Mendeola Installation instructions?

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Well, I'm finally ready to do my first Mendy install.....and called Mendeola today to find that:

1. They are in the middle of moving, so they are pretty much shut down.
2. There is no such thing as instructions for the installation.

My first question that comes to mind.....does this use the standard Corvette pilot bearing in the crank? This has the hydraulic internal T.O. bearing....are there shims that need to be installed or some instructions for adjustment? Flywheel use stock-length Corvette bolts to the crank? What is fluid capacity and what is recommended for gear lube?

[Shoeless]

Well, I'm finally ready to do my first Mendy install.....and called Mendeola today to find that:

1. They are in the middle of moving, so they are pretty much shut down.
2. There is no such thing as instructions for the installation.

My first question that comes to mind.....does this use the standard Corvette pilot bearing in the crank? This has the hydraulic internal T.O. bearing....are there shims that need to be installed or some instructions for adjustment? Flywheel use stock-length Corvette bolts to the crank? What is fluid capacity and what is recommended for gear lube?

Hey Shane,

I might be able to help you out here. I'm guessing since there are no instructions, and you mentioned a hydraulic internal TO bearing, you are doing a Stage 2 Mendy. Can you confirm that?

As a refresher i'm installing an LS3 with a Stage 2 Mendy myself. Ran into the same issue, no instructions, Ian has been Johnny on the spot with all the previous questions I had, but I guess if they are moving he might be tied up.

1. Pilot Bearing - Mendy shipped me my Pilot bearing totally separate from the transaxle and it looked like a drop ship from a different vendor. When I got mine I scratched my head for a about a week wondering who the hell shipped me an AC Delco Bearing LOL. So either you or the customer may have it somewhere. If not, here is the PN - AC Delco #: CT1082 or GM #: 12557583

2. For my setup I has the same question on spacers as when I installed the transaxle there was quite a large space between the forks and the T.O. bearing. I took a pic and sent to Ian and he confirmed that once I start actioning the clutch pedal, the TO bearing will ride on the fingers. After pumping my clutch a few times, being careful as I didn't have a stop made just yet, sure enough it now sits right on the fingers of the clutch.

3. Flywheel bolts - Not sure, I ended up getting bolts in my kit from Mendy, but I can tell you that the clutch plate bolts they sent me caused me a problem with a rub on my starter as I turned the motor over. The clutch plate bolts were just too long and I opted for some shorter ones.

4. Fluid Capacity - 4 quarts of a 80/90W petroleum based oil

I likely don't have all the answers, but if you have any more questions, let me know.

[Perkster029]

Well, I'm finally ready to do my first Mendy install.....and called Mendeola today to find that:

1. They are in the middle of moving, so they are pretty much shut down.
2. There is no such thing as instructions for the installation.

My first question that comes to mind.....does this use the standard Corvette pilot bearing in the crank? This has the hydraulic internal T.O. bearing....are there shims that need to be installed or some instructions for adjustment? Flywheel use stock-length Corvette bolts to the crank? What is fluid capacity and what is recommended for gear lube?

Hey Shane,

Sent you an email with what I had for install instructions. It's not perfect, but it has stuff like pilot bearings in it.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Much appreciated! Thanks, guys!!

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Anyone have some thoughts on this deal? Crank messed up? They bought the wrong pilot bearing and tried to shim it?

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[Shoeless]

Dang, I'm not sure with that pic. That would be my first guess, trying to shim it.

How are those threads for the flywheel??? Looks like metal burs in the bottom of each hole.

[crash]

I would pull it and see why they had to shim it? Then if the crank is okay, I would either order the correct adapter or make one. That shim thing could work, but definitely not the correct way to address a fitment issue.

[SteveE]

Shane,

just e-mailed you the instructions that I had from Mendeola as well as the internal Hydraulic that was supplied with my transaxle.

hope that it helps.

Steve

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Thanks everyone for all of the help! The trans is officially installed. I had looked thru everything and didn't see the flywheel bolts, PP bolts or pilot bearing. I finally opened up the clutch box for the second time and scrounged thru there more thoroughly and found a bag with all of that stuff inside. We got the old pilot bearing out along with all of their "shim" material...not sure what that was all about? Got the new pilot bearing installed and everything put together.

Shoeless.....Those were pieces of dried loctite in the flywheel bolt holes. A good blast of air cleared most of that crap out of there.

[Shoeless]

Glad to hear the threads were just fine in there.

