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How To - Tips => Engine & Transmission => Topic started by: MercyLogic on November 12, 2013, 09:03:08 PM

Title: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: MercyLogic on November 12, 2013, 09:03:08 PM
Hello guys, I've been reading the forums for awhile now and there has been some great builds I've seen. I was doing some searching and thought I would add my 2 cents on a v8 with transmission option. Wouldn't it be a great match to have a powerful ls3 v8 with a 99 corvette transaxle? I realize the drive line is long but with some shortening of it, and "maybe" a few inch stretch to the rear end and the rear body, I would say it would be a perfect drivetrain. Please add your input on this suggestion as you guys are good builders, and well I'm a "future" builder thats just saving up the money to build my dream car. By the way, I'm talking about a longitudinal setup. Thanks.
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: BigPines on November 12, 2013, 09:13:37 PM
I really like the idea so I won't try to discourage you. In fact, I would love to do this myself. However, there are a couple of obstacles:

1) You'd have to ditch the Vette torque tube/tranny and use a tranny out of an F-Body like a Camaro or something instead. The torque tube would put your tranny up near your front wheels and that won't do.

2) You'd have to either make the car front wheel drive (yuck) or use a V-Drive setup. The V-drive would allow you to run a driveshaft alongside the tranny, back under the engine and to the rear diff. This has been done in a couple of replicas but it is a bit complicated and expensive. That is also a lot of stuff to cram in there.

At least that gives you something to think about. It can be done, but it isn't easy.

A good alternative is to use an LS4 set-up out of a front wheel drive Pontiac Grand Prix or similar vehicle. This has been done more frequently. 303HP stock isn't anything to sneeze at.

P.S. Welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: MercyLogic on November 12, 2013, 09:35:13 PM
Thanks for the input. I thought the transmission was at the rear though? Like in the attachment... Could you not remove the torque tube and bolt the engine up with an adapter plate?
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: MercyLogic on November 12, 2013, 09:43:07 PM
Nevermind I see why it wouldn't work with the tranny.
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: 01Lambiero on November 12, 2013, 10:49:43 PM
That's why you use a Porsche type transaxle.  It runs:  Engine/Differential/Trans. instead of Engine/Trans/Differential.  Your rear wheels would end up in your rear radiators with the Vette setup even without the torque tube.

Jim
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: MercyLogic on November 12, 2013, 11:00:32 PM
That's why you use a Porsche type transaxle.  It runs:  Engine/Differential/Trans. instead of Engine/Trans/Differential.  Your rear wheels would end up in your rear radiators with the Vette setup even without the torque tube.

Jim
Yea i see what you mean. I've read that the Porsche G50 trans is reliable and will work with an LS engine. Kinda pricey but worth it in the end.
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: Tusabes on November 12, 2013, 11:28:53 PM
If you Use a fiero chassis go ls4 or 3800 supercharged.
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: 01Lambiero on November 13, 2013, 09:10:11 AM
Custom chassis required, no fiero conversion.  Lots of work involved.  That's why there is only a 3% completion percentage.
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: aeauto on November 13, 2013, 10:13:47 AM
The Corvette transmission can be bolted directly to the engine for a mid-engine installation but it makes for a long wheelbase.  I think someone is doing it to a GTM with extensive modifications to the frame and body.  There is also a car called the Mongoose, I think, that has this drivetrain in it.  For most cars it is best to use a Porsche or Audi transmission.  I make adapters for those transmissions to the LS engines.  If you have a large enough budget there are some other options like the Mendeola but they are pricey.
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: SchulzeA on November 13, 2013, 10:19:08 AM
I will be using the corvette trans. The newer tr6060 is the way to go for high hp.
You can bolt a camaro bellhousing to the corvette trans since they are the same gear box. This would eliminate the torque tube issue. Also rockland gear sells their own bellhousing for the tr6060 as well. Only issue that you've noticed would be the length of the setup. Your differential will be way in the rear of the engine bay... I'm putting my trans in the tunnel as lamborghini designed the car. Then bolt a drop box (similar to a v-drive) directly to the rear of the trans where the differential originally bolted. Another issue will be the trans main shaft. The corvette shaft is way to long but the shorter Camaro main shaft interchanges. The stock 27 spline is only good to 500hp, so upgrade to a billet shaft if you plan to go above that.
 
I'm not sure why most people are scared to try anything besides transaxle's. Or insist it's the way the replicas should be done.

RPM transmissions is building mine. It will handle 800hp/800tq, and a heck of a lot cheaper than a transaxle with the same ability.  ;D
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: BigPines on November 13, 2013, 10:58:31 AM
Alan, your setup sounds very interesting! Do you have more information on this "drop box"? Any pictures or links to the manufacturer's or reseller's site?
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: SchulzeA on November 13, 2013, 11:27:37 AM
www.scsgearbox.com (http://www.scsgearbox.com)
They can custom machine boxes to fit your application.
Personally I will be making my own because machining is what I do  ;)

A couple things I forgot to point out is the ability to change your gear ratios. It's much cheaper to change out the gears in the drop box than the differential. Also bolting the box directly to the trans will not require the short drive shaft like a v-drive setup.
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: BigPines on November 13, 2013, 11:35:10 AM
So are we really talking about a custom transfer case then? You can build something like this? I think we need to talk again. :)
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: SchulzeA on November 13, 2013, 11:59:15 AM
So are we really talking about a custom transfer case then? You can build something like this? I think we need to talk again. :)
Haha yes and yes. I just need to build the case since all of the internal parts are readily available. There are a few videos on YouTube that show the internals of the box. They are a simple design for the most part.
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: turmite on November 13, 2013, 10:04:03 PM
For those of us that have no idea what to look for on the site......what do we look for? ::scratch

Mike
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: solrac on November 13, 2013, 11:01:14 PM
well it all depends on what u looking for? lol.
there are many different topics
Title: Re: 99 vette trans with ls3
Post by: turmite on November 13, 2013, 11:19:20 PM
well it all depends on what u looking for? lol.
there are many different topics

uhhhhh, not in this topic there aren't many topics.....then again, I suppose I did ask for that one!!! ::thumbup

Mike