I've done a bit of research, and asked a lot of questions with regard to both the 016 and the 01E with little to hang my hat on. Some claim they've put up to 500HP through the 016, others claim you'll blow 3rd gear and chew-up ring gears with 400 HP. The Audi racers suggest the 01E is good for an additional 100 "turbo HP" over the 016, but even these guys are undecided which is the best way to go.
The only consistent "opinion" overall, is that the Porsche transaxles are reliable and strong. Seems the 915 is reliable up to something between 400HP and 500HP, depending on who you talk to, and that the 930/G50, etc., are bulletproof. I've purposly left out comparisons to ZF, Hewland, Fortin, etc.
I was at Willow Springs Raceway this past weekend (Cobra Club track day), where there were two GTD's running the UN1-013 Renault's behind SBF's. Both the fellows I spoke with claimed no issues with their *strengthened* transaxles (I didn't ask about HP). From reading on this forum, I know that several members across the pond have successfully used the Renault for several years.
A lot of the information is based on HP, but that is not the most appropriate measure. It would be real nice to see some genuine torque ratings for all of the transaxles that are considered for mid-engined applications (like on the Gertag link as provided by Brett McCall). Additionally, some feedback (issues, problems, limitations, suitability of ratio's, etc) from those that are running any of these transaxles would be very helpful. The one variable in all this is; *reliability depends on how you drive it*. Some can ruin anything, while others can make them last forever.
Below, are some e-mails I received from the Audi racers and transmission folks:
>>Either will work well, the 016 is good for about 400hp, the 01E probably another 100hp. The 01E has been known to have 1st gear problems (resolved as of 95 with a wider first gear), the 016 weak link is 3rd gear high torque blows. Both have "issues" with small ring gear and high torque, the 01E probably better than the 016 in this respect, but cooling the diff oil is a big factor.
For a small block ford, I'd suggest the 01E since it can take the SB torque a bit better than the 016. My buddy and I installed a 016 with an LT1 into a 5000 quattro chassis, and we ate a couple ring gears in the trans (never experienced the "known" third gear problems).
G50's are pricey, but by the time you are done here, it may prove the cheapest in the long run. You shouldn't find too much difference in the O1E and 016 transmissions in terms of "adapting", in fact either should share the same bolt pattern at the bellhousing, and flywheels are interchangeable, the main differences are in the travel of the clutch/TOB and flywheel thickness.<<
This is from Audi Fans forum:
>>From:
[email protected]
Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2003 10:19:17 EST
Ok, this and some on the HP/torque discussion. I really doubt that you can
overkill the 016 TQ transmission any more than the O1E transmission in
actuality. First, the 016TQ is good for about 400 turbo HP, then it tends to
blow out 3rd gear (which is really a torque problem, cuz max torque on turbo
cars tends to happen in 3rd). With 350 ft/lb+ of torque (Bob's LT1Q
specifically) it will rip the front ring and pinion (before 3rd gear), I
still have that trans in my shop. The front ring and pinion was also a
Group B rally car problem as well, btw. The 01E will "supposedly" handle
more turbo HP ("The World According to Kluge"), but I doubt we are talking
huge amounts for a couple reasons. First, the front ring and pinion is the
same size O1E vs 016. Second, the O1E is a torsen based transmission, and
that university special found in the audi transmissions is only good for
400hp as well (then the basket busts apart). As the shape of the tail
housing has changed in the 01E, I don't see how you'd easily change out the
torsen for a locker either. Bob, you put that O1E into a smaller car, the
shock loads will increase (as the chances of lifting wheels does as well),
bye bye torsen. Will it fit an Urq? Sure it will, not sure why you'd want
to... FYI a v8 5spd will fit the urq as well, there's one of those running
in TX.
I personally know very few (like short a handful) that have blown up the
016TQ transmission, whatever the rumor, I know of a LOT of 01E failures -
including the wider first models (contrary to the highly regarded opinions of
Kluge hisself, it may be a chassis problem, it may be that he considers the
torsen not part of the "transmission"). I do give credence to the turbo HP
vs torque argument presented. Turbo cars tend to be better on transmissions
because turbos, no matter how fast, ramps up maximum torque/hp between gears,
whereas a LT1 for instance, has 90% of that massively tweeked I5 torque as
soon as you crack the throttle.
So Bob P, blow up your 016TQ FIRST, then go after the transmission. In my 12
years of quattro experience, my gut tells me blowing up 016's is a bragging
right, not a preemptive strike problem. And "as" a preemptive strike
problem, I'd beef up the 016 (hardened 3rd gear, hardened R&P) ala SMS before
I'd go after the O1E as a "solution". IOW, celebrate/brag about the problem
first.
HTH and my .02
Scott Justusson
QSHIPQ Performance Tuning
Chicago
Team LT1Q kibitzer
016's aplenty<<
Hope this helps,
Andy
