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Are the outputs from MX75 trans equidistant from longitudinal centerline?

S

sdad

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Mar 27, 2007
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Grand Ledge, MI
In other words is the length of the left and right output shaft the same? Obviously I don't have a car to look at, else I wouldn't be asking this question. This for a mid-engined custom that I am laying out. I want to consider a transverse using an MX75 which will bolt up to my 3.0L directly as compared to a longitudinal transaxle which has all kinds of adaption nightmares. What I am after is equal geometry to the drive wheels from the transaxle outputs. Some cars do not have this symmetry, and that is unacceptable for this design. Offsetting the engine mount is a possibility, but I'd need to look at that carefully before committing.
 
you mean the left and right axles? if so then yes they are the same length. the right side makes up the difference in the distance to the differential by using a solid shaft with a carrier bearing bolted to the engine block.
 
Thank you. Yes, I am referring to the angle created by the axle to level when the wheel is subjected to a bump. Either side should have the same angle given the same bump magnitude. If I understand what you are saying, the position of the universal on the right side of the trans is the same distance from the centerline as the universal on the left. The fixed shaft is used as to pick up the distance difference from each universal to the output of the transaxle itself.

If I go shopping for an MX75, would this shaft and support structure typically be included with the trans, or would I be seeking these parts out separately?
Are there factory or 3rd party options as far as gear selections go? Any idea on what sort of power the trans will comfortably handle?
 
the center shaft probably wouldnt come with the trans.

Quaife sells complete gear sets for the MTX75 in both straight cut and syncromesh gears. they also come with your choice of several different final drive ratios.
http://www.quaife.co.uk/catalogue/products/qke28z

as far as power goes, with an upgraded diff (quaife or torsen) they can handle quite a lot. there are several Contours with over 350HP and several Focus with just as much and more as well. the weakest point once you upgrade the diff is the axles, and not the shaft itself, but where it necks down to the splines for the hubs and diff. Ive suggested getting a set cryo treated and see how well they hold up, but so far no one has done it.
 
Thank you for all your help. Hopefully this will allow me to weigh the "coolness" of a longitudinal transaxle to the more practical approach of a transverse arrangement. Not mentioned is the reduction engineering and fabrication of the IRS. Torque reactions are so much more in my favor with transverse as compared with a engine mounted longitudinal transaxle (as compared with a front engine, rear drive arrangement). If it wasn't for that darned curb appeal.
 
out of curiosity, what is it that your building? some sort of Locost? Im also a member over on LocostUSA.com and im sure we would all love to see another non-traditional build thread.
 
From what I understand of the Locost, what I am doing is similar. I have a 3.0L along with a number of parts from a 2.5L, a new piston coated short block among them. I own a 1988 Fiero GT and love the feel of a pusher and want to stay with that. Original plans included a transaxle from a 944 Porsche, so a longitudinal orientation. I also have a complete front and rear suspension from a Jaguar, and planned on using a lightened copy of those, but changing the rear end slightly to improve bump steer. A have an additional Fiero frame available and have no problem in hacking that apart. I can morph some body panels to an acceptable shape and viola: a car. The marriage of the Ford and Porsche is not insurmountable, but is a financial burden. It would, however, give a much improved access to both sides of the motor, something that a transverse mount doesn't offer easily.

As you should sense by now, I'm a long, long way from even the middle of the project. Then again, all things have a beginning.
 
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