AT LAST! First Mendeola Production Transaxles Ship

[Dave Smith]

This has been a very long time coming. About one year ago, we began taking deposits on what was to be about a three month project with the guys from Mendeola Transmissions. Specifically, the project involved an affordable, high horsepower capable transmission for the GTM which would provide a better alternative Porsche transmission.

Today, I bring the long-awaited good news that the boys at Mendeola have finally come through. Customer Joe Masciarelli was here today to pick-up his transaxle. Joe was customer #001 on the order list. As of today, three units have shipped and it appears that Mendeola is building 2-3 units per week. Patti Maloney here in Materials will be coordinating deliveries.

On behalf of everyone at Factory Five Racing, I offer my sincere gratitude to all of the Factory Five customers who have waited so patiently for this project to come to production. More details as they become known.

http://www.factoryfive.com/gtm/tech/trans/images/DSC_2871.jpg
FFR President Dave Smith with customer Joe Masciarelli, Eddie, Nate, and Jesper.

http://www.factoryfive.com/gtm/tech/trans/images/DSC_2875.jpg
The new transmissions are shipped in a very well engineered custom crate.

http://www.factoryfive.com/gtm/tech/trans/images/DSC_2882.jpg
Joe tells me he'll be go-karting in a few days.

[fact5racer]

Wow! First they kill Osama Bin Laden..........now this! Next week: Who really killed Jon Benet?

[crash]

Hey Chaney, you sure you don't own an SLC?

[fact5racer]

All I know is if it wasn't for the "above and Beyond" that Dave Smith did for me, I would have been screwed for SEMA.
Hey Chaney, you sure you don't own an SLC?

[Kempo]

Dave,
Great news. When will the Mendeola installation kit start shipping?

[Cory Brown]

So how many people have received their transaxles so far?

[Rick Williams]

Still haven't gotten mine. Next week it will be one year since I ordered and I was one of the first. Sigh.

[Joe Mush]

I got mine and will be posting some pictures soon.

Joe

[Radkat]

Hi Joe, that's great news!
What number were you in the first 15?

[Joe Mush]

FFR got the first one and I got the next one. Still waiting for a few parts. Will be Gocart very soon.

[dreabrown]

Joe, can you give us an update? Did you get the remaining parts? Any issues? What shifter mechanism are you using? I'm told I'm on the short list, but I'm still completely in the dark....

Anyone have updates?

Thanks

[lrt1941]

How about an update. How many have been shipped? Are the other parts needed to install it ready to be shipped? Some one needs to give us a weekly update.
Leonard

[crash]

All I can tell you is that I visited Mendeola yesterday and the production area for the FFR SDR is starting to look much smaller than it was at its height of waiting for parts. Ian told me they shipped 11 transaxles this last week, although not all of them were FFR customers or FFR SDR boxes. If you are part of the first batch and haven't seen your box yet, I can't imagine it will be much longer before it arrives.

[Dave Smith]

I was told that eight transmissions would ship by the end of this week (today). I have emailed Ian and am waiting on a report. I am not happy and the ONLY thing that will solve that will be news that we are solidly in production with quality parts, to spec, and the people who trusted us with their money have the parts in their shops.

[Kempo]

Things are moving in the right direction. I got a message today from Ian with the tracking number of my crate.

[ddorrer]

That is why we have production contracts with deliverables and specific performance clauses. If a vendor makes a promise and can not produce there are monetary penalties. Just my opinion.

[Joe Mush]

Here it is and it is awesome. I like to give Ian a big thanks.
I will post alot of pictures and a video.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmpics038.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics012.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics006.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics005.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics001.jpg

[Kempo]

Here it is and it is awesome. I like to give Ian a big thanks.
I will post alot of pictures and a video.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmpics038.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics012.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics006.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics005.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics001.jpg

Very nice Joe. Congratulations on that huge milestone. Thanks for sharing.

