Automatic Transaxle

[Frank Catt]

I had an approach the other day from a potential GT40 owner who is disabled and would not be able to use a clutch, although he was OK for throttle and brake. Has anyone looked at or fitted an automatic transaxle, or a clutchless gear system, to a 40, and can you advise of the associated problems, Frank

[Mike Dozier]

I believe Kennedy Engineering offers adapters to use the GM
Tornado auto transaxle. Obviously some fabricating would be needed, but it can certainly take big V8 torque.

MikeD

[Bill Bayard]

Frank,

A Porsche Tiptronic would probably be the way to go, as it
would be a bit more fun than "just another automatic". It
would likely need to be inverted, but as long as fluid was
present in all the proper places, I think it would work.
Try contacting Renegade Hybrids. They put SB Chevrolets in
911s. While not inverted in their case, they may be able to give you some insight on any problems you might have.
info@renegadehybrids.com

Bill

[MK -IV J6]

Frank
I have an automatic T44 that was used in J2. I don't think it works too well. Lee Holman might know about this or have a suggestion.

[Fran Hall RCR]

Frank,
why dont you check out the Automatic Audi trans ,from what I remember it is similar in style to the manual trans that CAV is using.

[Howard Jones]

The Delorian's used a auto that was based on the R20 series Renault transaxle. The problem would be the overall lenght is longer and the end of it is larger in diameter. The rear of the bodywork would end up looking a little different. Otherwise any car that is setup for a Renault, MDA, GTD, would be a good starting place for research.

[Mike Dozier]

Bill

I don't know about foreign autos, but all US automatics
I know cannot be inverted since their fluid pickup is at the
bottom (which would then end up at the top).
An interesting project for sure.

MikeD

[Ian K]

The Boxter also has a tiptronic as an option, and since it
is already mid-engined, perhaps that might work.

The Audi still might be a good choice as well.

The Toronado transaxle might be a REALLY large project.

Speaking of which, an Aerovette replica, that might be a
cool idea ... oops, sorry about the tangent ...

Ian

[Canuk40]

Frank, Look for an early (1980-83) Audi 5000 Turbo gas transaxle. It will be a three speed with low FD 3.45 which will give cruising RPM. Three gears doesn't sound very glamorous however I've been told adapting a newer eletronically controlled 4 or 5 speed automatic to a Ford V8 would be a nightmare. The early units don't use computer controls. However if cost was no object, you could drop in a comlpete new Audi 4cam, twin turbo V8, six speed automatic with paddle shift and traction control. Of course you'd have to keep the ABS system and maintain the complete Audi wiring harness to run the computers!

[Howard Jones]

Frank, I found a delorean parts site that has some pretty good drawings of a automatic transaxle www.deloreanone.com then go to order parts page, then transmission page. Good luck and Merry Thanksgiving!

[Ian Anderson]

As a newbee perhaps I am not up on GT 40 bits however a friend of mine had an avvident on a building site and crushed his left leg. He made up a simple arrangement with a bicycle brake handle (fitted to the gear stick) and cable that pulled in the normal clutch pedal. That way both he (using the fitted brake handle) and his wife (using the normal pedal) could both use the car. I'm sure that if a "heath robinson" affair like this could be used on a Datsun Truck in Zimbabwe a nicely made unit could be fitted to his GT40.

Hope it helps
Ian

[Gary Gibbs]

I have thought about this for another race car. I would wonder if the hand grip to release the clutch on a typical GT40?

[StuartB]

Frank, there is a Porsche Boxter tiptronic on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...category=10408
Should be perfect if you can get it mate.
Cheers,
Stuart.