it evolves...