engine/gearbox compatiblity

mustgofaster · 06-07-2003, 06:07 AM

howdy, im looking for info for a kit car project in which i intend to use a 3 series as a donor. my question is if there is any difference between the gearbox fittings accross the range of engines? ie- will a 4 cylinder engine fit 6 cylinder gearbox, is there a difference between models with different engine capacity? im in the uk if that makes any difference.
also, does any one know if these engines will fit an audi 80/100 transaxle? obviously a mating plate will be required but is it remotely possible?

any info no matter how vague it might seem will be appreciated

Thank you,

Russ.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 06-09-2003, 07:36 AM

Ok,

having built a Caterham Super Seven kit with a Cosworth 4 cylinder, I am intrigued here. What sort of kit are you building? I would need to know specifically what engines you are condsidering to give you some insight.

What is the kit, and what engine combos are you considering?

mustgofaster · 06-09-2003, 08:12 AM

cheers jared, i was beginning to worry that no-one would ever reply.
im actually designing the whole thing from scratch and hope to sell kits to the kit car market myself, or maybe just a production deal with an existing company. so im really just looking into the variety of engine options if i use the 3 series bmw as a donor, i didnt want to go the sierra route because there are allready a million and one kits based on that. the car will be mid engined, hence the question about the audi transaxle, i chose the audi becaues there are about 5 different models with the same gearbox so they would be pretty common and easy to get hold of.
i would like the car to be very versatile, so it would be an advantage if all the gearbox fittings were the same so i would only need one type of mating plate etc, thus allow the whole range of bmw 3 series engines, and maybe more with only simple modifications.

Thanks,

Russ.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 06-09-2003, 08:18 AM

Is there any way you can give me a call? I can go over my experiences with the Caterham. Isnt the Audi box transversely mounted? Where are you in the UK? I lived in both Glasgow and Newcastle for a bit.

1-888-280-7799 ex. 259

jared@pelicanparts.com

mustgofaster · 06-09-2003, 11:56 AM

i cant be affording no usa phone bills

are you an ex pat then or american?
the audi 80/90/100/4000/5000 and coupe gt all use longitudinal gearbox so are ideal for a mid mounted engine. if i use this gearbox, i should also have the option of using the engines from all the mentioned audi models, its by no means necessary to have all those options but probably an advantage. im going for more of an ultima gtr style than the allready overly milked seven replica

Jared at Pelican Parts · 06-09-2003, 11:59 AM

I'm American. Hmmm I dont know of any adapter plates for this gearbox, However you may want to try these guys in California.

http://www.kennedyeng.com/

mustgofaster · 06-10-2003, 01:00 PM

cheers, im probably better off going to a british engineering company, save on shipping.
so are all the gearbox fittings the same accros the engine range?
im on the lookout for a 320i e30 over the next couple of weeks but will be running it as my normal car until its time to start stripping it.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 06-10-2003, 01:04 PM

I believe the Getrag box was used in all the E30's from 1984-91, not too sure about the E36's though. I would probably use a M42 4 Cyl for a kit car, the 6 cylinders really I think would be too much for a lightweight car, plus the power band is geared mor towards the upper end, so it may not work in your application with good results.

mustgofaster · 06-10-2003, 01:10 PM

too much? nah, most people dont settle for any less than 8.

Thanks again.

Russ.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 06-10-2003, 01:11 PM

I'm taking about the powerband. My 325 doesnt even get up and go until you have it around 3500-4000RPM.