Transverse gearboxes

London Bugger · Post by **London Bugger** » Wed Oct 03, 2001 9:10 am

I am interested in making a mid engined bug using a chevy v8 engine, i have been told that to do this i need to transvers mount the gearbox, can anyone tell me what this is and how easily it can be done???

Thanks,

Rob

Brent · Post by **Brent** » Thu Oct 04, 2001 12:14 am

A transverse transmission is where the engine and transmission sit sideways in the engine compartment, Like most hondas and watercooled vws. You would have to build an entire chassis, or at least some kind of subframe. Chances are you would have to build a completely different rear suspension system to accomidate the engine and trans. Also, it is VERY hard to find a transverse v8 engine and trans that is worth the trouble. Cadalliac Northstar engines are probably your best choice. The engine puts out 300hp and only weighs 450lbs. They are very popular in sand rails mated to bus trans, or mendiola (sp?) transmissions. I wouldn't think you would have to run a transverse engine/trans to fit a v8. I think you can get away with removing the rear seat area and make a mid engine setup with the v8. Clearance between the engine and the front seats would be tight i'm sure but i think its possible. The only other option is to run a front engine, with trans and rear axle out of a rear wheel drive v8 car. Personally i think that takes out all the fun in owning a vw. Rear/mid engines are definantly the way to go! Hope this helps.

Richard Olafsson · Post by **Richard Olafsson** » Thu Oct 04, 2001 2:31 am

Try this!
http://www.wsu.edu/~426hemi/stepone.html

Rich

Bare · Post by **Bare** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 5:04 pm

A while back, the local Moron , manged to shoehorn a "Caddy" (that's what he refered to it as, actually a 350 chev into the backseat of his Beetle, using an adapter plate onto the VW trans which was reversed somehow... way more trouble than it was worth in my opinion. Tire smoking was it's only real capability,

nicanor · Post by **nicanor** » Sun Oct 07, 2001 8:11 pm

Eric Martin from A&e Auto and Machining makes custom chassis specializing in VW chassis replacements. He makes really nice mid-engine replacement cahssis also and can make it in almost any length, width, etc. He can set it up using mustang 2 suspension or stock VW and engine mounted normally or sideways. Expect about $2500 +/- for bare chassis (no suspension) to $$$$ for full setup including suspension/chassis/tranny already set up. I haven't talked to him in a couple years but he still should be doing this (his side job during cold season on his farm). [email protected] or 785-225-6774 I'll be eventually ordering a mid engine dunebuggy chassis from him when I'm ready (hopefully next year)

Here's the picts that guy sent me: http://members.linkopp.com/flat4/chassis.jpg
Keep in mind he's a farmer by trade and only does a few chassis per year. Not sure how often he gets on the internet. I talked to him a few times on the phone. Very nice guy and knows how to make chassis and alot of development in his hands. I got picts of a rear engine chassis too if anyone wants me to post them up too.

stevestromberg · Post by **stevestromberg** » Mon Oct 08, 2001 12:43 am

Lots of V8 stuff on this link including Feiros with sideways Small Blocks. Steve

http://members.tripod.com/~grannys/index.html

[This message has been edited by stevestromberg (edited 10-08-2001).]

PapaG · Post by **PapaG** » Mon Oct 08, 2001 4:04 pm

Please post rear engine too.

nicanor · Post by **nicanor** » Mon Oct 08, 2001 8:21 pm

http://members.linkopp.com/flat4/chassis2.jpg
I didn't realized he sent me 2 different sets of mid-engine chassis he built. I thought 1 of them were rear engined. Anyway the link above is the other mid-engine chassis. If I remember right he made on of these specifically (or one similar) for a Ghia. He made a few for RIOT kit cars also. Also he can use '93-97 Supra rear suspension, '88 Fiero coil-over front suspension, mid-late '80's T-Bird dual rear shocks rear and Mustang 2 fronts.
I should save my money and get him to build me one soon. Makes my mouth water just scanning thse picts and talking about it.