Total Noob with Q about engine/trans orientation.

[Jetmugg]

Hello everyone:

Besides my "intro" post, this is my first real posting on the forum. I 'm trying to learn as much as I can about the 4g63 engine & trans platforms, with an eye towards using a 4g63 in my land speed racing vehicle, which is a FWD, transverse mount configuration.

What I don't have is a good understanding of which DSM vehicles might use a setup with the transaxle on the driver's side (LHD, US spec vehicles). The DSM setup having the engine on the driver's side and trans on the passenger's side is certainly sess common than the other way around for US spec cars.

Are there transaxles (manual shift preferred) which are configured so the trans is on the driver's side and the engine is effectively "flipped around" so the intake is closer to the radiator, and the exhaust is closest to the firewall?

Thanks for helping a Noob.

Steve

 

[NOSLO2PT0]

The Lancer Evo is oriented like that

 

[twicks69]

Yeah, 2000+ model year stuff, F5M42 and F5M51 transmissions, but they are fairly weak with little to no aftermarket for the gearbox. Have plenty of spares if you are doing past 400whp.

The 1989-1999 4G63T stuff uses a 3 shaft layout in the gearbox to put power to the ground (input shaft, intermediate shaft, output pinion shaft to front differential) while the 2000+ layout with the motor flipped has 2 shafts (input shaft output shaft to front or center differential depending on FWD or AWD gearbox).

You could always look into using a 2000+ 4g63 based engine (evo) with an adapter plate and a K series Honda trans (or just using a K series Honda motor as they are plenty capable) as there is a strong aftermarket for that gearbox.

In a front engine application it shouldn't be too hard. In a mid or rear engine application you will have to deal more with custom shift cables. Using a 1989-1999 4G63T motor in a mid/rear engine layout it becomes a bit trickier with the shift cables and shifter assembly. It is doable as Slanted J (Jon Lindquist) did this many years ago with his SL-R kit car (see link: https://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/my-4g63-sl-r.376613/ ).

 

[Jetmugg]

My race truck currently uses a GM/SAAB F40 speed trans, which I like a lot. It's of the 3 shaft design. They can handle plenty of power, and have a vast array of gearing options. The one I'm using has a Mercedes bellhousing welded onto the SAAB gearbox. I could consider using an adapter plate and custom flywheel to allow use with a 4G63, but that's not my favorite solution. Custom this and custom that leads to a lot more $$$ and chances for problems.

Thanks for the input, I definitely have a lot to learn.