Paul,

I've continued to primarily lurk, and glean some knowledge from you
and your readers here and there.  I am always grateful for the work
you do and the information you all share.

I've also been lurking at the midlana build and was wondering if you
or any of the newsletter members have a best recommendation for a
transverse (as opposed to longitudinal) manual transaxle suited to
the rotary.  I'm thinking combination of lightest weight with
sufficient durability to handle a p-ported 13b, and possibility of
LSD/Torsen tech.

Someone mentioned a volvo m65 was very small and lightweight, but the
arrangement may interfere with the exhaust ports.

--
Michael S. Francisco

Suitable manual transmission are few and far between
that will handle 200 foot pounds of torque and 10,000 RPM.

I would try a Honda, Toyota or Chrysler V6 mini van auto
transmission. All those vehicle have about 230 HP.

The Honda past 1994 and Toyota are best. Chrysler never made
a tx worth a damn.

Convert the valve body to a paddle shifter.
If it is good enough for a F1 driver it should be good enough
for your average boy racer :)

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?__v=RbL4U7Rd-tY <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbL4U7Rd-tY>

Paul Lamar


I would look at the Mazda Speed 3 transmission. 6 spd, with factory LSD. The
   engines are 263HP and 280LB/FT. I understand the bell pattern for rear drive
   Miata and RX are the same. How the change to transverse is accomodated I do
   not know. Maybe John Doonan or Lynn Hoover know. Any way you look at it an
   adapter is likely needed if the bell housings are different.

   Dale Davies

Thanks Dale,

I figure there is no way getting around some kind of adapter--Kennedy, custom, etc--Sticking with Mazda may be the best
bet, so the Mazda speed 3 sounds good, but considering they are only late model years, it may be pricey, though nowhere
near longitudinal fare.

Are John Doonan and Lynn Hoover on the newslettter, or do I need to hunt them down somewhere else?