This is a pretty wild shot from the hip, but I was wondering if anyone has ever considered a M76 version of the 4t65e transmission to be installed into a Bonneville? The M76 was used in some U-bodys, such as the Aztek, and has AWD ability.

Obviously, it would take some work, but I wonder how difficult it would be to swap in the rear member and driveshaft from an Aztek to make it work in a Bonneville. I've never peeked under an Aztek, so I'm not real sure what it looks like.

Specifically, I'd like to do this to a H-body Bonneville... to me the the biggest drawback to my Bonne has been the inability to deliver power to the rear tires, and I have long figured that once my Bonne has finially given up the ghost, I would convert it to RWD with Camaro parts and a MIG welder... but I wonder if Aztek parts might be an easier way to go (Easy being a relative term).

How stout is the Aztek driveline? All the Aztek problems I've ever heard of (aside from styling) is the 3.4 engine.

I have been looking for a transmission that would do it well, an AWD bonnie is a project that I will do once I get my shop and business going.

With that said Anything is possible, and you wont know what the weak link is until you break it.

I think the bonne was designed with AWD in mind. IRS and enough room for a diff back there. It'* possible, the exhaust will need re-working obviously

The only problem I see is the center hump. The exhaust runs down there. The driveshaft will have to use that area, then where will the exhaust go? There will be more involved then just running the drive shaft. I really like the idea of doing this. Please document it with a lot of pictures and post them here if you do go threw with it.

side exhaust like the old shelbys ? ... just tossing out an idea ... sonds like it would be really cool

Or you could do like the Jaguar XJS'* do and run two 2" pipes *through* the IRS. It may be a very tight fit, but it would work.

Not really a viable option for most, plus the most of the exhaust including the rear exhaust manifold would have to be changed, since there would be a transfer case right where the rear mani would try to attach to the downpipe.

Consider where the exhaust comes down from the engine.

(ok so it was a bad idea) ... what is the irs ... as in whats it stand for?

It'* not a bad idea. I like the idea actually. But there'* more involved then just changing the transmission. You will have to make a custom exhaust, and do a fair amount of tuning.