[Joe Mush]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics011.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics009.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics008.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics007.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics002.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/DSC01827.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/DSC01829-1.jpg

[Kalstar]

Very big congrats. Wheels look great.

[Joe Mush]

Thanks Guys,

Here are some install pictures.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/DSC01821.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/DSC01822.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/DSC01812.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/DSC01802.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/DSC01819.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/DSC01818.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v678/JOE-MUSH/gtmmorepics001.jpg

[kabacj]

Awesome Joe! I also got word from ian that mine is in the mail. Woo hoo!

John

[Cory Brown]

Awesome Joe! I also got word from ian that mine is in the mail. Woo hoo!

John
Any idea what number in the first 15 you are?

[kabacj]

I don't know Cory.

John

[dreabrown]

Joe,

Looks incredible! Nice job. Looks like there is some new mounting hardware I've never seen. Can you give us the details on what parts are coming from FF to mount this unit and what other parts we need to source elsewhere? Can you also give the specs/source for the shifter set up?

Thanks for sharing. This has been a long time coming.
EB

[crash]

I think the biggest question that we all want to know is "how does it work"?:cool:

[Presto51]

I think the biggest question that we all want to know is "how does it work"?:cool:

Crash since you wanted to know this one's for you :D


1.Listen for the change in your car's engine sounds that let you know it's "working harder." Higher pitched whirring is one sign. (Notice the RPM reading at that point, and you'll begin to develop a sense of when you need to shift gears in this car. Most cars need to be shifted whenever they hit 3000-3500 RPMs)

2.Lift your right foot off the pedals altogether--do not press the accelerator or brake pedal.

3.Press the clutch pedal down quickly all the way to the floor or until you feel it dis-engage. (A very slight jarring, a change in engine sound, a change in feel. RPMs will drop to the idling rate and the engine should be much quieter.)

4.Smoothly pull the shift lever straight back from 1st to 2nd gear.

5.Release the clutch smoothly and then continue pressing lightly on the accelerator. Do not be harsh with either pedal - the ride will be jerky and you could put too much strain on the drive train.

[crash]

You very funny guy! :rolleyes:

[Joe Mush]

Joe,

Looks incredible! Nice job. Looks like there is some new mounting hardware I've never seen. Can you give us the details on what parts are coming from FF to mount this unit and what other parts we need to source elsewhere? Can you also give the specs/source for the shifter set up?

Thanks for sharing. This has been a long time coming.
EB


EB,

I would contact FF and ask them for the shifter kit. It will come with the mount for the transaxle and the mount for the shifter. Also make sure you have the right back frame. It should have a rounded back corners not welded. Mine was wrong and I am #350. You will have to get a flex line to contact hard line to slave cylinder. I used the Exedy clutch kit came with fly wheel,pressure plate,clutch,throw out bearing and pilot bearing. The pilot bearing that came with my kit was wrong. I got the right one from Napa (6302-vsp43). I think the first thing you should do when you get your transaxle, Call Ian he will walk you through the steps.

Joe

[Joe Mush]

I think the biggest question that we all want to know is "how does it work"?:cool:


Crash,

It worked great, little stiff the first couple of laps around but by the third lap it shifted awesome. I wish I could have gone faster but it is a small neighborhood.


Joe

[crash]

Great to hear.

Some on here and the other site have called me a "fan boy" and even a "shill" for Mendeola. While I will admit to being a "fan boy" in that I believe in their product, want Mendeola to do well, and want the builders on here to be happy, let me just state that I am not paid by Mendeola to say anything about, well, anything. I had no idea what your reply was going to be, but am very happy that you appear to be pleased with the transmission you got from Mendeola.

