Transaxle alternatives
11-25-2005, 01:13 AM
#1
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Transaxle alternatives What transaxles are available for a mid-engined LS1?I'm giving some serious consideration to putting a LS1 into a Lotus Europa.The 5 speed Renault gearbox in it is barely strong enough for the stock twin cam engine.
11-25-2005, 01:28 AM
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Lotus Esprit and Porsche 911 series of transaxles would probably be the best place to start.
Obviously there are different transaxles for different models and power levels, but you'll have to look into that a little bit more depending on your application.
I can tell you to get ready to put down around $5000 for any good transaxle, at least thats what other people I know have been quoted for them.
Obviously there are different transaxles for different models and power levels, but you'll have to look into that a little bit more depending on your application.
I can tell you to get ready to put down around $5000 for any good transaxle, at least thats what other people I know have been quoted for them.
11-25-2005, 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by CharlieLed
Why go foreign, the Corvette C5 transaxle is made to bolt right up to the LS engine...
11-25-2005, 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by CharlieLed
Why go foreign, the Corvette C5 transaxle is made to bolt right up to the LS engine...
11-27-2005, 09:49 PM
#6
Couldn't you find a way to eliminate or significantly shorten the torque tube, tying the two bellhousings (the one from crank-torque tube, and from torque-tube to diff/tranny) together? Better yet, make or find an adapter to tie the transmission directly to the back of the LS engine. Being a T56, couldn't you bolt it up using an f-body bellhousing, while still utilizing the 'vette clutch assembly? I know that the sandrail guys use Mendeola transmissions behind (or in front of, rather) the LS1 engines. http://www.mendeolatransaxles.com/ . They are expensive and in high demand, but a very good choice, i believe. just some thoughts...
olly
olly
11-27-2005, 09:52 PM
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i have a feeling that the corvette setup w/ the engine mounted directly to the trans would end up being too long for nearly any appilcation. the getrag(spelling?) and porsche are very popular for mid engine v8 swaps
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11-27-2005, 09:55 PM
#8
oh yeah. the 2D transaxle is the one that is most compatible with a LS1. You need an adapter plate from kennedy engineering, http://www.kennedyeng.com/... They know what you're talking about if you ask them. they do alot of them
olly
olly
11-27-2005, 10:12 PM
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A transaxle from http://translate.google.com/translat...ial_s%26sa%3DG
(original is in Italian) is used on the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage, very pricey, I'm sure
11-28-2005, 05:09 AM
#11
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Originally Posted by CharlieLed
Why go foreign, the Corvette C5 transaxle is made to bolt right up to the LS engine...
Although an LS1 would be pretty cool in such a car I think it's probably to big and heavy. As it will likely ruin the handling of the car. You'd be better off fitting a DOHC 2.0 litre with a turbo. 400+bhp should still be possible.
There is a company in the UK which do this, as I believe the original Europa engine is mounted longitudial as opposed to transverse.
http://www.banks-europa.co.uk/cars_home.htm these people do some interesting work on Europa's, inclusing an Alfa V6 swap.
11-28-2005, 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by 300bhp/ton
I'm sure size and weight will be the biggest issues here. Have you ever seen a Lotus Europa?? The roof line is about the same height as the seat in a C5, lol.
Although an LS1 would be pretty cool in such a car I think it's probably to big and heavy. As it will likely ruin the handling of the car. You'd be better off fitting a DOHC 2.0 litre with a turbo. 400+bhp should still be possible.
There is a company in the UK which do this, as I believe the original Europa engine is mounted longitudial as opposed to transverse.
http://www.banks-europa.co.uk/cars_home.htm these people do some interesting work on Europa's, inclusing an Alfa V6 swap.
Although an LS1 would be pretty cool in such a car I think it's probably to big and heavy. As it will likely ruin the handling of the car. You'd be better off fitting a DOHC 2.0 litre with a turbo. 400+bhp should still be possible.
There is a company in the UK which do this, as I believe the original Europa engine is mounted longitudial as opposed to transverse.
http://www.banks-europa.co.uk/cars_home.htm these people do some interesting work on Europa's, inclusing an Alfa V6 swap.
There would still be the problem of a transaxle though (does X Trac/Quaife[sp?], or FFD make anything??). 
11-28-2005, 06:23 PM
#14
I'm not certain which model transaxle the Europa uses. If it is a UN1-xxx, then it can handle a surprising amount of torque. The favored model is a UN1-013, which has the most suitable ratio's for a V8. Derek Bell makes an upgrade kit for this transaxle to handle up to 550HP. The UN1 is widely used by the GT40 replica builders in Europe, and they have a lot of experience with them.
Personally, I'd opt for the Porsche transaxle (if it will fit), since parts and service are readily available here in the US.
Andy1
Personally, I'd opt for the Porsche transaxle (if it will fit), since parts and service are readily available here in the US.
Andy1
11-29-2005, 04:37 AM
#15
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I think people are still forgetting the SIZE of the Europa.
They are tiny. Hell an Ultima is almost as wide as a Europa is long.
Think of a Mazda MX5 (I think you may call them Miata or something). Now reduce every dimension by about 15-20%. That's about the size of a Europa.
I think the originals only weighed in at ~700kg (1540lb).
____________
Ultima - Very cool car. At one time it held the track record for a production car at EVERY circuit in the UK.
They are tiny. Hell an Ultima is almost as wide as a Europa is long.
Think of a Mazda MX5 (I think you may call them Miata or something). Now reduce every dimension by about 15-20%. That's about the size of a Europa.
I think the originals only weighed in at ~700kg (1540lb).
____________
Ultima - Very cool car. At one time it held the track record for a production car at EVERY circuit in the UK.
11-29-2005, 09:03 AM
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Lotus Europa. Cool. One of my favorite cars, especially the John Player Special version. The transmission really hung out the rear on those cars, I mean really hung out. That would be a freaky conversion if you could make it work. Love to see it. Keep us posted!!!
11-29-2005, 09:08 AM
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Off topic a little but I understand the Ultima is about ready to re take all the records again. An outfit called Zcars outfitted one with two Hybusa (sp) turbocharged motors and is four wheel drive. Supposed to have 1000HP.
11-30-2005, 05:02 PM
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I'm considering building a ground up mid engine car. I'm seriously looking at a longitudinal GM automatic from a 1966 to 1977 Eldorado or Toronado or a 1982 to 1985 GM FWD car. The 66 to 77 TH425's are supposedly bullet proof. They only have three speeds, though. The 82 to 85 TH3254L's are overdrive four speeds with a locking torque converter. They supposedly share components with the th200R4. These are not transverse transaxles, mind you. With one of these units the passenger side CV axle goes right through the oil pan. This concerns me because the LS1 pan is aluminum. Is there a steel pan option, maybe from a pickup? These units have more weight behind the axle center line than in front. They have been run backwards by flipping the bolt on differential. This would put the accessories on the engine facing the rear on a mid engine car.
Brian
Brian
