Lets build a mid-engine Trans Am - need advice
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
My god man, have you never seen a mid engine car before? It's called a firewall for a reason.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
Using the transfer case would probably cause the same parasitic losses as using an auto trans. Plus I have a habit of breaking autos. 4 in my last car. They were 200R4's and 700R4's. The newer 6 speed auto's interest me, but I'd probably just break it.
The shift linkage will be mechanical if they are close enough. If they are far apart, I'll do a cable linkage like most cars use in the same situation.
Last edited by JasonWW; Oct 18, 2008 at 08:22 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
If I make a 3 gear tranfer case like I showed in post #60 then the middle gear will be rotating the opposite direction and the rear axle will be fine as is.
Reread post 60, you can't just look at the pictures.
Last edited by JasonWW; Oct 18, 2008 at 08:37 PM.
The pictures with all the drive shafts drawn in with the motor backwards is the worst idea I have even seen...... The only way that makes any sense is using a transaxle..... Mendeola..... Albins......Fortin... XTRAC....It will be way cheaper and be ten thousand times more practical... getting a potpori of mixed limited capability OE crap wont get you anywhere...The only way to do anything like you want would be to build a chassis then hang a Firebird body on it..... EDIT..... post 60 is the worst idea.....
so lambo's are built on budgets too huh? Maybe they are expensive for a reason. Nice idea, but think of another way to make your "lowest t/a eva"!
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
The Countach, Diablo and Mercielago as well as the Bugatti Veyron all use this layout. Maybe you guys need to open your minds a little more.
The big difference between them and me is I can't build my own transmission design. They put their "transfer case" behind the passenger seat. The only way I can see to do it, is for me to mount mine further forward in front of the passengers feet. It makes for a longer driveshaft to the rear axle, but I don't see that as much of a problem.
I suppose I could mount it under their knees, but it may be too uncomfortable.
Last edited by JasonWW; Oct 19, 2008 at 08:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
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From: Hou. TX.
The inside doesn't have to be show quality, nor do I have a deadline. So cheer up man. This is just for fun. Cars are a hobby. Have some fun with them.
Even if it's no faster than a stock F-body, it will still be cool.
Even if it's no faster than a stock F-body, it will still be cool.
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It will be cool, and I think you will have quiet a bit of money in it once you are done. I think you should be able to complete everything (depending on the amount of labor you do yourself) for around 20k.
If thats the layout you want, then go for it. There are a couple drawbacks to your design though. The three gear transfer case will end up turning the driveshaft in the same direction as it started. It would have to be 2 or 4 gears to get it to turn the opposite. I think the biggest hump is going to be designing a shifter that will work with the transmission facing the other direction. Do you have any ideas on that yet? Right off the top of my head I cant think of a way, but let me ponder on it a little bit.
If thats the layout you want, then go for it. There are a couple drawbacks to your design though. The three gear transfer case will end up turning the driveshaft in the same direction as it started. It would have to be 2 or 4 gears to get it to turn the opposite. I think the biggest hump is going to be designing a shifter that will work with the transmission facing the other direction. Do you have any ideas on that yet? Right off the top of my head I cant think of a way, but let me ponder on it a little bit.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
It will be cool, and I think you will have quiet a bit of money in it once you are done. I think you should be able to complete everything (depending on the amount of labor you do yourself) for around 20k.
If thats the layout you want, then go for it. There are a couple drawbacks to your design though. The three gear transfer case will end up turning the driveshaft in the same direction as it started. It would have to be 2 or 4 gears to get it to turn the opposite. I think the biggest hump is going to be designing a shifter that will work with the transmission facing the other direction. Do you have any ideas on that yet? Right off the top of my head I cant think of a way, but let me ponder on it a little bit.
If thats the layout you want, then go for it. There are a couple drawbacks to your design though. The three gear transfer case will end up turning the driveshaft in the same direction as it started. It would have to be 2 or 4 gears to get it to turn the opposite. I think the biggest hump is going to be designing a shifter that will work with the transmission facing the other direction. Do you have any ideas on that yet? Right off the top of my head I cant think of a way, but let me ponder on it a little bit.
. With 3 gears I can have clockwise and counter clockwise going to the front and rear at the same time. Trust me, I'm covered on that.The shifter is no big deal. I need to figure out the layout and which trans I need to use. Then I can do a mechanical linkage like the vette or a cable linkage like the fiero. I'm more focused on the big parts right now.
The most expensive single item in this build may be a custom transfer case. It really is the key to making this project work.
I'm getting in contact with V8 Archie and see how strong these g6 units are. I'm sure they've investigated all possible transmissions and may have some advice for me. They've done over 400 V8 swaps onto fieros including LS1's and 2's so they should have a good idea how strong they are.
Last edited by JasonWW; Oct 20, 2008 at 05:09 AM.
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When i saw you post about this tranny the first time, I was thinking this was the best design to use. I would think that if they can back up a LS2 then they should be alright behind a ls1. I would think if you can keep wheel hop and traction down you should be alright.
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I dont see why you say this? What is Pro E?
I dont think its going to take an unlimited machining budget.
What are you asking with your last question?
I dont think it's a fail, he hasn't even started the project yet, and he is just getting ideas thrown around about how to do this.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
On The Tree
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: North Ridgeville (suburbs of cleveland) Ohio
Pro E= Pro Engineering CAD software. Similar to AutoCad or Solid Works
Your going to need a machine shop, a damn good fabricator, and an endless budget, if your not going to be buying parts. We all want you to succeed. But it really is not feasible without the resources.
Your going to need a machine shop, a damn good fabricator, and an endless budget, if your not going to be buying parts. We all want you to succeed. But it really is not feasible without the resources.
Last edited by yamablaster024; Oct 21, 2008 at 08:04 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,814
Likes: 3
From: Hou. TX.
So your saying the greastest car customizer of all time, George Barris, just got lucky with all his builds?
Sorry dude, but you sound like you don't know what your talking about.
Sorry dude, but you sound like you don't know what your talking about.