also posted this on mogwa
I have a project registered with an engineer to build a mid engine spaceframe car ala' Bolwell Ikara (only better looking...not hard really!) and have been struggling to find a V6/fwd transaxle combination. I like the magna 24V cars that I drive for work, but have never seen/driven a manual, and they are expensive at the wreckers.
What is the best transmission and what is the expected cost around the place. I have seen a DOHC diamante with tiptronic for $4200, but this did not seem good value for the condition when compared to nissan maxima at $1890. If I can just get the magna manual transmission that may be enough...but are they capable if using engine to 350lb/ft torque?

Want a Manual Trans, when I was looking for ASH3 they were in the range of 1600+ dollars and most wreckers just laughed when I asked. If you are going the 3.5 there were a couple of these around.

If you didnt need a V6 then you could pick up an older TN 5 speed REAL CHEAP!
or even a TR/TS wrecked manual.... in either V6 or 4 cyl...
You could quite easily add a turbo to the 4 cyl ones if putting in your own frame.
Haydn

I think he is from the states

No I am in Melbourne. Yep got quoted the $1600 price and 1200-1600 for the 5sp tiptronic. Also got quoted $1800 for porsche boxster!
I will hunt around some more and quiz some of the jap importers re the DOHC stuff.
The 4cyl cars will not meet emisions, esp with a turbo.

hmm, interesting.... sounds like a fun project!!!
How heavy is this thing going to be???? would you not be better off with some larger bike engine (say a Hyaubusa 1300cc with sequential gear box) or is that to small?? (after reading i've just found that this is too small, but might be nice so other people know)

a maxima engine would be sweet as well....

a tiptronic gearbox would be a cheaper option and would make for easy fun... but i don't think it will like 350 lb/ft (475 Nm odd)!!!

i'd search for a manual!! definately more fun and controllable in a car like the ikara!!!

mind you, if you have that much torque in that little car (looks at Bolwell pic on net) you gunna have fun keeping the rear wheels from wanting to lead the way!!! maybe thats the whole point?!

projected weight is 800kg without trim/fluids. Since we get clubmans to 5-530kg I thought the extra weight would be reasonable.
Wheelbase and track are bigger than ikara, but not too much. I would like the tiptronic, but was quoted more than the manual (incl computer) so no go there.
Bike engines are ideal for some things but not emissions....not good to get past ADR's.

Have you looked at subaru engines? eg the EJ20. Flat 4 2.0litre DOHC, available in turbo, nice low engine for getting your centre of gravity down, all alloy block, and with the transmission driving through the front diff in the gearbox it would almost be in the perfect position for a mid mounted engine.

Yes have looked at a lot of subaru stuff and spoken to a number of wreckers and repairers...all of whom have warned me off the stuff...even those who wanted to sell it too me. Apparantly the gearboxes are a weak point for any motorsport application. I checked this out with a guy running a gpN car, who confirmed it. Lots of money required to make them last...the opposite of what I want to do...spend money!
Thanks for the tought anyway

The g/boxes would be fine in a two wheel drive application i think. The main problem is because it is an awd setup there is no "give" (wheelspin) when launching/hardcornering therefore a lot higher stress is placed on the drivetrain especially when people launch the things at 5500-6000rpm.
The target weight of your project would also be a bonus as well concerning g/box longetivity.
(I'm a bit of a fan of the Subi stuff as i work for a dealer) :D
Looked at a rotary? Light, great power and reliable if kept relatively close to standard and built up sensibly.