These things are truly like a Swiss watch inside and getting them right is a challange to say the least. Now that the first run has been done, I would think that subsequent orders will be able to be filled MUCH faster. I'm sure some things will change going forward also. Some parts may change slightly and I'm almost positive the price will change a bit, but that is all based on the market and refinements that need to be done. Heck, we are running a Mendeola S5 that is a relatively older design, and yet Mendeola is STILL making small adjustments to improve things. I believe Mendeola's actions of continual improvement just shows how much everyone at Mendeola cares about EVERY gear box and EVERY customer that uses one. You simply won't see that from most transmission companies these days. OK, I'm sounding like a shill again...:)

[Mendeola Transaxles]

Checks in the mail "fan boy";)

[Cory Brown]

Any Christmas presents being shipped out from mendeola this week? Any idea on how many boxes have been shipped? I think I'm number 13 or 14 and just wondering how close I am to having a very merry Christmas!!

[dreabrown]

I echo that question/ request for a real Christmas present! I think I'm lucky number 13 so let's here from you Mendeola about units 13/14 going to the Browns before the end of the holiday season. I want to work on this while I have some time.
Mendeola?

Eric Brown, Columbia SC

[lrt1941]

Mendeola
How about an update on when 11 thru 15 can expect to see our tranaxels. No tranaxel is bad enough but no communication is unacceptable.
Leonard

[crash]

Have you tried calling Ian?

619-710-8800 ex 110

My understanding is that Ian has been talking to all those that he can get a hold of about when to expect their transaxles to be delivered.

[Kempo]

Have you tried calling Ian?

619-710-8800 ex 110

My understanding is that Ian
has been talking to all those that he can get a hold of about when to expect their transaxles to be delivered.

I have called Ian several times in the past 3 months with questions about delivery,parts need for the install such as clutch components, oil type and amount, oil cooler set up etc. most of the time I have been able to talk to him when I call. The times I haven't I have left a message on his voice mail and have gotten a call back on the same day. Great guy to talk to never in hurry and will go over any questions you may have.

[Joe Mush]

I agree he is a very easy guy to reach.

[lrt1941]

Got word from ff-5 14-28 are not going to ship for some time. the ring and pinion gears have been rejected. middle of February before new one may be ready. Dave will substute 410s and give us 500.00 dollars if we wish. They would ship shortly if we want the 410s. I did talk to Ian yesterday and he did not mention this problem. Im glad that the call was made not to ship bad gears,but tell us up front. Dave has gone out of his way to try and help. I think I will wait for the new gears, or just give up and sell out. What are some of the other 14-28 going to do? I!m past bing mad, I feel like I!M a mushroom.

Sorry to rant
Leonard

[fastthings]

I will entertane the thought of buying out one of you.

[Cory Brown]

I am number 14 on the list from what I can tell, bad luck for me. Just got word on Sunday that I'm going to work in Australia for 4-5 months, so I'm just gonna wait it out for the 3.55 gear set. Wish I could have gotten more done on mine this winter, now it's gonna have to sit for another year. Oh well, I'd just as soon it be perfect when it arrives.

[OZIGTM]

Hey Cory,
Where will you be staying while you're in Oz?

Rohan

[Cory Brown]

Melbourne

[mekg8tor]

So just wondering about the quality of 1-13 r&p. Was this isolated to a later lot or will there be issues for the first set.

[crash]

Obviously Ian is going to have the definitive answer on this, but THIS is EXACTLY what I was talking about when I said that these gear boxes are like fine watches. From what I have seen EVERY SINGLE PART in these transaxles is inspected when it comes from the manufacturer, and then fitted to the transaxle with many, MANY checks for tolerance and precision. I know there was an issue with gear sets, and I am pretty sure there was also an issue with R&Ps on the first batch of transaxles. These issues, along with TONS of other details are what takes so long to make sure they are correct BEFORE THEY SHIP TO YOU. IMHO, most of you guys have NO IDEA what goes into these transaxles, and what a smokin deal even $10k for one of these is.

I thought about making a video of the assembly process, but, frankly, I don't have the time. :(

[Mendeola Transaxles]

So just wondering about the quality of 1-13 r&p. Was this isolated to a later lot or will there be issues for the first set.

