Real Fiero Tech

When a manufacturer issues a torque rating, is it based on the weight of the vehical it is to be installed in, or is it an absolute rating?

I have a 5 spd rwd trans from a 3200lb auto. It is rated at 200ftlb of torque.

What is the net result of using this trans in a 1400lb vehicle with 240ftlbs of torque?

Gene

Torque output has nothing to do with vehicle weight sorry.
It may hold out for a decent while..
What do you have that's only 1400 pounds?

Although.. there are shock loadings to consider too. which would be less on a lighter car.
Better wait for a few more opinions on this

can we get anymore information on the the trans and the engine its going to be attached to?

my inclination is to say that it'll be fine - but don't be surprised if it doesn't last as long as it would have with a smaller engine (goes for pretty much anything in the powertrain)

The trans is from a 01 2wd Ranger and the engine is a slightly modded 93 Taurus SHO.
I could go with a t-5 trans from a V-8 Mustang as it has a longer input shaft, but it requires an elusive aerostar standard shift bellhousing and an adapter between the bellhousing and trans.





The car is a Locost which is a copy of the old Lotus 7. I bought the steel for the frame yesterday and I am getting ready to start building.
http://www.locostusa.com/

Gene

I think if you load more then 200 pounds of tourque on your Locost, you'll probably wind up crappin your pants. It's probably not the optimal coice, but I think it will serve you. Make sure you favor us with a build up thread. I think those things are a hoot. I understand there is even a manufacturer who is making an extended wheelbase version for us genetic mutants. Might be fun to do if I ever get a garage.

That tranny should be fine behind that motor. Thats a high strung yamaha v6. IT makes good tq, but I dont' think enough to break that tranny

That type of transmission has a common problem that is easily fixed. There are three rubber plugs in the rear of the top cover that seal up the shift rail holes. After a while the plugs get hard and shrink causing a small leak. The leak usually goes unnoticed because it only leaks when moving due to the location at the top of the gearbox. If left unchecked, it will lose enough oil to cause a meltdown. I highly recommend removing the rubber plugs and replace them with steel cup plugs.


Steve

Good advice.

I'm looking forward to a build thread on this. That looks like a pretty crazy combo, especially if you start modding the engine.