Well according to the Googles, the ZF weighs ~90Kg = 200lb. not sure if that includes the TC or but it doesnt matter, it's built like a 55gal drum and typically over $2K. All deal breakers.
Yeah I don't think it's at all a simple thing to give that trans all the info it needs to shift. I was pretty sure the speed signal got sent from the ABS/Stability/TC module and not directly from the wheel sensors.
Regardless, I already have one science project on my plate just getting the 3.6L to stay running(bypass Security) as well as the electronic pedal/throttle to work well without the vehicle speed input. I really don't need to make this job any harder than it is. Furthermore, more than 5 or 6 speeds is mostly just for boosting MPG anyway, so I would never put too much effort into it. So as of today, the T5 manual is path im taking.
I've got plans of doing the same thing but instead, beware all Chevy fans, to an old '52 Chevy coupe that I was left when my dad passed away. I had very similar ideas, light weight, great power, and I was also thinking of gas mileage.
A '52 Chevy Coupe's curb weight from the factory was about 3300 lbs. This engine and either of the 5-speeds above with bell housing will weigh less that 450 lbs dry. With the incredibly short length of this engine I can place it way back and achieve nearly the same 50-50 weight distribution front and back that I have in my 2011 Charger. (Yeah, that's how I got hooked on the 3.6. LOL)
I plan to chop it and drop it with an updated frame and suspension and then supercharge it as well. In all, I should be able to get this car down under 3000 lbs pretty easy and with approximately 400-425 HP at the wheels, it should scream... all while still getting over 30 mpg.
I was at SEMA and I talked to the guys at Sprintex but RIPP didn't have a booth. I talked to a guy with a Jeep with a RIPP on it and he said the RIPP guys were there. He tried to get them over but they didn't arrive before I left. What this guy told me, and I'm dumbing this down so I don't get anyone in trouble if it's not condoned by FCA, is that a certain knowledgeable someone within FCA is working with one of our favorite tuner manufacturers to get full control of the ECM. If it's true, it sounded as though that would allow us the ability to control even the 8-speed autos but I can't confirm anything.
That aside, I was thinking to setting this car up for the potential to do autocross as well. Whether I do or not, it would be one fun right that I could also feel comfortable driving completely across country in as well.
A guy from Diablo Sport also referred me to the Holley guys about a display they have that could integrated into your dash. It's amazing that they can display almost everything you want to watch of one small screen but the downside is that it appeared to only come with a blue screen and black digital graphics. And I'm talking old-school digital, like square and block type letter and numbers. It would be awesome if they could leap forward and give it a high res screen. My desire was to find something that you could select the digital gauges you wanted, be able to size them to your liking, and arrange them however you wanted. I don't know that I'll be able to find that but it would sure revolutionize integrating these new engines into retro-mods.
Anyway, I love this idea and a appreciate all that you've shared!
Mark
