Gauging Interest: Structural 5th Gear Cover? (g-series)

[Rocketman]

Howdy all. I had thought of an idea & wanted to run in past everyone to see if there is interest.

Thought about making a heavy duty 5th gear cover for the G-series transmission. They would be cast alloy aluminum - 1/4" thick in most places, with a heavy duty mating flange & strengthening ribs that will double as cooling fins. Should look pretty cool once done, too, as well as offer way more support than the flimsy stamped cover.

This is the cover in question:



This should work on most/all FWD G-series transmissions including the V6.

I think the 4wd cover is different, I could easily whip up a version for the 4wd g-series too
Could also make one for the F-series if someone is willing to provide a cover for me to use a pattern/template.

Roughly estimated price is $100-150 per piece. What do you guys think?

[Nerd Racing]

will it increase the OAL? They are a tight fit in the festiva engine bay.

[Rocketman]

OAL will increase a bit, by 1/4" to 3/8" - nothing too drastic.

[bhazard]

I have like a paper widths clearance :p

[Grey Vw]

I don't think I would buy one.

[Nerd Racing]

yeah same here. now if you could cast a beefed up housing that is already alloy...

[Damkid]

The idea is certainly intriguing, But I am really on the fence about if I would buy one or not though

[angrygocart]

I would get one when I do the g series swap. You should get more interest after you make one and post pictures.

[bhazard]

You'll have to check out some swapped festivas first. Some have more clearance than others. I know mine has no room for such a thing.

[zoom zoom]

I wonder if casting "Festiva" into the top/visible part would change any minds.. who cares about the protege guys..

I think its a nice idea, but I can't see myself paying that kind of price, not that its outrageous, my pockets just aren't very deep.

[Rocketman]

yeah same here. now if you could cast a beefed up housing that is already alloy...

I wouldn't bother with a stock housing... I'd cast an engine side half of an MTX75 case with the B-series bolt pattern... no need to deal with stock gears anymore. Bolt-on transmission that can handle 400hp all day

Thanks guys, I'll work on making one for myself & take things from there.

[Nerd Racing]

^^ do it!

[Rocketman]

It's pretty much out of reach of my backyard foundry, & too big to fit on my machines... really needs to be done on a CNC to be accurate & consistent enough.

If we got enough folks seriously interested I could look into costs...
Could also make the same thing for the V6 guys too

[festyfreak39]

How would this one differ from the one that was a group buy on club protege? will it have a similar effect?

if that's the case id be in for forsure. put my name down and u can have my visa card

[festyfreak39]

Any verdict rocketman?