Getrag 440/446 parts.

[doctorstupid]

Great info on the shared parts, Bret.

Long time no see

[Gatecrasher]

I've had suspicions about BMW and Toyota trannies for a while, but no way to verify it because I don't know where to find someone who has actually opened one up and documented what's inside.

Getrag actually uses generic syncro packages in different diameters. I knew there had to be some interchangability somewhere.

The one I'm really interested in is the Porsche 911 GT2. It uses a Getrag 448 model trans, and Porsche sells parts for it. I'm hoping there is some kind of synchro upgrade package available for it.

Thanks for the info Bret

[sk8r]

So I emailed markwilliams and they told me $600 for an output shaft
Have their prices gone up or is this normal?

[doctorstupid]

Originally Posted by sk8r

So I emailed markwilliams and they told me $600 for an output shaft
Have their prices gone up or is this normal?

That's normal, I beleive.

[HydeDW]

Who can help me find reference to a FAX number for AutoCraft?
I'm certain I've read the number somewhere on this thread but now I cannot locate it. Specifically trying to fax Bill Lane 405-350-3824 <-this is a land line

Thx



Subsequently found FAX number (405-777-5388) - but a buzy signal so far today. Link of info found at:

http://www.3si.org/forum/showthread....AX#post2700368

[razzor7]

Hey guys,

I was just made aware of a VCU rebuild service by Speed Freak Racing. The cost is only $175, which is cheaper than a new VCU ($700 from Mentor Mitsu) or even a used one from Alltransmission.com ($300). However, I was wondering what exactly would entail a "VCU rebuild." He says he wants the entire front output shaft assembly, which I'm guessing includes the planetary and the VC cover. If any of you guys have some thoughts, please let me know. I've got a spare VCU lying around whose seals burst (and viscous goo is gone), and if any of you guys know part numbers for seals and/or the type of dilatant fluid used to fill the VCU, I wouldn't mind donig an autopsy and sharing my results.

Just as a note, I did e-mail Steve from SFR last Friday, but I don't think he'll get back to me until Monday, so I figured I'd post here.

Also, I asked Steve what kind of dilatant fluid he used. Dow Corning is the only manufacturer I know of that makes the stuff, and about 4 fluids came up: a silicone-oil based fluid, and 3 dimethyl-based fluids (which, interestingly, were specifically labeled, "Viscous coupling fluid").

Any thoughts? Bret? Doc? Gate?


Best,
- Dmitry

[Gatecrasher]

All he does is swaps out your dead VCU for a working used unit. He then takes the ruined units and uses them for creating welded center diffs. It's a VCU exchange...not rebuild.

Based on the research I did on some Subaru forums, it is virtually impossible to rebuild a destroyed VCU. The equipment, skills, and materials are very specialized and hard to come by. It's definitely nothing Speed Freak Steve has access to.

[razzor7]

Gotcha... thanks. However, if all he needs is a dead VCU, why all the other parts like planetaries and front output shaft?

EDIT: I just had a thought. What exactly goes into a VCU rebuild? I noticed some welds on the one I've got in my garage. Probably TIG, since there doesn't appear to be any filler metal. I really wouldn't mind cutting mine apart (it's junk), as I don't think Jeff has pictures of a dissected VCU on his site. I'm sure it would be of more use on his site than it currently serves. I also noticed two ball bearing "valves" that are most likely used to fill the coupling with fluid, and possibly to add air or even pressurize the unit. However, we can't really know unless we take one apart. I can't seem to find any literature, technical or layman, about rebuilds or even viscous coupling in general. All I know about are the dilatant fluids, and I've read a lot of misinformation on this forum about them (on person said expansion of the fluid is what creates coupling between the plates ) I'm an aerospace engineering student, which is basically an ME with an emphasis on fluids and thermodynamics. Kinda up my alley Any chance you could point me to the links in Subaru forums or maybe send me a PM if you don't want to discuss it here?


Thanks,
- Dmitry

[maddog]

i've thought about trying to rebuild one too but its not at all easilly feasible. from a jeep vcu i looked at its sorda like a torque converter in the sense of fins but theres more and they alternate like a clutch pack for automatics but theres no contact between the fins.

each fin is alternated by either being connected to the center spool or the outside case. even if you cut the weld that joins the center case i dont know how you would seperate them without ruining the fins. i assume there is some sorda of special welding when they are assembled.

one thing ive noticed with the balls on each end is that if the vcu has blown the paint that usally covers them has either been pushed off or maybe burned off. where all the good ones i've seen still had the paint marks. dont know if it was an assmebly thing or a way to quickly tell if there may be problems. just a thought thou so not really a concrete way of telling. or maybe there check balls dont know exactly like if pressure gets too high it could relieve there instead of blowing the seals.

no clue on the seals as far as pressure on them, i would think they would have to be really tight tolerance. i've found some that completly blew out of the vcu. they were some sort of rubber. didnt feel all to strong but i dont know if it was the whole seal. dont know were we could get them either.

ive taken some torque specs on slow rotation and trying to go as fast as i could. let me see if i can dig them up

probably would be good to cut one of ours up for the hell of it. i never got around to doing it cause im still trying to figure a replacement for the vcus

wear your safety glasses when you cut it casue the dam vcu's have screwed us over so many time i wouldnt be surprised if they tried one last stunt to screw us over before you kill one

[DaveSlow]

Dan, I've still got my blown VCU sittin at my house. We could chop it up next time you get home.