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Dumb transaxle questions

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Old Jan 28, 2010 | 01:55 PM
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Default Dumb transaxle questions

Just curious, are the transaxles in the C5 and C6 the same? Can the 6speed auto from the (is it Cadivette or Corvillac?) be swapped for the auto transaxle in the C5 or C6? Is there any advantage to the ratios in the 6speed over the Corvette auto? Can any of these transaxles be bolted directly to the engine bellhousing for a mid-engine application? (I know that they are a bit too long for most applications, but I'm just wondering.) Thanks in advance for the information.
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Old Jan 30, 2010 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by fixallthings
Just curious, are the transaxles in the C5 and C6 the same? Can the 6speed auto from the (is it Cadivette or Corvillac?) be swapped for the auto transaxle in the C5 or C6? Is there any advantage to the ratios in the 6speed over the Corvette auto? Can any of these transaxles be bolted directly to the engine bellhousing for a mid-engine application? (I know that they are a bit too long for most applications, but I'm just wondering.) Thanks in advance for the information.
If you clearify "transaxle" I think I can answer your question. Are you refering to the trans/diff?

If so, the transaxles are different on C5 and C6. The mounting points on the diff is at a different location. If you replace the trans/diff/cradle, you can install a C6 set up into a C5 (few members have done this swap; TR6060/C6 Z06 diff/C6 cradle).

If you want to swap the 6 speed auto in a C5, that would be a logistical nightmare. What PCM would you use?

You are correct that a mid engine application would be too long (ask me how I know).
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Old Jan 31, 2010 | 01:44 AM
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Thanks for the info. So I'd need a C6 trans/diff to match the mounting for the Caddy. I was thinking about something along the lines of a Cadillac Cien. I figured that the four missing cylinders on the engine would give me enough room for the trans/diff. Corvette suspension components are more plentiful than those for the Caddy "sports car" and I'd be able to get the chassis figured out before searching for the wrecked CTSV.
What did you want put a mid-engine in?
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Old Jan 31, 2010 | 11:02 AM
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OK, I'm still not following you?????

Do you have a CTS-V? That is front engine/trans and the diff is mounted in the rear. The Corvette is front engine with the trans/diff in the rear.

I was thinking about Factory Five kit but thought about using the Corvette trans/diff instead of Porsche transaxle. It is WAAAAY too long for that application.
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Old Jan 31, 2010 | 09:06 PM
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The Cadillac Cien concept is powered by a 12-cylinder version of a Northstar tied to a six-speed automatic trans. I thought the CTSV was basically a Northstar powered Corvette and was wondering if the engine could be coupled directly to the trans/diff to make a mid-engine powertrain. Since the Cien has a V-12 and the CTSV has a V-8 I figured the front of the engine could be kept in the same place and the excess room behind it could be filled by the trans/diff. Since the suspensions are the same as far as I can tell (hard to find gearheads on a Caddy forum) then an easily sourced Corvette suspension and trans/diff could be used to get the chassis set up and then hope to stumble on a CTSV in the wrecking yard for everything else. This is at the pipe-dream stage right now so I was just basically wondering if it could be done. I wish there was some American automaker that would make a proper transaxle for those of us wanting to build what they won't.
The Factory Five kit is awesome and I'd love to have one. There's a new AMX-3 kit that would be nice to have too.
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Old Feb 1, 2010 | 08:56 AM
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The LS6 engine is 26" front to rear without the accessory drive. The trans/diff is almost 44" from the front of the input shaft to the back of the diff. That is 70" not including the accessory drive. That would be a really long car, or at least the back end of it.
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Old Feb 1, 2010 | 01:23 PM
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What is the distance from the front of the input shaft to the axle centerline? The Cien has a very long behind.
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by fixallthings
What is the distance from the front of the input shaft to the axle centerline? The Cien has a very long behind.
About 36".
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by fixallthings
The Cadillac Cien concept is powered by a 12-cylinder version of a Northstar tied to a six-speed automatic trans. I thought the CTSV was basically a Northstar powered Corvette and was wondering if the engine could be coupled directly to the trans/diff to make a mid-engine powertrain. Since the Cien has a V-12 and the CTSV has a V-8 I figured the front of the engine could be kept in the same place and the excess room behind it could be filled by the trans/diff. Since the suspensions are the same as far as I can tell (hard to find gearheads on a Caddy forum) then an easily sourced Corvette suspension and trans/diff could be used to get the chassis set up and then hope to stumble on a CTSV in the wrecking yard for everything else. This is at the pipe-dream stage right now so I was just basically wondering if it could be done. I wish there was some American automaker that would make a proper transaxle for those of us wanting to build what they won't.
The Factory Five kit is awesome and I'd love to have one. There's a new AMX-3 kit that would be nice to have too.
Do you mean XLR?? CTSV is a sedan, XLR is based on the Corvette Chassis
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 10:17 PM
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Yes, I meant the XLRV. I'm not a fan of most of their styling so I just lump them together.
It looks like they gave up on the Northstar engine and have gone to the LS corporate motor. Nothing wrong with that, but I did kind of like the unique development for the division. (Kinda like the old days.) I did a little digging and found out the C6 had a six-speed auto. I haven't followed the C5 and 6 Corvettes because I just can't afford them.
36" would be pretty close. Would it be possible to cant the drive axles forward and run them at an angle? That might be good for a few more inches. Do they use CV joints or regular U joints?
I'm spending way too much time thinking about this.
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Old Feb 3, 2010 | 07:14 AM
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Originally Posted by fixallthings
Yes, I meant the XLRV. I'm not a fan of most of their styling so I just lump them together.
It looks like they gave up on the Northstar engine and have gone to the LS corporate motor. Nothing wrong with that, but I did kind of like the unique development for the division. (Kinda like the old days.) I did a little digging and found out the C6 had a six-speed auto. I haven't followed the C5 and 6 Corvettes because I just can't afford them.
36" would be pretty close. Would it be possible to cant the drive axles forward and run them at an angle? That might be good for a few more inches. Do they use CV joints or regular U joints?
I'm spending way too much time thinking about this.
36" not including the engine and drive accessories. I have been there and done that but at the end, I gave up.
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