NoahLaFerrari

Hello everyone,

I was asked by my son to build him a Mid Engine car, and I'm more then familiar with the LSX and its wiring, but mid engine is new territory for me. I have read that there are a couple transmissions (transaxles) out there that people are using (the g50 seems to be the most popular), but I'm looking for the greatest community in the world to give me their insight.

Is there a transaxle out there that will hold decent power that can bolt up to the LSX without requiring significant modification? Is there anything with paddle shifting ability as well (this would just give it the mid engine feel).

I'm not going to put a price point on it, in saying that, I'm also not trying to build him a $100k vehicle either.

Let me know your thoughts!

CBM Motorsports

iTrader: (2)

We normally pair up our LS engines with a Mendeola, PBS, Fortin, Albins, or Weddle transaxle for the mid engine setups. Depending on what model you choose, you can go with a standard H-pattern shifter, sequential, or paddle shift. All these trans choices let you choose gear ratios and ring and pinion ratios. Transmissions like the Albins will support up to 2000hp and cost in the $30k range. A cheaper route to go would be a Mendeola S5 will still support around 1000hp and be in the 12K range. Unfortunately, all aftermarket transaxles are not cheap. Like you said, the G50 is a popular choice due to cost and power supported but there are many more/better options out there if you are willing to spend the $$$.

NoahLaFerrari

Thanks for the response. So the cheapest option that you mentioned is in the $12k range. I'm not building a full out race car for him so 1000hp isn't needed. Would the g50 be suitable for around 500 to 600hp (this is probably even more then it will get)?

CBM Motorsports

iTrader: (2)

500hp will be pushing it on the g50. There is still a lot of stuff that you will need to do in order to get that trans mid engine ready since they came rear engine from the factory. It all adds up fast. I would say you will be in the $3000-4000 range once all said and done after starting with a used trans. Another little more expensive option is the Mendeola 2d. Bad news is that they are a 4 speed and only available in a H-pattern shifter. They are around $7500 for a new unit.

stevieturbo

Obviously a lot depends on vehicle and application too.

NoahLaFerrari

Are there other options that may be available out there? I'm not familiar with transfer cases, would this be an option?

The car should be under 2800lbs on a custom chassis. Running a Twin Turbo 5.3L LS motor.

I am no longer concerned with the transmission being paddle shift capable, since there is a product on the market that converts any Auto Trans to paddle shift ready.

The trans and Rear suspension are the only 2 items that have me stumped before starting this project.

Let me know if there are any other possibilities.

stevieturbo

IMO the Porsche option is very much tried and tested. Lots of kit type cars, Ultimas etc use it and it works for them.

eg the Gardner Douglas and Ultima use them

http://www.gdcars.com/cars/gd-t70-spyder/

http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/Content.aspx?f=gtrspec

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

There are many versions of the G50 trans. The 50-52 is very stout.... But super hard to find. To run it with the motor in front of it as CBM said requires the case to be flipped, some oiling mods, typically a few case strengthening mods via billet plates/covers.... That is also assuming the trans doesn't need any internal parts.

I would look on the GT40 forums run by RCR (race car replicas) as they have a forum for the mid engine SL-C (super light coupe) that discusses options. Many of those kits run LSx motors.

I know of an SLC already built/running with a 440ci Lsx and Ricardo 6spd (FordGT) for around $80k. Save your hair, time, $ and think about buying that. The Ricardo trans can hold oVer 2000hp.

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

This is an SL-C

stevieturbo

Are the Ricardo GT trans not kind of rare, and very expensive ? I'm sure they would be one of the best solutions though....but not sure it's needed at this level ?

I'd heard of people using some of the Audi transmissions, but not sure how strong they are.

NoahLaFerrari

I don't want to buy a car, the object is to build this car with my son. I like the SL-C it is a great looking vehicle.

I have also heard of using an Audi Transmission, but I have been unable to find one of the models that are mentioned for sale to see what there price point is. The models that I have been looking for are the O16, O1E, and O1M. Are these the models that you have heard of as well?

GSAWYERS

If you are trying to use a manual transaxle, sounds like these guys have you covered. If it's an automatic you're looking for, I saw a video of a guy running a turbo 5.3 with a built 4t80 or 4t85(IIRC) in a Monte Carlo FWD. I've seen the Northstar and this trans in a couple Fiero's. The 5.3 block has to be the "metric" bellhousing one for FWD.

Greatoz

To answer your question i have almost completed an adapter for the porsche 944 transaxle set up for LS mid engine.This is a complete bolt in no modifications to the trans axle and use a 10.5" clutch LS flywheel and starter. As you know they put LS engines in porsche 944 that hold up good but the engine is in the front.These transaxles are very inexpensive between $300.00- $1,500.Thank You,Gary

stevieturbo

Are they putting them in the front or middle of the 944 ? as you mention the engine bolting direct to the transaxle ?

How strong are the transaxles ?

hpfiend

iTrader: (4)

The 944 Turbo (951) LSD transaxles were actually decently tough.

Stronger than the G50 was the porsche 911 turbo (930) transaxle.

Noah- you prob should look into building a factory five gtm with your son.

40K kit about 65-80K done if I remember correctly.

Later,
Andrew

JoeNova

I've seen someone build a GTM for $50k.
Looking over the build sheet, it could have easily been done $10k cheaper.

JoeNova

I wonder if GM will give us an affordable mid-engine trans option with the C8 corvette.

stevieturbo

In a nutshell....if it is a DCT, then it isnt going to be cheap.

Although that will depend if the OEM clutch etc can handle lots of power. And then there are the control options if people want to install the box elsewhere.

It's a smaller market, so any "cracks" to allow swaps could well end up very expensive nevermind the hardware.

JoeNova

People said the same thing about the TR6060, and then the 8L90, but those have both been seen popping up for not much more than a drop-out T56 swap.

It will still be several years out, and likely depend on production numbers.
3 or so years after the C8 is released, its still possible that a second hand mid engine transmission will be affordable.

stevieturbo

They are always affordable......just for who though ? lol

The Porsche Boxes are affordable, as are many other mid engine style boxes ( Audi, Renault etc )

Just depends what application, how much power you need it to handle etc.

And there are dozens of aftermarket options you see on sandrails etc.