Following my recent post (State of The Union) we received a good number of inquiries about the transaxle project for the GTM.  The engineers delivered a more detailed specification and project plan, so we are ready to begin the production process.  First I want to describe the new transaxle, and second, describe what we can do to initiate production.

Beginning a year ago we found that guys were spending CRAZY money on Porsche G50 units and higher 6 speed units. A lot of customers mentioned that the gearbox price alone was preventing them from their GTM build.  The days of the $2500 G50 are mostly gone (that is what we paid for the used gearbox on eBay for our black LS6 powered mule).  Transmissions have always been the Achilles heel of mid-engine supercars in terms of price and durability.  If we could replace the Porsche unit, we could reduce the completed vehicle cost, simplify the build process, and hopefully find a single unit that could cover the Hp and Torque spreads of the variety of LS series engines being used.  Also this one part would make the GTM a true “single donor Corvette” kit.

Among other GTM projects, Jesper, FFR's Director of Engineering was tasked with looking at ALL options to reduce cost, increase hp/durability/and improve sourcing-availability. We have looked at a large number of options from Audi, Subaru, Quaife, Mendeola, and others. There were a lot of parameters to satisfy.

 
The crew has determined that the best trans to meet the criteria was the proposed unit from Quaife Engineering.  It is an all-new (really modified) Quaife 5-speed unit.

Here are the specifications and CAD files…

We will begin accepting orders on this part shortly.  If you would like more information, please give us a call at 508-291-3443 or send an e-mail to tech@factoryfive.com.  Terms, conditions, and delivery times will be announced shortly.

Dave Smith
President