| MIATA BUILD |
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 | March 2, 2011 - The transmission has arrived.
It's a T5 with the following ratios:
2.95
1.94
1.34
1.0
.63
There's always some concern about the strength of a T5 in this sort of application. However, it's the same one used in the V8R Spec series. The big advantage we have is weight - there's a world of difference between launching a 3000+ lb Mustang and our 2300 lb Miata. We will be adding a cluster support to help it out.
entry 796 - tags: transmission, V8 |
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 | April 19, 2011 - The bellhousing to attach the T5 transmission to the LS engine is a beautiful piece.
That's a special release bearing being test-fit in there at the moment.
entry 807 - tags: conversion, transmission, bellhousing |
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 | April 21, 2011 - Time to install the drivetrain!
Unfortunately, I hit a snag immediately. The shifter on the T5 transmission is about 3.5" further forward than stock. Easy enough to solve with a hole and a cover plate.
While speaking with Steve at V8Roadsters about this - just to make sure it's normal and not the result of having the incorrect transmission! - he strongly recommended going to a Pro5.0 shifter instead of the stock setup. Steve's been quite helpful answering questions related to this T5 setup.
entry 812 - tags: conversion, transmission, shifter |
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 | May 12, 2011 - With the transmission in place, I was able to locate the frame rails and bolt them in to place.
The mount for the T5 transmission has no adjustability built in, so I wasn't able to do this earlier as can be done with the T56 transmissions.
I did run into a small problem with the transmission crossmember - the bushings on the crossmember were too wide for the brackets. Some grinding ensued, resulting in hot pink urethane dust. Very entertaining.
As per Bill's suggestion, I tack-welded the bolts for the subframe to the floor. This means the rails can be easily removed without the need to pull the seats or to have someone hold the top of the bolts. That's a good thing, as one of the rails needs to be removed in order to pull the transmission.
entry 816 - tags: conversion, transmission |
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 | May 14, 2011 - The T56 is a monster compared to the T5.
Just enormous. It's also quite a bit heavier, although the steel bellhousing for the T5 makes up for some of that. It's a lot more difficult to wrestle that big boy around. But it'll be worth it.
entry 818 - tags: transmission |
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 | May 14, 2011 - The T56 is mated up to the engine and is ready to install.
But I have a few more things to do before it's permanently installed. Still, it makes my heart feel good to see these two joined up.
entry 819 - tags: transmission |
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 | May 27, 2011 - Getting closer to that first firing of the engine.
First, I have to make sure there's fluid in everything. The T56 uses ATF for lubrication.
entry 843 - tags: transmission, fluids |
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 | October 10, 2013 - How hot did the transmission tunnel get?
Hot enough to melt this plastic check valve. This valve is supposed to prevent the buildup of pressure inside the trans with heat. It's obviously not able to do the job anymore, which would explain why the transmission had a tendency to leak from various seals. This will obviously get replaced.
In completely unrelated news, the exhaust system was sent off to Swain for ceramic coating today.
entry 1100 - tags: transmission, heat |
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