Good question.
This has nothing to do with the quality of the Ring & Pinion cut.
It is a heat treat malfunction.
We manufactured 100 ring gears blanks.
We tried a heat treat process that was to give us a better part for wear-ability.
A lot of 50 Rings & Pinions were sent to heat treat and 13 rings are the only ones deemed usable after heat treat.(turned in to a potato-chip)
The other 50 Rings were cut and sitting on the floor awaiting Pinion heads to be made.(This has been done)
The correction to the Heat-treating process has been made for future manufacturing.
They are currently at heat treat and will be lapped and matched by mid February.

The 4.11 has been offered as a substitute with a proposed swap out to the 3.55 in the Spring.

[lrt1941]

February 2
Mendeola how about an up date on the sdr. Will any be shipping mid February? Where are we at?
Thanks
Leonard

[Cory Brown]

How are things looking for the month of February?

[Mendeola Transaxles]

How are things looking for the month of February?

We have just received word that the Pinions will be delayed till March due to a machine they run on is down.
They could not give me when in March time frame.
The offer still stands for those that will opt. for the 4.11 ratio and later change to the 3.55 when in stock.
Please feel free to contact us at: 619-710-8800 ext.109
Thank you

[Cory Brown]

Thanks for the update

[dreabrown]

We're well into March at this point, could we get an update please? At this stage, I'm surprised we have to keep pulling teeth for information.

Does anyone have an update?

Frustrated in Columbia.

[Mendeola Transaxles]

We're well into March at this point, could we get an update please? At this stage, I'm surprised we have to keep pulling teeth for information.

Does anyone have an update?

Frustrated in Columbia.

Yes, the ring and pinions are due to be released mid to tail end of March was the last update to FFR.

[dreabrown]

Yes, the ring and pinions are due to be released mid to tail end of March was the last update to FFR.

So this information was provided to FFR already? OK...and what does that mean for the estimated delivery time on the pre-ordered units? How long after you receive the ring and pinions will units begin shipping?

Thanks

[lrt1941]

It is March 21, 2012 how about an up date on shipping for the SDR.
Thanks
Leonard

[Cory Brown]

How is April looking for the transaxles?

[lrt1941]

Called Ian today. He was told parts are on the way. If this is true I should see mine shortly after Easter. I believe that I!m number 15 on the list. How ever ff5 has not told him I!m number 15 as yet. I hope this stays on schedule.
Leonard
GTM no 284

[BigRev]

A question for Mendeola please.
Can you tell me the maximum torque that the transaxle will handle?
thanks

[Mendeola Transaxles]

A question for Mendeola please.
Can you tell me the maximum torque that the transaxle will handle?
thanks
The SDR Stage 1 was designed to handle the E-ROD kit= 6.2-liter LS3 crate engine, rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque.
We will hold these numbers, 500hp and 450 lb.-ft of torque in a 2200 lb. mid engine vehicle with a 26" tall by 12" wide tire for warranty purposes.
Please understand the numbers are useless without the overall platform of the vehicle taken in to consideration.

Thank you-Ian

[BigRev]

The SDR Stage 1 was designed to handle the E-ROD kit= 6.2-liter LS3 crate engine, rated at 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque.
We will hold these numbers, 500hp and 450 lb.-ft of torque in a 2200 lb. mid engine vehicle with a 26" tall by 12" wide tire for warranty purposes.
Please understand the numbers are useless without the overall platform of the vehicle taken in to consideration.

Thank you-Ian

My query was with respect to the GTM as you outlined.

Can the transaxle be upgraded to handle 650 ft lbs torque in the GTM?

thanks

[fastthings]

HI Ian,
would it be safe to say that with all the down time your company has had on the SDR project you have the remaining 21ready to assemble and ship as soom as you have the reworked part in you hands? And would it be safe to say that you will be ready to take new orders?

