GB: 5th gear plate mod

[shorestiva]

I'll take one. I'll send a deposit tonight.

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk

[ftjandra]

For the people sending deposits with paypal, remember to add the 3.5% ($155.25). Paypal address is ferdi <at> ferdster (dot) com. If sending a MO, contact me for my mailing address.

Thanks,
--Ferdi

[ftjandra]

I'll take one. I'll send a deposit tonight.

Received, first post updated.

A few guys have mentioned looking for Kia transmissions for this plate mod. Keep in mind that you can use a Mazda center case with a Kia bell housing. That's what I did when my Mazda bell housing broke. If you do end up mixing cases, it is even more important, i.e. mandatory, that you check the endplay/preload of the shafts and diff. Also, if I remember right, the Kia bell housing is held together with one less bolt, so a Mazda center case would have an extra bolt hole.

--Ferdi

[18sOnAiR]

Would this work with the G-series thats in the MSP?

[ftjandra]

Would this work with the G-series thats in the MSP?

As far as I know, all the 2wd G-series center cases are basically the same. Somebody please correct me if I am wrong.

--Ferdi

[mac1]

I will make a deposit, please be patient with me.

[thered56]

A few guys have mentioned looking for Kia transmissions for this plate mod. Keep in mind that you can use a Mazda center case with a Kia bell housing. That's what I did when my Mazda bell housing broke. If you do end up mixing cases, it is even more important, i.e. mandatory, that you check the endplay/preload of the shafts and diff. Also, if I remember right, the Kia bell housing is held together with one less bolt, so a Mazda center case would have an extra bolt hole.

Seeing as you used this combo, I'm thinking that this doesn't really affect the structural integrity or rigidity, this combo. I've thought about this, and it'd save me in shipping, if you would be able to provide the center case alone with the plate installed. Either that, or find somebody nearby with a spare center case. I'd definitely be in on this in that case.

[ftjandra]

Seeing as you used this combo, I'm thinking that this doesn't really affect the structural integrity or rigidity, this combo. I've thought about this, and it'd save me in shipping, if you would be able to provide the center case alone with the plate installed. Either that, or find somebody nearby with a spare center case. I'd definitely be in on this in that case.

I don't have any G-series cases anymore, just a bunch of internals. I think shorestiva has an extra 323 center case and mac1 might have some from the Escort boxes that he's taking the 3.85 final drives out of that should be the same (he'd be able to verify). I'll ask around locally, but don't have any leads right now.

The center case isn't really that big or heavy. I'd estimate that it would cost around $50 to ship from Canada to me (zip code 30087). Assuming you find someone in the US willing to sell you a bare case for $25, after they ship it to me, you'd be saving like $10.

--Ferdi

[MD323]

i have an extra V6 case ill check it against my 4 cyl trans


EDIT: they look to be the same ill drag them out and sit them side by side and take pictures tomorrow

[Hot_Wheels]

im intrested but i wont have funds til 2-15

[thered56]

Thanks guys! The other thing about it is I wouldn't be pressed for time to source a Sephia tranny. I currently don't have any G-series trannies, and the first one I get will be going in a different project. I'll be able to put in a deposit as soon as I can get a center case.

[ftjandra]

Played around with the design a little and made the fillet radii between the bearings larger to make it stronger and easier to machine. Will also use slightly larger bolts than before - standard 1/4 instead of M6 - mainly so that I can use torx heads as I prefer those versus allen heads.

I was researching more 'exotic' materials than plain old mild steel and was wondering if there was any interest in upgrading to heat-treated 4140 alloy steel (chromoly)? It's about 2-3 times stronger. It would add $100 to the cost of the plate. Not sure that it would be worth it as I have never seen a plate-modded trans fail at the 5th gear end, but just wanted to put the option out there.

--Ferdi

[thered56]

I always like stronger, but my first reaction would be that the difference wouldn't be worth the extra cost. After all, the steel will already provide the extra strength and heat resistance necessary where the aluminum falls short, correct? Is there any concern that it may not? Just my thoughts though. Larger, torx-head bolts are nice. How many of these plates have you made before?

[ftjandra]

I always like stronger, but my first reaction would be that the difference wouldn't be worth the extra cost. After all, the steel will already provide the extra strength and heat resistance necessary where the aluminum falls short, correct? Is there any concern that it may not? Just my thoughts though. Larger, torx-head bolts are nice. How many of these plates have you made before?

Like I said, I've never seen a plate-modded trans fail at the 5th gear end, so no, probably not worth it. But hey, some guys just want the best and if they were contemplating getting PAR's billet cups, my 4140 plate would still be cheaper by over $200.

When I made the first plate ~4 years ago, I sold 6-7 pieces (mostly overseas) right away. Then, the demand waned to like 1 every year, which was not worth my time, so I declined them. Mainly because people think the part should only cost $150 and would get mad at me for asking $300. Demand is not exactly high right now either, but it's still long to go until March 31st. My guess is that our cars are now simply too old and other than the hard-core modders, people have moved on . Other than any extras I might make, this is probably the only batch I will do. I'd still consider machining singles in the future, but not for $300/$125.

--Ferdi

[mac1]

i'll pass on the chromoly as well. This is too strong allready.