Cup car gearbox inspection - LotusTalk

road racer · 11-07-2008, 12:37 PM

new guy here.

i'm thinking hard about getting a cup car to use for endurance racing (NASA WERC). i think i have everything figured out wrt easy power and reliability enhancements and race prep over the winter.

one question i'm not sure about is how hard is it to inspect the gearbox? i will get the dog ring kit. i'll have to tear it down before every race so if it's a full day's work that's probably not going to cut it. i will be modifying the rear clam / trunk to be "quick release" so no problems getting the bodywork on and off, but after that what's involved in gearbox disassembly?

my experience with this is on formula cars where it's a 1 hour job start to finish.

Patricko · 11-07-2008, 12:39 PM

If your budget has the room and your class rules allow it you may want to talk to Lotus Sport about a hewland sequential box. I think it would be much easier to work on as it is a race box.

MaineLotus · 11-07-2008, 12:47 PM

I'd say it's a full days work (maybe more), at least initially. Perhaps a couple hours less if you were really fast and had done this a few times.

Some of the bolts are tough to reach, the starter must be removed, shift linkage removed and there's a fair amount of plumbing in the way. Not to mention removal of axles, etc.

road racer · 11-07-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patricko

If your budget has the room and your class rules allow it you may want to talk to Lotus Sport about a hewland sequential box. I think it would be much easier to work on as it is a race box.

I don't see how a hewland would fit. Have any examples of any elise/exige with a hewland and the transverse 4 cylinder? I couldn't find any.

Patricko · 11-07-2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by road racer

I don't see how a hewland would fit. Have any examples of any elise/exige with a hewland and the transverse 4 cylinder? I couldn't find any.

Lotus Sport fits them in the Exige GT3, GT4 and the 2-Eleven GT4.

Viva · 11-07-2008, 11:41 PM

Here is are 2 photographs of the Lotus GT3. It has a Hewland gearbox.
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Hope the attachments work.

elise/europa · 11-08-2008, 12:10 PM

See that post:

Transmission Rebuild: Parts/Advice ???

The Toyota transmission is not an easy one, and figure few hours to dismount and assemble it when you have it on your hand. And you will need few puller, and press.

road racer · 11-08-2008, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viva

Here is are 2 photographs of the Lotus GT3. It has a Hewland gearbox.

The GT3 has a different rear subframe.

road racer · 11-08-2008, 05:12 PM

^ oops, maybe I'm wrong about that. maybe it's just the bodywork that's longer.

Patricko · 11-08-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by road racer

The GT3 has a different rear subframe.

I think you are thinking of the Sport Exige that had a V6 and a Hewland.

2005 Lotus Sport Exige

Patricko · 11-08-2008, 06:37 PM

The Hewland will fit in your car. I am not sure what is involved besides writing a big check to Lotus Sport but it is doable...

Conan · 11-09-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by road racer

I don't see how a hewland would fit. Have any examples of any elise/exige with a hewland and the transverse 4 cylinder? I couldn't find any.

Everything I've read about Hewland says they'll make a completely custom tranny case to fit any situation you may have. That sounds like you can get one that fits.

Patricko · 11-09-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conan

Everything I've read about Hewland says they'll make a completely custom tranny case to fit any situation you may have. That sounds like you can get one that fits.

And Lotus Sport sells a plug and play kit that includes the Hewland box and everything you need to fit it.

MaineLotus · 11-09-2008, 02:31 PM

$$$$$$$$

jbs · 11-09-2008, 02:41 PM

@Viva,

Do you have more photos of the Lotus GT3, please ??

Patricko · 11-09-2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaineLotus

$$$$$$$$

Yes

road racer · 11-09-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patricko

And Lotus Sport sells a plug and play kit that includes the Helwand box and everything you need to fit it.

oh wow. how do i contact lotus sport? through my local lotus dealer?

11-07-2008, 12:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
road racer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: san mateo, ca Posts: 233	Cup car gearbox inspection new guy here. i'm thinking hard about getting a cup car to use for endurance racing (NASA WERC). i think i have everything figured out wrt easy power and reliability enhancements and race prep over the winter. one question i'm not sure about is how hard is it to inspect the gearbox? i will get the dog ring kit. i'll have to tear it down before every race so if it's a full day's work that's probably not going to cut it. i will be modifying the rear clam / trunk to be "quick release" so no problems getting the bodywork on and off, but after that what's involved in gearbox disassembly? my experience with this is on formula cars where it's a 1 hour job start to finish.

11-07-2008, 12:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
Patricko Elise Royalty Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 6,068	If your budget has the room and your class rules allow it you may want to talk to Lotus Sport about a hewland sequential box. I think it would be much easier to work on as it is a race box. __________________ Providing an opportunity for others to live vicariously through me since 2004 ®

11-07-2008, 12:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
MaineLotus Parts scattered about... Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Maine Posts: 1,380	I'd say it's a full days work (maybe more), at least initially. Perhaps a couple hours less if you were really fast and had done this a few times. Some of the bolts are tough to reach, the starter must be removed, shift linkage removed and there's a fair amount of plumbing in the way. Not to mention removal of axles, etc. __________________ My car is modified.

11-07-2008, 11:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
Viva Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 43	Here is are 2 photographs of the Lotus GT3. It has a Hewland gearbox. Hope the attachments work.

11-08-2008, 12:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
elise/europa Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: montreal Posts: 348	See that post: Transmission Rebuild: Parts/Advice ??? The Toyota transmission is not an easy one, and figure few hours to dismount and assemble it when you have it on your hand. And you will need few puller, and press. __________________ ____________________________________ Elise 2006, white, Katana Europa 1969, green, H22A, 194 whp, 1550# CONFIGTECH.ca / Solidworks

11-08-2008, 05:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
road racer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: san mateo, ca Posts: 233	^ oops, maybe I'm wrong about that. maybe it's just the bodywork that's longer.

11-08-2008, 06:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
Patricko Elise Royalty Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 6,068	The Hewland will fit in your car. I am not sure what is involved besides writing a big check to Lotus Sport but it is doable... __________________ Providing an opportunity for others to live vicariously through me since 2004 ®

11-09-2008, 02:31 PM	#14 (permalink)
MaineLotus Parts scattered about... Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Maine Posts: 1,380	$$$$$$$$ __________________ My car is modified.

11-09-2008, 02:41 PM	#15 (permalink)
jbs Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Luxembourg Posts: 125	@Viva, Do you have more photos of the Lotus GT3, please ??

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