Also glad you found all the stuff you needed in the boxes. I had a similar situation with them just putting bolts in random boxes to ship to me.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Next question. Can anyone give me an idea of how all of the washers go with the rubber mounts? I assume that the rubber mounts with the lip that sticks out is installed on the bottom side of the steel bracket that is bolted to the trans and the large steel washer slides onto that rubber mount so the lip ends up flush on the top side? But then I have 8 more steel washers and 2 steel tubes. I assume the steel tubes go down thru the center of the rubber mounts, but how are the rest of the washers supposed to be arranged?

Also, has anyone else had to cut the mounts off of the sub-frame and re-position them and weld them back on? The holes in the trans mount bracket are about 3/4" off from lining up with the holes in the trans subframe mount.

[Shoeless]

Next question. Can anyone give me an idea of how all of the washers go with the rubber mounts? I assume that the rubber mounts with the lip that sticks out is installed on the bottom side of the steel bracket that is bolted to the trans and the large steel washer slides onto that rubber mount so the lip ends up flush on the top side? But then I have 8 more steel washers and 2 steel tubes. I assume the steel tubes go down thru the center of the rubber mounts, but how are the rest of the washers supposed to be arranged?

Also, has anyone else had to cut the mounts off of the sub-frame and re-position them and weld them back on? The holes in the trans mount bracket are about 3/4" off from lining up with the holes in the trans subframe mount.

Hey Shane,

Take a look at post 335, pic 6 on the below link for how my spacers were situated and yup the steel tubes go through the center of the rubber bushings.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?26227-Shoeless-GTM-501-Here-we-go!!!/page9

I did not have to cut and reweld the sub frame to get the bolts in. It was damn close, but mine went together.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Thanks, Shoeless!! That pic helps a bunch. So looks to me like 4 of these washers will not get used?....or are used for something I have not gotten to yet?

131727

Here is what I have for alignment with the subframe holes:


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131729

[Shoeless]

I remember I had some extra parts as well when I was done.

How high do you have the transaxle supported with the wood below it? I think going back I had to have everything fairly loose including the motor mounts and bracket on the Mendy. Once I lowered the back of the Mendy down to almost be the exact final height, it all barely went together.

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

I sat the rubber mounts that fit between the subframe and trans mount in place and positioned the trans at that height. That's the height that the photos were taken. I've already looked at the motor mounts and I'm no thinking there is going to be nearly enough slop in those to get where I need to go?.....

[Shoeless]

Looking back at your pics, it’s also appears the rear of the transaxle is kicked off towards the drivers side.

Kind of scratching my head on this one. Is this a car you are finishing off for someone or building from scratch? Did you source and install the motor mounts and engine stands?

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

This whole thing is turning into quite the cluster-#%*&. This is an old GTM kit.....#96. The axles....we could not get the 'Vette outer CV's even started on the splines. We spent about 2 hours filing the axle splines down to the point that we could get the 'Vette outer CV's to go onto the axle. Got both the outers done and went to install the inner CV's that came with the Mendeola. They won't fit. The inner race is too thick and there is not enough spline length to get the snap ring on....can't even get it on far enough to see the snap ring groove. I had a different set of CV's on the shelf, so pulled them down. Exact same part number on the box. They fit fine, but the outer race is also significantly narrower than the ones the Mendeola shipped with the transaxle......so are these going to have enough plunge travel to work?

The plastic shifter......isn't there supposed to be a big steel bracket that's supposed to bolt to to mount it in the tunnel? It seems I don't have that here anywhere?

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

This is a GTM we're building for a customer...I believe he bought the kit second hand from someone else. There was not much mechanical work done on it at all.....the suspension was all installed, the brake lines ran, the steering column installed and the engine was already installed....with a 6" deep oil pan. We've already had the engine out, replaced the oil pan and reinstalled the engine in the chassis. This is an LS7 that has been converted to wet sump. Neither of the engine mounting brackets were clearanced for the bosses in the block, so we had to do that while the engine was out.

BTW, we ordered a shallower oil pan which they said would work with LS7. When we received the parts (oil pan, dipstick tube and dipstick, oil pickup tube, windage tray) they are marked "not for LS7". Everything will bolt up fine, but if you try to turn the crank, the connecting rod bolts hit the windage tray....so the tray has to be "adjusted" to clear the bolts.

[Shoeless]

Dang, I’m not sure I’m going to be much help beyond what I’ve already shared. Hopefully someone can jump in and help here.

I can say yes, there is supposed to be a sheet metal bracket to hold the shifter. It’s kind of a PITA to adjust the shift cables, not even sure how mine stand, as the Mendy instruction state DO NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING. I had to have the wife help me “find” a gear to put it in while I manually turned the motor over so I could set my clutch stop.

[Perkster029]

Thanks, Shoeless!! That pic helps a bunch. So looks to me like 4 of these washers will not get used?....or are used for something I have not gotten to yet?

