I'm doing a little research for a project car...

I'm wanting to install an LS1 in a mid engine rear drive chassis - there seem to be a number of companies who have been using modified Porsche transaxles for many years with SBC V8's.

Suitable Porsche transaxles are starting to get expensive - I'm wondering if it would be possible to make use of the transaxle from the C5 vette for this installation.

I don't have any decent technical info on the C5 setup, so this is a wild stab in the dark - any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

 

Only other option that comes to mind would be using transaxle from a 92-96 Acura Legend. They have a FWD V6 mounted in a 90 degree configuration, if I remember correctly. Available mostly in automatic, some manual trannys. Kinda doubt they could handle the torque of the LS1, though.

 

Not sure the Acura thing would work in this situation.

I'm after a strong 5 or 6 speed manual with a LSD that will take the power of a well tuned 500bhp+ LS1.

Is the transaxle in the c5vette a standard T56 with a diff unit bolted onto the back of it? or are the changes more fundamental than that?

To give you an idea of what I'm talking about - this is a picture of a similar car using a SBC with a Hewland race gearbox ($35k!!!) - I'd like to get a lighter, more powerful engine and a cheaper, stronger gearbox!

<img src="http://gdcars.com/images/gallery/gdt70/Pic1_800.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://gdcars.com/images/gallery/gdt70/Pic2_800.jpg" alt="" />
<img src="http://gdcars.com/images/gallery/gdt70/Pic3_800.jpg" alt="" />

<small>[ April 25, 2002, 03:38 AM: Message edited by: Miraz ]</small>

 

I am going to move a copy of this thread into the HYBRID section. Look at threads going back to the beginning, user 'Toyjet' has a Porsche with an LS1 conversion.

<small>[ April 25, 2002, 12:49 PM: Message edited by: Pro Stock John ]</small>