DETAILED REPORT Five Speed ISUZU

[rgh0]

I think the BMC business mangers were not as good as those at Ford hence the outcome - the engineers at both excellent given the evironment they worked in

cheers
Rohan

[Famous Frank]

Maurice,

Your article on the Isuzu 5 speed is not only wonderful, but very inspiring. So inspiring, I have sourced an MSG Isuzu Impulse 5 speed since you sent the reply to my request for 5 speed info. The Impulse is the USA version of the Piazza. The ratios I am guessing will be: First 3.431, Second 1.963, Third 1.364, Fourth 1.000,
Fifth 0.775. I believe those ratios will work fine in my S2 Elan. It had a 3:77 rear with a posi, and a 151 HP twincam.

Then today I found a guy on the Isuzu Forum that has a tail shaft and shifter that will replace the extended Impulse tail shaft and should move the shifter to where yours is located.

Here is a picture of the transmission I found.

What are your thoughts? Also, can you PM as to what you would charge me for the CAD data?

Many thanks, Frank in Marietta, Georgia, 30062, USA

[memini55]

Frank

Have you been able to have any conversation with Maurice? Jerry and I have both got great interest in this project and would love to work to get the CAD files stateside and had sent emails to try to purchase with no reply.
Let us know if you get or make contact please.

Thanks
Mark

[Famous Frank]

Mark, I'll be happy to let you know. If i don't get in touch with him, I'll figure out to have one made locally. And I can't believe I've found the trans needed within 20 miles of where I live. Better lucky than good is my motto.

I love it when a plan starts to come together. I must admit, the job Maurice did is absolutely terrific !!!! Clean, neat, good ratios, right price, etc.

Now if you ever need and seat covers or door panels ............

Frank

[Kiwi elan +2]

Hello Frank and Mark
I don?t believe I am hard to get hold of.
Good to hear your interest. I can probably help you with the CAD but there is a bit of work involved, are you prepared for that. I have clocked over 50,000 miles and loving it. I must admit to sometimes, in the summer, holding the car in fourth gear just because I like the song of the twincam through the open window.

Regards Maurice

[Famous Frank]

Ok Maurice, what is the "bit of work to be done"? Do you need something like one of my kidneys???

I am ready for the work. I've jumped in the pond with both feet. I researched different conversions, I liked yours the best, I've searched the USA for a suitable transmission, found one from a Isuzu Impulse that has the 3:43 First and the .77 Fifth ratios, found a tailshaft shifter plate from someone else that will relocate the shifter to where I need it on an Elan, have talked with a machine shop that cane make the adapter from the CAD program, etc, etc, etc, ..............all in a matter of a few days. The transmission is now in my garage!!!

I'm excited and want to get this done so I can get the engine and trans in the chassis and can then lower the body to the frame and complete the rest of the car.

What is the "work to be done"?

And thank you again,
Frank

[Kiwi elan +2]

Frank

Well first up New Zealand needs to win the Americas Cup?.

The work I talk of would just be the conversion itself. What do you think the CAD would be worth? Maybe a few LOTUS stickers in the post ??

I have two CAD?s. One is the actual one I used and then I re-drew it with a CAD variable element that allows for a drag and drop interchangeable center section because then it could be made to support a concentric clutch or made to the same dimensions as the one fitted to my car.

Maurice

[Famous Frank]

Maurice,

Your work has much merit. Let's continue the conversation via PM's (Private Messages).

Win the America Cup! Did you ever give it any thought why it's called the American Cup? Hmmm, maybe I should have saved a comment like that for after we do business! Not too smart on my part!

Also, one of my best friends is from New Zealand. His name is Barry Sales. He is the proprietor of PHP Race Engines here in the US. He is one of the best engine builders in the country and is a true master of the Twin Cam. He recently saved me from mental insanity. In the past year, I've come down with Prostrate Cancer. His shop is outside Chicago, about 800 miles from where I live, but also where I grew up. I decided to have Proton Therapy Treatment in Chicago. I was there for the first three months of this year being treated. He knew I had another Elan waiting for restoration, so he said "Pull the engine and bring it with you. We can build it while you are here being treated." I made hospital arrangements to be treated each day first thing in the AM. After my radiation, I would take the one hour drive to his shop and work the rest of the day in his shop either working on my motor or assisting with other customer motors. Had I not been doing that, I would have gone completely crazy. I'll forever be thankful for his generosity, wit, and friendship.

PM coming momentarily.

Thank you,
Frank

[Famous Frank]

Maurice,

Ahhh, ............I don't know how to say this, ................................you've been such a huge help and inspiration
up to this point, .......................................but, ....................................ahhhhh, ...............................
...................hmmmm, ......................................I'm sorry, ..............................................I had nothing to do with it,
.............................................I really feel for ya, ..................................ahhhhhhhhhhh, .........................well, ......................ummmmmmmmm, ................................it looks like, ......................well,..............................I'll just cut
to the chase................................

I hope this won't jeopardize our friendship...........................................but......................

Better luck next time!! We WON the Americas Cup!

[robertverhey]

Yep that Aussie crew, top stuff!

[AHM]

Is that the Aussie crew that were 8-1 down until the American designers made their boat go faster, and the Brit gave them a pep talk on winning?

[robertverhey]

Ha, very good, lets put it down to a multicultural triumph!

[rgh0]

The Aussie crew that only ever had to win 9 races - did not matter which 9

cheers
Rohan

[vstibbard]

They actually had to win 11 races, they started - 2 due to some pre finals infringement! Either way sensational racing from both teams

[Kiwi elan +2]

Well Team New Zealand came second to a better boat and better financed Oracle.
In the fine words of Dennis..
?If you?re second in the Americas Cup you are just another looser.?
We did give Larry a run for his money but unfortunately our running ran out before his big pockets became empty.
Well done USA. Was great to watch. A real spectacle and a hell of a comeback by Oracle.
Have I eaten enough humble pie yet????

Regards Maurice from New Zealand
I will go for a drive now in the Elan to make me feel better