131727

Here is what I have for alignment with the subframe holes:


131728

131729

So I've become quite proficient at uninstalling/reinstalling this transaxle, unwillingly. I can tell you I use all the washers I was sent, but you seen to have more than I did. The alignment has always been unpleasant (but not quiiite as bad as yours). I always line up the bolt as well as I can, and use a rubber hammer to convince things to fit together.

As for how I use the washers: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/IMx9pnQo0utM2K8fRIXyUaD8zd1d4Y2GTT_kg_i3kF278KH2KT zLb8JpyJiIgzDrOJc9tv4=w1280
Dunno if it's right, but it made sense to me.

[Perkster029]

This whole thing is turning into quite the cluster-#%*&. This is an old GTM kit.....#96. The axles....we could not get the 'Vette outer CV's even started on the splines. We spent about 2 hours filing the axle splines down to the point that we could get the 'Vette outer CV's to go onto the axle. Got both the outers done and went to install the inner CV's that came with the Mendeola. They won't fit. The inner race is too thick and there is not enough spline length to get the snap ring on....can't even get it on far enough to see the snap ring groove. I had a different set of CV's on the shelf, so pulled them down. Exact same part number on the box. They fit fine, but the outer race is also significantly narrower than the ones the Mendeola shipped with the transaxle......so are these going to have enough plunge travel to work?

The plastic shifter......isn't there supposed to be a big steel bracket that's supposed to bolt to to mount it in the tunnel? It seems I don't have that here anywhere?

Do you have this? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nvFS34RWxywy64VMkhcakSepgrsl0abV/view?usp=sharing

[Ajzride]

Kind of side topic, but if the GTM plastic shifter is the same as the 818 one, you can get a pretty decent aluminum one on eBay that is much stiffer and precise without spending k-tunes money.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224064290459

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

So I've become quite proficient at uninstalling/reinstalling this transaxle, unwillingly. I can tell you I use all the washers I was sent, but you seen to have more than I did. The alignment has always been unpleasant (but not quiiite as bad as yours). I always line up the bolt as well as I can, and use a rubber hammer to convince things to fit together.

As for how I use the washers: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/IMx9pnQo0utM2K8fRIXyUaD8zd1d4Y2GTT_kg_i3kF278KH2KT zLb8JpyJiIgzDrOJc9tv4=w1280
Dunno if it's right, but it made sense to me.

That link says I am "forbidden" to see it.....


Do you have this? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nvFS34RWxywy64VMkhcakSepgrsl0abV/view?usp=sharing

No, I did not have that. Thanks!!


Kind of side topic, but if the GTM plastic shifter is the same as the 818 one, you can get a pretty decent aluminum one on eBay that is much stiffer and precise without spending k-tunes money.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224064290459

Thanks for the link! That does indeed look like a pretty nice unit for the price.....if it functions the way it is needed to function for this trans?

[Ajzride]

I've obviously never hooked up a mendeola, the 818 uses a Subaru gearbox, but the shifter in these instructions for the GTM is exactly the same as the one that ships with the 818:

https://www.factoryfive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Mendeola-Cable-Shift-kit-PDF.pdf

On the 818 the cables go out the front of the firewall and on the GTM they go out the back. I believe this is because the action on the Subaru transmission is inverted from the Porsche/Mendeola. As long as you install the shifter in the same orientation as the FFR one, it should be a drop in replacement.

Also, if anyone is interested, a translucent powder coat over a billet piece makes for a nice touch:

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[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

Ok......the axles are officially too long (now that we have 2 days tied up in assembling them). Even with the suspension cam bolt turned all the way out to max camber (max axle length) and the suspension at full droop (max axle length), the axle shaft is already pushing up against the output flange on the trans. Solutions?

Crash.....have you made custom length axles for these yet? Am I going to have to go with an outer stub shaft and a plunge joint outer and the wider inner in order to get enough travel?

[Shoeless]

I remember coming across some posts in my research on the other forum about different widths so to speak of the Mendy output flanges causing an issue like this. When I installed mine and checked suspension travel, I didn’t run into any noticeable binding when I used my floor jack to get to “full compression” on the suspension travel.

I’ll see if I can find those posts again or look through my notes and see if I jotted anything down in my notes, but I don’t believe I did.

[claybags]

IIRC the axles shipped with a gtm kit that specified a Mendeola came with axles specifically for the tranny. It was a while ago, but I'd check with FFR if you haven't already.
I may be wrong.
Cheers, Jeff

[VRaptor SpeedWorks, LLC]

I've already called FFR and Mendeola. According to FFR, there is only one set of axles that they ship, which is supposed to fit everything...except the wider Mendy transaxle, which FFR says was a "running change" and they have no idea when the change took place.