Which auto gearbox

[LS430]

I have ordered a DAX De Dion chassis, due in late September.

During the 80's and 90's I completed a Dutton Phaeton and Ranchero, and part completed a KVA GT40, less said the better, especially the Duttons.

As I owned a 1999 Z28 I want to use a similar engine and auto box. Maybe a TCI via Real Steel. Simon at DAX suggests that a small auto box would allow me to use the standard De Dion chassis.

Anyone have any ideas which auto box might fit the standard De Dion chassis, or a supplier who could help, or have any box dimensions.

I know the real men out there may be shy about talking to anyone about auto gearboxes, but at my age by the time I have finished the car I may not have the energy to press the clutch pedal.

Alan F.

[route66]

As you look to being going down the GM engine route (ref your comment regarding a Z28 Camaro) you could easily get hold of a mid 80s / early 90s Camaro / Firebird and liberate the engine and autobox for your build.

I've purposely ignored the later cars as the autoboxs have an interface with the car's computer and would require some electrical modifications.

Starting from the early GM Turbo Hydramatics - TH400 and TH350 are 3 speed autoboxs with a direct 1:1 top gear. These boxes are bomb proof but physically bigger than a contemporary manual box. I have a TH350 in my Dax.

Next we have the TH700R4 and TH200-4R. These are 4 speed autos with overdrive on 4th and a lockup clutch in 4th. These boxes can be found in cars as noted above.

Then came the computer controlled 4 speed autos with overdrive and a lockup clutch (basically a refinement of the earlier 4 speeds) 4L60E and 4L80E, you would have had one of these in your 1999 Camaro.

The TH200-4R is fairly compact but is limited in it's power handling capabilites. However, if you use a mild Chevrolet 305 or 350 V8, a TH200-4R would be adequate.
TCI build uprated versions of these http://www.tciauto.com/gm/gm_2004r.htm

Steve

[Purple AK]

Hi Alan. Welcome to the Forum :thumb:
Going by your User Name, Don't already have an ideal Donor

[LS430]

Thanks Steve,

Did you use the DAX extended chassis for your TH350, or did it fit the standard chassis.

Alan France

[LS430]

Chris, thanks for the welcome.

Not sure I can afford to use my Lexus engine or auto box.

However I am certain my DAX will be as smooth and quiet when finished.

Alan France

[Purple AK]

Alan. Joking aside, TonyD on here is, as we speak building TWO AK's using the V8 Lexus powertrains Might be worth sourcing a cutout unit :thumb:

[TonyD]

Did someone mention my name...............just thought I'd show what a bit of metal polish and a spare half hour or so can achieve on a cut-out Lexus engine dropped into a Cobra...........














I must say our Aussie chums put me to shame, this is another one of Ozvenom's creations,custom throttle bodies, custom cam grinds, custom ECU and tune and peak power at 7500rpm...........

Cheers,

Tony

[Purple AK]

Sorry Tony. I took the liberty of rotating Pic 2 I get a stiff neck all too easily these days

[route66]

Alan, our Dax is the standard chassis. They modified the chassis at the manufacturing stage to suit the TH350.
I took my engine / gearbox to Harlow for the necessary changes to be made.

Steve

[wilf]

Alan - there is an alternative to an auto box, and that is a manual one with a servo on the clutch, quite easily done.