I am so looking forward to one of your SDR's, it looks like a piece of jewelery. I ordered my kit after watching the vid from Dave S., the updates on the GEN 2, featureing the new box(http://youtu.be/Ie9ArhJFlvs). Soon after the problems started. Knowing the build would take quite some time I wasn't worried that I would be able to get one when I was finally ready. I plan on haveing a trans in my hands in about 3 months, should I hold off the investigation on the Porsche trans? Will you be ready to fill new orders in the next month or so?

Also in the vid, Dave states that the box will be good for 600 hp, seems that you feel different about the power it will handle in the GTM?

Thanks,
Gene

[The Stig]

Hi Gene and Ian.

I'm not sure if others are aware, but the SDR box is not the only transmission that Mendeola builds and sells that will work in the GTM. There are others available, they're just a bit more advanced, and cost a bit more. It may be worth checking into for specifics. When started planning my build, I was on the fence as to whether or not to spend the money for a new Mendeola box, or find a Porsche box that could be re-worked. As it turned out, my kit came with a rebuilt G50/01, so I went with that.

I'm sure that Ian or Crash can straighten me out if I'm wrong about this, but it may be an option for those who have been waiting for so long, and for those who may still be waiting to buy.

http://mendeolamotors.com/trans-proto/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=68

The S4 / S5 are Medium duty and rated from 425 to 600 hp. The SD4 sequential or SD5 are labeled heavy duty gear boxes rated for 600 to 1000 hp. It may be worth a phone call to check them out.

I guess the real question is whether or not these boxes can be used in Mid Engine configuration or if they can be inverted.

[crash]

Stig, you are exactly right about there being other models available. However, the sequential models are really a "race only" variant as they do not have synchros and are LOUD when shifted. Not at all what one would want for the street. The Stage II SDR however, has some different internals that takes the price up quite a bit, but also substantially increases the loading capabilities. I don't have the numbers in my head, but Ian can certainly rattle them off if whomever is interested gives him a call.

As far as inversion goes, the Mendeola boxes are designed to be able to be configured either rear or mid engine from the get go, so the only difference is the ring and pinion design, and which side of the transaxle the ring gear ends up on. Obviously this is all done internally, but the ring and pinions can be swapped out to turn a mid engined transaxle into a rear engined transaxle, and visa versa, very easily.

[The Stig]

Thanks Crash. I just hate seeing everyone waiting and waiting on the SDR. I know that in some cases, the additional price may be prohibitive. But to others is may make sense...

[Mendeola Transaxles]

My query was with respect to the GTM as you outlined.

Can the transaxle be upgraded to handle 650 ft lbs torque in the GTM?

thanks

Yes, it can in the SDR stage II.

[Mendeola Transaxles]

"would it be safe to say that with all the down time your company has had on the SDR project you have the remaining 21ready to assemble and ship as soon as you have the reworked part in you hands?" Yes

And would it be safe to say that you will be ready to take new orders? We have already started taken new orders.

Will you be ready to fill new orders in the next month or so? Yes

Also in the vid, Dave states that the box will be good for 600 hp, seems that you feel different about the power it will handle in the GTM? Everyones build is different. We feel it can handle more but have to put something down on paper. The GTM really dosn't need more than 500hp in a LS based motor with the sold platform FFR supplies.

[fastthings]

"would it be safe to say that with all the down time your company has had on the SDR project you have the remaining 21ready to assemble and ship as soon as you have the reworked part in you hands?" Yes

And would it be safe to say that you will be ready to take new orders? We have already started taken new orders.

Will you be ready to fill new orders in the next month or so? Yes

Also in the vid, Dave states that the box will be good for 600 hp, seems that you feel different about the power it will handle in the GTM? Everyones build is different. We feel it can handle more but have to put something down on paper. The GTM really dosn't need more than 500hp in a LS based motor with the sold platform FFR supplies.

