Any knowledge on a UN1-12?

[Ryan]

Hi all, a UN1-12 came spare with my GT40. I am looking to convert to SBF soon, and plan to use the Tornado bellhousing conversion on this box to build up and transfer in.

Problem being I can't find what a UN1-12 is, or ratios etc. Have tried google and search here, but if there is something, I am missing it..

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ryan]

Any ideas here?
Cheers

 

[Jean-Marc]

Ryan, check the web site "Le bon coin" in France, it is the more popular site to sale and buy used parts in France. But the problem is that some time people do not speak english !

https://www.leboncoin.fr/recherche?category=6&text=boite+vitesse+UN1&search_in=subject&shippable=1&kst=k&pi=0e78f28c-7be7-4737-bfec-4642653f7b06

 

[Howard Jones]

Here is a manual for a type 395 which I believe is the original iteration:

http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/Renault%20Type%20395%20Late%20Variant%20Transaxle%20Service%20Manual.pdf

Here is a thread on the Lotus Europa website and has some useful information:

Renault 395-21 Transaxle

Renault 395-21 Transaxle

www.lotuseuropa.org

A bit more info here:

Renault transaxle/gearbox wanted - Page 1 - Kit Cars - PistonHeads UK

Some more:

https://www.lotustalk.com/threads/esprit-transmission-un1-16-vs-un1-26.543781/

 

[Howard Jones]

And then there's this thread here on GT40s.com

M

Thread 'Renault UN1 transaxle, everything'

Feb 8, 2013

I thought that "The One Stop Shop" compiling all information under one roof would be nice to have.
Would you please post technical data, tips, specifications, dimensions, reworks, etc.

I"ll start with some specs for different versions of UN1 specimen:

UN1/xxx​

> The initial Lotus unit - UN1-016 had a Torque Limit set at 315 Nm (232 lb.ft).
This Version used different Crown Wheel & Pinion Material compared to most other Renault Applications (except Alpine, which had a different direction of rotation). Differential also had 4 Pinions...

• MRDANGERUS
• Replies: 39
• Forum: GT40 Tech - Powertrain/Transaxles

 

[Ryan]

Thanks Howard, had looked at those except the first one. Can't find any reference to the -12 suffixed boxes though unfortunately.

 

[Howard Jones]

One of these variants was a 4 speed and used in small utility delivery vans. Maybe that it?

 

[Trevor]

Wondering if it might be from a Delorean? As they used a Renault 5 speed UN1 transaxle and the Delorean car model was referred to as the DMC-12, perhaps Renault designated their transaxles destined for installation into Deloreans as UN1 12. Just speculation

 

[Ryan]

Very interesting points thanks, I am now in touch with GT racing who may have an idea, will post here if I find out incase someone else comes across this trans.
Cheers

 

[Trevor]

Just as a side-note; while I was poking around looking for Renault UN1 variants, I came across this photo of a 1981 Delorean chassis. The Chapman/Lotus influence is clear with the central spline and Y-fork engine carrier design. The design looks pretty similar to the old Lotus Europa chassis (I had an S2 for a couple of years back in the 70s). Didn't realize how much the engine overhung the back axle. Kinda explains why it didn't have great reviews back in the day for its handling abilities.
You can just see the top of the Renault transaxle peeking out from the front of the Y.
Sorry for the thread drift.