I'm building my car to be a fun, unique, all-around race car instead of for drag or road tracks specifically. I've built off-road trucks before that pushed the limit (at least in the eyes of the DOT) of suspensions and crazy mods.

With that in mind, would it be possible to replace the transmission and rear end with a transaxle from a newer 'vette? Is there anyone that's done it? What might be some advantages (they seem to be strong and balance the weight well) and drawbacks (the fab work would be pretty intense and there's a lot of stock stuff in the way)? I've heard the new Camaro might have an IRS too. I'm asking to get a new idea out there as much as for my own information. What do you guys think?

By the way, I did a search and found someone asking about part numbers and costs but they didn't say why. I'd assume it was for a swap like this but who knows.

Thanks in advance for your input,
Dave

 

I've read where GM has built Camaro engineering mules with IRS. I believe they used Corvette parts. Sure it is possible. You will probably have to make up some of the parts to make it work.

 

Go to the Suspension forum (where I'll move this post to), and do a "search". There's a thread with lots of photos documenting a very clean IRS install in a 4th Gen F-Body.

 

Well, I guess thanks for moving this to the suspension forum. I'm not sure this forum will get the response I was hoping for but we'll see.

I did a "search" for the transaxle before posting (as stated in the original post) without finding anything in detail. Maybe you have a link to the correct thread?

 

Since you are so upset theat I moved it to the correct forum, enough to send me a PM, I'll move this back to Advanced Tech where I hope you find your answer .

 

Well Fred,

I'm not upset . . . put it where it belongs. Better yet, instead of critquing my choice of forums, point me in the right direction. I posted here because of the level of discussion and the complex nature of the question.

I'm not exactly sure why you need to bring this small disagreement into the thread. For those that care, I've search through more than 200 threads looking for this information before posting. My polite PM was intended to keep matters out of this post. If we need to continue that discussion, let's do so through PMs.

 

Exactly what I did with my initial post - told you what info was available, and where to find it. But you took exception to my actions.



PS: Took me exactly 12 seconds to find this, using the search function and the word "Corvette".

http://camaross.com/forums/showthrea...light=Corvette

You're welcome.

 

I would be interested in this info also. A buddy of mine is thinking about this TRANSAXLE swap in an upcoming project also. I think the c3/c4 IRS would be a relatively easy swap, but the transaxle looks pretty tough.
Are you planning on replacing the floors, etc.?
Steve

 

Fred,

Thanks for finding the link. That's all I was asking for to begin with (the Corvette search didn't occur to me).

Steve,

I don't know if I'd be willing to cut the floor quiet yet. We'll see . . .

 

Fred was right in that this should have been posted in the suspension forum. A lot more guys that are geared towards this stuff are there. Advanced tech generally encompasses only engine tech... occasionally it goes outside that. These threads usually take a few days or even weeks to gain momentum.

There were some pics of a C5 IRS/transaxle assembly grafted into an fbody. The pics are gone from the thread now and I couldn't find them on LS1tech either... their search function isn't working for me currently. You'll find a lot more info by searching for "IRS" as opposed to "transaxle" as the whole assembly is grafted in, the transaxle is just part of the independent rear setup. In the C5 the IRS is a separate assembly that unbolts from the chassis, has it's own cage/cross member etc.

As to actually answer the question. In the pics we saw the transaxle actually sat where the rear seat is and the torque tube ran a good bit higher than the drive shaft does. From what I saw I could only assume they built some real frame rails for the rear of the car and attached the IRS cage to that. I would hope there was more support than that (as in a tubed and triangulated support structure) but they didn't elaborate and the pics were of a half completed project.

As far as IRS goes the C4 setup is much more common, it's been done at least half a dozen times (only one time for the C5 IRS as far as I know). There is a solid center section (Dana44) that can be used for good power but the half shafts give trouble(the C5 uses CV shafts). The geometry could also be better (for the C4). In short, for all the trouble it's really not worth it (C4 IRS) performance wise unless you're looking to ride like a luxury sedan. A worked on live rear axle can run just as well with some suspension relocation so that you can get the roll centers down.

As a final note... give Fred a brake. He goes out of his way to help alot of people, even with simple questions. He's helped (replied to) alot of us repeatedly even though he knows the answer could be found with a quick search. When he moved your post it was only because he knew where we (handling guys) would see it (I would have seen it last week if it stayed where he put it). He's an honest guy that is only trying to help out as a hot rodder. The fact that he's a mod only lets him help you a bit more than the average guy as he can steer your thread where it needs to go. Your new hear and I'm sure you haven't searched much. As you do more searches for your questions you'll see how often he repeatedly replies to the same questions over and over. You'll also see how often he steers people in the right direction.

A lot of mods are ***** on a power trip, Fred is def. not one of them.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I guess the IRS isn't a worthwhile setup to consider. The fab work versus benefit just doesn't seem to add up.

Fred, I hope you will look back at the messages and realize I wasn't ever giving you a hard time. I just wanted the right people (including you) to see the thread. Thanks for finding the info on the C4 swap too, I guess there aren't many Z06 swaps being discussed yet.

NOV194, I'm not really new to this forum. I've been a member here for almost four years and use the search to answer most of my questions, hence the low number of posts. I was also a moderatator at 4x4parts.com. I know there are good and bad moderators and agree that Fred is not one of the "*****".

Again guys, thanks for the input.