other transmission for a top-fuel engine

[fiatboy]

I'm looking for a (water cooled) Donovan drag engine. Or an engine that looks like a Donovan. I'm building a salt-flats racer. I'd use a top-fuel engine, but w/o water coolng it just wouldn't last. Also, I'd have to have a proper gear-box, or a transmission. I'm considering 3 transmissions right now: 1. I have a diecast kit of a Hewland transaxle. 2. I have a Lenco transmission (I really don't know how they are used, in what application.). 3. How about a modern Corvette transaxle? I'm trying to minimize the total length of the drive-train to fit the wheelbase of the body I'll be using. Thanks

[dwc43]

Not familiar with the first one. The Lenco is a planetary trans used with manual or air shifters. Uses a timed clutch for launches. Used in Pro Stock and some street applications. The vette tranny wont hold up on an engine make a 1000 plus hp. Top fuel cars do not use transmissions. They use a timed multi stage clutch direct drive through a reverser so it can be backed up after a burn out.

[roadhawg]

Depending on the configuration, you could use a lot of different transmissions, including the Hewland. A lot of streamliners use transaxles made by Weisman (I think thats right?) that are very similar to an Indy car or F-1 transaxle, so see what they have. If you're going to have a driveshaft/rear end setup, a Jerico or something like that should be ok.

Dig around HERE awhile, maybe you'll find something that will help.

[roadhawg]

who says the 'vette trans and rear won't hold up?

I also have to agree with Dave. It's totally feasable. Remember, these cars don't need the "shock strength" of a drag racing transmission.....they just need to be able to stay together at top speed and have low internal friction.

[fiatboy]

Not familiar with the first one. The Lenco is a planetary trans used with manual or air shifters. Uses a timed clutch for launches. Used in Pro Stock and some street applications. The vette tranny wont hold up on an engine make a 1000 plus hp. Top fuel cars do not use transmissions. They use a timed multi stage clutch direct drive through a reverser so it can be backed up after a burn out.

Thanks very much for the valuable info. I'm very impressed with your knowledge!

[fiatboy]

Depending on the configuration, you could use a lot of different transmissions, including the Hewland. A lot of streamliners use transaxles made by Weisman (I think thats right?) that are very similar to an Indy car or F-1 transaxle, so see what they have. If you're going to have a driveshaft/rear end setup, a Jerico or something like that should be ok.

Dig around HERE awhile, maybe you'll find something that will help.

Well then. Great; I'll use my Hewland. And I will return to "dig around here". Hope I can find a photo of a fuel engine plumbed for water cooling. Thanks again.

[dwc43]

Thanks very much for the valuable info. I'm very impressed with your knowledge!

Thanks for the kind words. I've been involved in some type of racing for years. Mostly prefer oval track or road courses though.

[MikeMc]

I don't think a fuel motor is wise...and why would you need 8000hp?

A well built motor can give you 1200 to 2000 hp and will last more than a few miles w/o exploding

here are links for real world motors that can be cooled

http://www.treracing....com/bbc8.shtml

http://www.jonkaaser...ts/engines.html

This is a

• 820 Cubic Inch Pro Stock GM HEMI Engine
• 1800+ horsepower

As far as a transmission goes...Powerglides built for racing will hold 3000 hp add an over or underdrive and your set they are also quite short and can be shifted manually

http://www.nealtrans...nsmissions.html

http://www.atiracing...ns/pg/index.htm

Edited June 8, 2011 by Stasch