Corvette Transaxle Used in CAV or Superformance

[Keith Moody]

Has anyone used a corvette transaxle (C-6) along with a corvette engine in either a CAV or Superformance GT40?

[Keith Moody]

Has anyone used a corvette engine (c-6) with corvette transaxle in a CAV or Superformance GT40?

[chuck smith]

cannot be done

[Keith Moody]

Why not?

[Bill D]

I don't believe you can use the Corvette transaxle in a GT40 because of the torque tube design. The Facory Five people developed their GTM to use the C5/C6 engine but had to mate it to a Porsche transaxle.

[chuck smith]

too long

[Keith Moody]

So a Porsche transaxle will mate to a GM engine, will anything else?

Would the length of the GM and Porsche combination work in the CAV or Superformance?

[Keith Moody]

Bill D says Factory Five uses a Corvette engine and Posche transaxle in there GTM. Any idea of this would work in a CAV or Superformance?

[chuck smith]

I suppose it would, but it would require some fab work. The LS motors are shorter than Fords if I remember correctly so that would give you some leeway. RCR GT40's have been done with that combo I believe, or I am sure Fran can make it work.

[Fran Hall RCR]

We have just installed an Chevrolet LS7 into an RCR40..Its under way

We will also be doing another LS7/Kinsler/Ricardo transaxle package in a second car very shortly.

The RCR chassis has more latitude than the SPF due to the engine/trans mounting package but anything (within reason) can be done....given the time and financial support....finding a CAV or SPF dealer to do the install may prove troublesome though...as its obviously a non standard fitment in those chassis.

[Keith Moody]

Fran:

Is the ZF-Q and Ricardo transaxle readily available? How much for each?

Did the buyers that elected to use the LS7 end up with less money in the engine and transaxle package than those who install a Ford based engine making 400 to 425 hp using the RBT or Porsche or Audi transaxles?

[chuck smith]

an LS 7 and a Ricardo will be pricey (Ricardo's are around 15 new)

[Jac Mac]

Found these pics I had saved .They should explain why the Corvette TA is in the ''High Degree of Difficulty'' category.

[Fran Hall RCR]

I sell Ricardo boxes for $12,500 and also a new Crate LS7 for $12,500.....there are other parts required but the engine HP rating is well over 500 and the trans is good for over 1000hp so your comparison of a 400hp SBF is not really very relevant.

My Ricardo transaxles are refurb or take outs from used Ford GT's...a new one is now $18,500 including the mandated $3200 core charge

[MartinGough]

Hi Keith.
The ZFQ transaxles are in production as we speak. The first batch of 30 units are already sold but orders are being taken on the second batch of 50 units.

[Craig White]

Keith you will find the GM/Porsche package will fit physically in most if not all GT40's as it's physically shorter assembly than the traditional Small Block Ford/Porsche package. You will need to verify that the manufacturer is setup for that combination or get it modified to suit.

To give you an idea of what can be done, the GM/Porsche, GM/Audi & GM/Ricardo packages are available for RCR40.

[MartinGough]

Keith also available along side the ZFQ transaxle is a bellhousing that will fit both the Ford and Chevy engines.

[Fran Hall RCR]

Without a doubt the ZF-Q will be an easier package to install compared to the Ricardo....especially in your originally discussed brands of choice...CAV and SPF.

[Keith Moody]

Thank you to everyone who has shared info.

Martin:

How much for a ZF-Q and bellhousing? Is the ZF-Q a seqential gearbox and how many gears?

Fran:

I was referencing 400 to 425 hp as that is what we were shooting for. Its nice to know the transaxles will handle more hp but not sure we can afford more hp. We are not dismissing the RCR 40 as an option, though we are not in a situation that lends itself to a complete build such as with your car. If there are turn key minus options available we would be interested in discussing them with you. keitmoody@aol.com 816-309-6337