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PostPosted: October 8, 2018, 8:56 pm 
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Location: Atlanta GA
Bit of a different post- It is built but is being "repowered" so let's do a thread...

Image
A bit about the swap and such-

The engine is a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro LTG Engine (2.0T) that is advertised at 275HP and 295 LB of TQ stock.
Transmission is from a 2015 Cadillac ATS with the 2.0 . It is the 6 speed Tremec.

Clutch- Factory Clutch- The car wont put down enough weight to resist the wheel spin.
Flywheel- Fidanza Flywheel- Would not recommend. Several defects and issues.

FAQ's I usually get:

Q.Why didn't I turbo my Miata engine?
A. I didnt believe the engine would be an affordable way to make 450HP and stay together.

Q. What is my power goal?
A. I will see once its together and I can drive it. I suspect anything over 300 will be mental!

Q. Did I look at the standard Ecotec swap?
A. Yes, but the Miata Trans was something I wanted to get away from

Q. Do I think it will fit?
A. I expect it to be taller than the Miata engine but it would fit in the Miata engine bay without any issues. The trans shifter location is within 1/4" of where the miata trans exited.

Q. Will I be swapping in a new rear end?
A. I don't think I will off the bat. My expectation is even with slicks I wont be able to keep the tires from breaking loose off the line. Besides- The rear end swap appears to be a $2k dealio in most cases. I will most likely go to a 3.63 ratio

More details to come. Blog should be kept updated on www.exportedafrican.com or on Youtube @ https://youtu.be/IajZ-zl0AzY. Feel free to ask questions


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PostPosted: October 8, 2018, 10:59 pm 
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Tell me about that Transmission.

I have been told the CTS/ATS trans is the best for a small car (more evenly spaced gearing with higher speed 1st & 2nd so a better launch (they purposefully gear the Camaro down so the teenagers will feel it's more powerful than it is.

BUT in looking for one the only manual trans I can find in the Cadillacs are V8s

BTW great choice!

EDIT: With double overdrives a 5 speed would be a better choice, but I haven't found a 5 speed that shifts like the Aisin - oh wait, you said that was a Tremec! I've been looking for the Aisin off the V6 engine.

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PostPosted: October 9, 2018, 7:03 am 
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Location: Atlanta GA
carguy123 wrote:
Tell me about that Transmission.

I have been told the CTS/ATS trans is the best for a small car (more evenly spaced gearing with higher speed 1st & 2nd so a better launch (they purposefully gear the Camaro down so the teenagers will feel it's more powerful than it is.

BUT in looking for one the only manual trans I can find in the Cadillacs are V8s

BTW great choice!

EDIT: With double overdrives a 5 speed would be a better choice, but I haven't found a 5 speed that shifts like the Aisin - oh wait, you said that was a Tremec! I've been looking for the Aisin off the V6 engine.


Oddly enough the trans is a Tremec 3160(I think..) which is the same transmission used in the GT350
Mustangs. So far it seems like a good compact size. I really would like a BMW ear end for the crazy ratios (2.9 etc) but we will start with the Miata unit that exists today.

My hope is highway cruising at 2500 rpm at 60 but not with a 4.10 rear


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PostPosted: October 9, 2018, 7:34 am 
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That trans looks huge! What size frame/tunnel are you using?
DaveW


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PostPosted: October 9, 2018, 11:45 am 
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davew wrote:
That trans looks huge! What size frame/tunnel are you using?
DaveW


It is a book chassis with a custom frame for the Miata trans. It was literally built around the trans so we will see if it fits.


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PostPosted: October 16, 2018, 9:13 am 
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Does it fit? Nope!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDnA10G ... vNAvMoUyFX


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PostPosted: October 21, 2018, 7:45 pm 
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Sky / Solstice Asian 5-speed AR5 manual?

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PostPosted: October 22, 2018, 12:14 pm 
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geek49203 wrote:
Sky / Solstice Asian 5-speed AR5 manual?

Tr3160 by tremec


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PostPosted: October 22, 2018, 2:57 pm 
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Want2race wrote:
geek49203 wrote:
Sky / Solstice Asian 5-speed AR5 manual?

Tr3160 by tremec


What I'm wondering is if the Asian might be small enough to avoid major surgery.

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PostPosted: October 22, 2018, 6:46 pm 
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geek49203 wrote:
geek49203 wrote:
Sky / Solstice Asian 5-speed AR5 manual?


What I'm wondering is if the Asian might be small enough to avoid major surgery.


Ah. Interesting thought. I'll try get some measurements.

Honestly it isn't a major size increase over the Miata unit. Maybe 2" bigger on the diameter


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PostPosted: October 23, 2018, 10:45 pm 
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The Aisin is a much smoother shifting unit and tends to be less bulky. It's who makes the S2000, Miata and for the GM V6.

There is a very noticeable difference between it and the 2 "Merican" trans everyone uses.

I'd go for a 5 speed if I could since it's smaller, a wider shift pattern so fewer missed shifts and since you don't really need a double overdrive trans.

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PostPosted: October 24, 2018, 9:56 am 
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carguy123 wrote:
I'd go for a 5 speed if I could since it's smaller, a wider shift pattern so fewer missed shifts and since you don't really need a double overdrive trans.


Which takes us to the T5. A lot lighter and a lot smaller.

Yeah, it didn't hold up on full size cars when slam-shifting, nor did the S10 4 cyl trans hold up in the V8 Mustangs (a common replacement tactic). However, unless you're running drag slicks, my guess / hope is that the rear wheels break loose before the trans gets too badly damaged. Oh, and that speed-shifting thing has a cure on the T5.

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Hayes front, S10 +2 rear, Lalo body.


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PostPosted: October 24, 2018, 5:15 pm 
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Unfortunately the transmission isn't the only issue. The engine is also taller and slightly wider than the book engine spot.

As soon as I am finished being sick I'll take some photos.


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PostPosted: October 24, 2018, 6:21 pm 
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Aisin made a lot of 5 speeds to the T5 isn't the only option. The T5 doesn't shift nearly as smoothly as the Aisin, especially downshifts. It's clunky by comparison

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PostPosted: October 28, 2018, 9:54 pm 
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Location: Atlanta GA
No photos to show for it but I put the car back on the lift (engine crane fits!!) and spent an hour pulling off fenders and drilling rivets.

I could use some help -does anyone know of a way to run the Miata diff in a +4 combination? My thoughts right now are around wheel spacers (they give me chills...) or new wheels with a different offset.

Anyone have sage advice?

Side note- next time I'm buying a new frame. Drilling overhead sucks!


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