Thank you very much,
Gene

[fastthings]

And by the way, I feel for you guys and what your'e going threw. Good luck, and I hope to be a future customer.
Thanks again,
Gene

[Edgeman]

Gene,

I talked with Ian today and you can order a SDR tansaxle from him. The only problem is that he can only supply the 4:11 gearing. He has these in stock and can ship ASP. Factory Five has the rights to the 3:55 gear ratio. Ian says that there is about a 200 RPM diff between the two ratios. With the rims from Factory Five with the 335 30 18 rubber these are the RPM that he has calculated. With the 3:55 you would run about 2420 RPM as to 2690 RPM with the 4:11. These were just ball park numbers. (At 70 MPH)
I hope this helps as I am still wanting the 3:55 ratio for the lower RPM in top gear.

Later, Doug

[fastthings]

Thanks for the info Doug.
That rpm is at 60mph? So if the ls2 red lines at 7000, what top speed does that figure to be? Seems my favorite type of driving is quik bursts to 120 or so.
Do you guys think I would be happy with the shorter gear?

Gene

[Edgeman]

That was at 70 mph, from Ian. I am willing to wait alittle bit longer as I dont need this yet but if it comes down to it, I will be going with the 4:11. I too bought this GTM from the original post with all the upgrades to the Gen II including the mendeola.

[BigRev]

Yes, it can in the SDR stage II.

Could you please provide the specs for the SDR Stage II?
When will it be available?

thanks

[crash]

Well, we run the 4:11 and our top speed is about 140 MPH on the Thunderhill straight away with 380 RWHP. Top speed in 5th at 6500 RPM would come out to around ~196 MPH if we had a longer straight or more HP. I think that is plenty fast, don't you? I think the biggest problem is probably the exhaust note. Cruising at under 3k is not that bad, unless the exhaust or intake is really loud...IMHO.

Yes, AFAIK, the SDR Stage II is currently available. It was designed and built WAY before the FFR SDR.

[Mike Downs]

I belive that acmikee has a Stage II.

[Edgeman]

Bump, any updates?

[crash]

Bump, any updates?

Um...what type of an update would you like?

Mendeola is taking orders right now for boxes.

Feedback from installed units has been very positive.

Interested? Call Mendeola at 619-710-8800 ex 110.

:)

[Mendeola Transaxles]

Bump, any updates?

We starting to ship them out again.:cool:

[fact5racer]

So how many from the original order of 15 or so are left to be shipped? Considering building my fourth GTM for SEMA 2012

[VD2021]

Do you have to go through FFR to get the 3:55 gear ratio box?

[scottvette1989]

Do you have to go through FFR to get the 3:55 gear ratio box?

I talked to them a couple of weeks ago and that was the case. They would sell me one with 4.10's but not 3.55's, untill the ffr sold transmissions were shipped.
Scott

[kabacj]

So how many from the original order of 15 or so are left to be shipped? Considering building my fourth GTM for SEMA 2012

What happened to your third GTM Gary? So much for keeping it?

[fact5racer]

it's on ebay now

[Erik@GBox]

So I was checking out the pics of with the configuration of the exhaust cats relative to the gearbox differential carrier. Does the Mendeola have provisions for external oil cooling at all? It would seem like with the cats right there, they would tend to bleed quite a bit of heat into that area, which may be detrimental to the overall durability of the gearbox oil and possibly the gearbox internals, overall. Just a thought.

Erik Johnson

[crash]

So I was checking out the pics of with the configuration of the exhaust cats relative to the gearbox differential carrier. Does the Mendeola have provisions for external oil cooling at all? It would seem like with the cats right there, they would tend to bleed quite a bit of heat into that area, which may be detrimental to the overall durability of the gearbox oil and possibly the gearbox internals, overall. Just a thought.

