Corvette transaxle measurements

[tim]

Had some request for the measurements of the Corvette transaxle. Though not really GT40 related, mite be interesting for one off projects.

My thoughts are a wide bodied Lotus 7!!!!!!

Length 31"
Width at input shaft 12"
Width at drive flange 14"
Drive flange to front of case 12"

 

[Chip Smith]

I really considerd this at one time. Found that RPM transmission does the 6 speed automatic with paddle shifters. As for the the Manual trans you can chop of the shift bar that protrudes into the clutch cavity and relocate the B&M shifter back up top. Quicktime then makes the bellhousing that has the correct bolt patterns.
Would really like to see your project as it comes together.

 

[tim]

This is going in a Holden One Tonner along with the ZO6 suspension and drivetrain. I am tempted to look at a Lotus 7 with the ZO6 drivetrain.

 

[Dave]

Tim
I had a crazy Westfield with a turbo charged Mitsubishi 2 ltr motor in it.
It used to fry it's rear tyres. A z06 driveline in a 7 would be insane. If you go ahead let me know.

 

[tim]

Hi Dave, I'm looking at the Westfield chassis now try to find more info on the Seight, Rover V8 Chassis. The trans tunnel would need to be 13" wide, looks like a custom chassis using the ZO6 hubs and brakes etc. Basically an Elfin but with the rear transaxle. I'm working with a GM engineer who uses the factory ABS and traction controls and retro fits them to other projects. The car would have a target weight of 800/900kgs.

 

[Dave]

Get yourself a book called 'How to build a sportscar and race it' by Ron Champion.

Ron in a nutsell measured up a westfield SE and printed the plans in this book with a step by step how to build it guide. I built several, torsion tested and licensed them in the early days. I still have a chassis hanging in the shed somewhere.

Get the book then measure up your driveline and hey presto for $25.95 you will know if it has chance.

 

[tim]

Thanks Dave, Pitstop book shop next weekend. The difference between the original chassis and the V8 chassis is what I am searching for. Would probably fit a Honeycomb floor panels etc...

 

[Dave]

What you do is increase the width of the chassis by 100mm. Very common and done more so for interior room but the added advantage is the engine bay gets large. Don't increase the length of the vehicle as they loose any looks they have, but make it wider and deeper and it's not so noticeable.

The motor will fit, I worry about the tranaxle as there is not much room in the back.

 

[tim]

Any idea of the tunnel width Dave?

 

[Dave]

Get the book it will have every dimension of the frame ,but at a guess I would say about 180-200mm this is variable and you can adapt the tunnel to suit your corvette torque tube.

 

[tim]

On that I would have to add 4" to the tunnel width, me got me thinking?????

 

[tim]

Why I like to torque tube arrangment is the fact that the front of the tunnel doesn't have to be as wide. This will increase the footwell room.

 

[John]

Tim,

Thanks for the measurements - unfortunately I think it will too long for my application. Transaxles are the bane of my existence!

John

 

[tim]

Thats fine John, its given me some idea's though.

 

[Dave]

I'm not saying drop the torque tube. You need the book so you can see how it will overlay on your set up.

Just got an email today, talking about Westies and was for a rear damaged car for 4.5K which seems like a good deal.

 

[tim]

I found some measurements Dave, looks like it will fit. Now to work on Chassis idea's with suspension using Corvette hubs etc... Needs to be able to take V8 power as well.

 

[tim]

If I use this design of the Lotus 7 chassis with a wide tunnel, this car is possiable. Rego in WA?????

 

[Doug Clark]

If done right it will be.
Again the builders club will be you friend in getting it right.

 

[tim]

Cheers Doug, does the club have a engineer???

 

[Doug Clark]

No but between the club members we've used all of them in WA.