Engine and Transmission Tech

Jim, Is the FWD tranny longitudinal or transverse? Are you going to use the RWD tranny with FWD control box?

That's the plan Jim. I expect transverse FWD is the norm but if it is the same tranny in a different case perhaps the FWD module will work. The transmission is supposed to be here Monday. I found a yard with a large supply of them and was able to make a deal for a low mileage unit delivered to my door for about $750 which I consider to be a very good price. The guy says they just don't break. He sells all the engines he can get to dealers but the trannys just pile up and he basically asked me to name my price. It will come with the pigtail for the electrics and once I look it over I'll contact him about possibly some other components, odds are good he can come up with a module for me, maybe a shifter, and I'm very curious about the coupler used immediately behind the transmission on these cars.

JB

You could weld up a hybrid coupler,like the Lexus splined part front/u-joint yoke ,my guess, a weird 3 bolt cv type setup instead of u-joint.Ratio-tek has a valve body kit for A761.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/19/2010 04:29PM by mgb260.

I saw that kit and it immediately made me wonder how hard it is to modify the shift parameters in the TCM. Ours is not a drag racing application so I'm not sure the shift kit is appropriate. I will likely try the stock set-up first, then look at modifications. There's a guy at the Lexus dealer I can ask about tuning when the time comes.

I will have a stationary driveshaft due to the Jag IRS so flex joint design is pretty wide open. Basically anything that will allow small lengthwise fluctuations will do fine.

JB

Am I hearing correctly ? Monster motor meets slushbox ? How much torque ? roverman.

Oh, not much. Maybe 500 max.

JB

My 6 speed transmission came in yesterday. Here it is with the bellhousing removed:



Below it is sitting next to the case of my 2004r. Not much difference in the size, but notice the width of the lower part of the case. Obviously it will be a much better fit in the MGB transmission tunnel and should go in without any modifications at all. The bellhousing will have to be adapted to the BOP pattern of course (BOPR in the case of Dan B's TR-7 upgrade). The torque converter and wiring harness should be here within a few days. Converter spacing will determine the best way to handle the match-up.



I will be developing this swap with an eye towards making a kit available.

JB

Cool,Jim. Hey, I told you, weird 3 bolt CV thingy! I wonder if the AW4/A340 bellhousing would bolt up?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2010 08:48PM by mgb260.

I'd say there'd be a good chance of it. How would be the best way we could find out?

I'll probably have to order the driveshaft just for the coupler. But first I need to figure out which TCM I need.

JB

Jim B., would you post a picture of the transmission end of the bellhousing? Perhaps with a tape measure in the shot to use for measurement? When I get home, I'm going to look at the Rover bellhousing to see if the trans end looks similar.

Edit; never mind. I see the bell in the first picture. I'll improvise for measurements.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2010 02:09PM by pcmenten.

Jim,
I found this while surfing the net last night, I dont know what the price ranges are but it seems you have a way with vendors as with the Roadmaster!
Hope it helps!
John

[www.high-impact.net]

Paul, the center hole (appears concentric with the shaft) is just a bit larger than the pump and measures 8-7/16" diameter. What size hole is in the British bellhousing and is there enough meat to go out to that size? (Wouldn't that be cool?)

John, I'll try to review that site this evening, what exactly were you pointing out?

JB

Here is a pic of the Isuzu bell(GM 60 degree V6, 3800 V6,Caddy 4.9 V8).




Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/26/2010 11:14AM by mgb260.

Didnt mean to leave that out.
They have TCMs for many applications and might be able to set you up with what you are looking for.

Thanks for that info John. I sent them an e-mail. It's a good looking controller but not cheap at about $800. (more than I paid for the tranny, but the two together still aren't a bad deal) I also sent an inquiry to Glen at Glen's Garage to see what the MegaSquirt boys have been up to. (I know they've controlled the 4L60E) If he's current that'll be quicker and easier than searching their forum for news. If anyone hears anything, please pass it along.

JB

Not a problem!
That is a little steep, from what I saw having the capabilities to have a paddle shift setup and run in auto mode would have its benifits for autocross and street driving was very cool!
Does that unit (Trans) have internal pressure sensors and turbine speed sensors as does the Allison units?

Jim, Lots of bellhousings for Jeep AW4 4.0 six on car-part.com for $60-$120. If that will fit your six speed, the Advance adapter for AMC Turbo 400 to Chevy/Buick motor would be all you need to bolt up to your 340.

I bet there's a bolt-together kit in there somewhere. Torque converter came today and I've been able to do some measuring. The Lexus bellhousing would have to have the engine flange bored to the 340 flex plate size (about 13-1/2" by 1/2" deep), I think I can do that on my lathe. Then about a 5/8" plate needs to be added for the bolt flange to match the 340. I happen to have enough 1 inch thick Mic-6 cast aluminum plate to make that flange. I can turn the OD of the bellhousing flange to give a round mating surface and a square shoulder but that leaves the flange. Does anyone have access to the mechanical drawings of the bellhousing layout for the Buick 340 (BOP) and possibly the 215 (BOPR)? With that I could have the flanges waterjet cut and there it is, an exact part. Just TIG weld it together and face it off on the mill. Barring that, I can make the plate match the 2004r case, approximate the center hole position making it a little oversize, and use 4 setscrews for positioning similar to using a 4 jaw chuck and then weld. I'll give it some more thought.

JB

Jim, Advance Adapters for dim's, or D and D? Buick V6, racing book-by Buick, has BH. dwg.It's not easier to use, Buick, V6/rabbit ears,auto bh., cut-off a junk core, and add plate at back ? Seems like you might use Buick, pump counterbore, for AW. trans. concentricity, in locating, rear welded-on rear adapter plate. Using "transfer", screws/pins to mark new bolt pattern ? roverman.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/26/2010 07:07PM by roverman.

Jim, 96 and up 4L60E (Chevy)has a removable bellhousing. Make sure it is 4.3 V6 or earlier V8 pattern. LS is deeper and has top center bolt hole to distinguish. The Chevy pattern shares the dowel locations and 4 bolts with B.O.P. You could use the Trans-Dapt thin Turbo 350/400 adapter($50).The starter pocket would have to be moved to the other side. Here are some pictures of the LS version, note the extra top bolt hole:




Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 03/27/2010 11:01AM by mgb260.