Mendeola Transaxle

[Perkster029]

All,

So I've tried to call Mendeola - I dial people's extensions but only get voicemail boxes. Haven't left a voicemail yet, probably will tomorrow.

Also tried an email, no reply yet.

How have others dealt with and/or ordered their Mendeola transaxles?

[Shoeless]

All,

So I've tried to call Mendeola - I dial people's extensions but only get voicemail boxes. Haven't left a voicemail yet, probably will tomorrow.

Also tried an email, no reply yet.

How have others dealt with and/or ordered their Mendeola transaxles?

I got an email from Ian a little while back on an update on my order. I usually email after my first call with him, just to get updates. If you are thinking of getting one order it way ahead of time. I ordered mine June-July last year and was told 6 months lead time, lets just say I still don't have it. My build isn't waiting on it, so I'm not too concerned.

Here's the contact info I use:
ian@mendeolatransaxles.com
(619) 754-6511 ext 110 for Ian

[crash]

Leave a message. Ian will get back to you.

[Mkraus01]

I had the same issues.... I was told a 30 day delivery when I inquired, a 3 month delivery when I ordered, and it was darn near 1 year when I actually got it. They were slow to respond, but finally did each time. I had to call Mike (vs Ian) a couple of times to get a response. I too planned ahead, so the lengthy time was not an issue. In fact, I ordered my transaxle before I ordered my kit!

[Shoeless]

I had the same issues.... I was told a 30 day delivery when I inquired, a 3 month delivery when I ordered, and it was darn near 1 year when I actually got it. They were slow to respond, but finally did each time. I had to call Mike (vs Ian) a couple of times to get a response. I too planned ahead, so the lengthy time was not an issue. In fact, I ordered my transaxle before I ordered my kit!

I did the same thing. Ordered the Transaxle before my kit.

I will say when I talked with Ian, he was very kind enough to give me the whole history of how they got involved in the GTM and was very candid with the issues they have had on delivery over the years. I’m still happy I chose this path as a one stop shop so to say to order everything I need to bolt it right up to my LS3.

[dallas_]

I ordered one and got it in the promised time frame. Really happy with it so far.
Ian seems like a good dude and shot straight with me.

[Perkster029]

Update: Ian returned my voicemail, seems like a good guy.

It sounds like a great small company who became a victim of its own success.

[UnhipPopano]

If it takes between 6 and 12 months to get a transaxle, what happens if it blows down the road? How long is your car laid up waiting for parts? Do you need to have a spare?

[crash]

If it takes between 6 and 12 months to get a transaxle, what happens if it blows down the road? How long is your car laid up waiting for parts? Do you need to have a spare?

For the race car, we do have a spare transaxle and swap them out regularly. Almost always for routine maintenance, but getting parts has rarely been an issue. I think once we had to go to a slightly lower 4th gear because they didn't have our exact ratio in stock when we did the service and the dog ring was worn out. Other than that, we have always had exactly what we wanted, when we needed it. If you are not racing your car exclusively and are going the H pattern synchro box, then I seriously doubt that you would need a spare transaxle. Unless you are abnormally hard on your transmissions?

[Perkster029]

What are peoples thoughts about the 3.55 vs 4.11 for street use?

[crash]

Pretty much the same as any car for use on the street...if you are looking for top speed and fuel mileage then go with the 3.55. If you want extra oomph off the line and faster quarter miles times, then the 4.11 is your gear. Honestly, we go 155 MPH with the 4.11 and a 5 speed with plenty of power with a crate LS3 in the race car, so I really don't see how the 4.11 is a drawback...but if mileage is your thing...

[dhanisch]

I've contemplated ditching the Graziano and going with them, but that wait time just kills the deal for me.

[Perkster029]

Pretty much the same as any car for use on the street...if you are looking for top speed and fuel mileage then go with the 3.55. If you want extra oomph off the line and faster quarter miles times, then the 4.11 is your gear. Honestly, we go 155 MPH with the 4.11 and a 5 speed with plenty of power with a crate LS3 in the race car, so I really don't see how the 4.11 is a drawback...but if mileage is your thing...

I'm thinking more practicality - getting into and out my somewhat steep driveway, the parking lot at work, the morning commuter traffic, etc. What's the driving experience like in those low-speed situations?

[crash]

Because of the wide variety of individual gears available, you can pretty much get whatever you want for low speed drivability with either R&P. The issue really comes in at the top of the gears and how fast you want your engine to be spinning while cruising, but again, because of the individual gear sets that are available, this really shouldn't be a problem, even with the 4.11. Have you talked to Ian about what it is you are looking for?

[Perkster029]

Because of the wide variety of individual gears available, you can pretty much get whatever you want for low speed drivability with either R&P. The issue really comes in at the top of the gears and how fast you want your engine to be spinning while cruising, but again, because of the individual gear sets that are available, this really shouldn't be a problem, even with the 4.11. Have you talked to Ian about what it is you are looking for?

I didn't realize the individual gears could be changed, I was given the impression there is a single set of gearing options and two final drive options. Sounds like I need to talk with Ian a little more.

[crash]

I just verified with Ian.

Unfortunately, in order to try and keep costs down, for the SDR, there are only "standard" gear sets available. That means they are not willing to make a variety of helical gear sets for the SDR. He did say, however, that they actually have three different R&Ps available. 4.11, 3.88, 3.55. This should give you what you need as far as options.

Now if you are going to run the S5, which is the race box that we run, then there are almost limitless individual gear ratios available...

http://www.mendeolatransaxles.com/about-us.html

Sorry for the confusion, and, again, the best thing you can do is to talk to Ian directly...619-754-6511

[Perkster029]

Thanks for helping me clear that up. I'll get with Ian when I can and pick his brain more.

[Perkster029]

Ordered the 3.88 today. Ian agreed that it's the best compromise for street use if you still want a little bit of "kick". The 4.11 is for a true "hot rod", but might not be comfortable on the street. And the 3.55 might be a little lackluster if you're looking to really move.

[SteveE]

Just curious what did Ian give you for a delivery time frame on it?

[Perkster029]

To paraphrase: "sure, let's say 6-12 months"

[SteveE]

Cool, thanks for sharing. Hope your build goes well.