Erik Johnson

The Mendeola boxes have the option to use an internal gear type pump,(the housing for which can be seen at the rear of the box) or you can simply use the pickup port for that pump to feed an external electric pump. Again, the internals, as well as the case design is so much larger and designed specifically to get rid of heat that for many street driven GTMs a cooling/lubricating system probably is not needed. I would put one on, but I'm pretty hard on my cars when I get them to the track.

[Mendeola Transaxles]

So I was checking out the pics of with the configuration of the exhaust cats relative to the gearbox differential carrier. Does the Mendeola have provisions for external oil cooling at all? It would seem like with the cats right there, they would tend to bleed quite a bit of heat into that area, which may be detrimental to the overall durability of the gearbox oil and possibly the gearbox internals, overall. Just a thought.

Erik Johnson

Hey Eric,
Yes, we are concerned about the proximity of the exhaust as well.
We realize the supplied exhaust systems were designed for the Porsche boxes.
The talk of a new exhaust to support the Mendeola configuration is still in mind, but I would like to get some input as to current units temperatures during running.
I have provisions in the gearbox for a temperature sensor so monitoring of the gearbox is possible.
I request to those that run any gearbox in the mid-engine configuration/closed compartment use gauges and sensors to know what levels of heat that are being absorbed in the engine bay.
We have ports on the SDR for external oil cool & pump.
The hardest part of the GTM configuration is the real estate to put a cooler & pump/filter.
For those I have talked to about this, they know I tell them to make the provisions for the assessors mounts during the build now rather then later.
This is whether they will use them or not.
If any one has concerns or questions please feel free to call us.
619-710-8800 ext.109

[Joe Mush]

Hi Ian,

I did put in a temp. sensor on my transaxle. I will give you some feed back once I really hit the road.

Joe

[kabacj]

I have provisions in the gearbox for a temperature sensor so monitoring of the gearbox is possible.


Hi Ian, as we discussed I am installing an oil cooler with my mendiola. My car will see lots of track time. What oil temperature should I target? I plan to have one sender turn on the electric oil pump and a second turn on the fan.

Thanks.

John

[crash]

I don't know if it is different for the SDR, but Mendeola recommends 220 as the correct max temp on our S5.

[narkosys]

Will Mendeola ever come out with a 6 speed version of the transaxle? Also can you install the Brandwood (sp) cable shifter on them? I am still in the early homework stages of a possible GTM build and want to see what all my options are.

Hello! I am the new forumite btw! :D

P

[lrt1941]

FF5 has a cable shifter for the 5-speed mendeola.
Leonard

[docglock]

Does anyone have pics of the oil cooler mounted? If not, does anyone have any insight in mounting the oil cooler with the Kooks exhaust?

Thanks!

[Mendeola Transaxles]

Hi Ian,

I did put in a temp. sensor on my transaxle. I will give you some feed back once I really hit the road.

Joe
Thank you:cool:

[Mendeola Transaxles]

Hi Ian, as we discussed I am installing an oil cooler with my mendiola. My car will see lots of track time. What oil temperature should I target? I plan to have one sender turn on the electric oil pump and a second turn on the fan.

Thanks.

John

John,
190-200 for pump to turn on and start to circulate.
210-215 for fan to start pulling threw.

[Mendeola Transaxles]

Will Mendeola ever come out with a 6 speed version of the transaxle? Also can you install the Brandwood (sp) cable shifter on them? I am still in the early homework stages of a possible GTM build and want to see what all my options are.

Hello! I am the new forumite btw! :D

P

The engineering has been done for some time now. We are waiting for customer base to dictate the need for a 6 speed version.
At current like Leonard stated FF5 has a set up that comes with the kit for the Mendeola.
I do know Brandwood/Cable shift is working on a unit as well.
Feel free to call us I love talking builds-619-710-8800 ext.109

[carbon fiber]

6 speed 6 speed 6speed!

[narkosys]

Thank you for the answers. Like I mentioned I am still in the early homework (read: obsession) stage and am hoping to order a manual soon and the kit within the year. I am very much looking forward to building the GTM.

P