Topic: Twincharged Solstice = Turbocharger + Supercharger

[MattM]

I know you had issues with the axle, but beyond that has anything crept up with your current setup to need to go down that route?  Have you had transmission issues with it so far?   

PS if you needed to....PAW has a kit still for a 9 inch rear..

Also, they have 1000HP capable axles http://www.performanceautowerks.com/catalog/product_info.php/dss-solsticeskyopel-1000hp-complete-rear-axles-w108mm-cvos-p-1821

I'm just wondering because I don't remember anything where you had issues with the actual transmission yet. 

How is the twincharged setup comeing along?

[Steelmesh]

Replaced the transmission a few months ago because I couldn't shift it, grinding 2nd and 3rd, and the output shaft has excessive play making all kinds of noises.  The new used low mileage one I put in is doing the same thing now but seems worse, could be the driveshaft about to fail and who knows maybe my clutch system is screwed up and it's killing transmissions.  I have to take the car apart to root cause it, so instead I threw in the towel for 2019.

I have plenty of other projects in queue and I just invested in a 2-week adventure vacation next spring in Spain where I will learn how to fly paramotors. The 2020 car budget is not looking great so we'll see what happens.

[Steelmesh]

This might work if I can get it with the T-56 input 

https://www.jericoperformance.com/5speedroad.htm#

[MattM]

Hell....If you have the adapter for it....Doesn't tremec make pretty stoudt 5 speeds for T-5 transmission? They used to be pretty cheap if I remember correctly as well...

[MattM]

Eh...

I guess like $2,500 plus.....Not too bad I guess, but you already have to create the adapter for it.  I'm sure there are some used ones too though....Here is a link to summits Tremec page...

https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/manual-transmissions/transmission-type/tremec-tko-500

[Steelmesh]

Yes I was looking at the TKO 500/600! and if I get the QT bellhousing adapter for it I can upgrade to sequential using the TKO bellhousing later.  I found a race shop that builds affordable shifter relocators for the T56 and they're developing one for the TKO now.  It's about $4k for the TKO, bellhousing, and shifter relocator so it's quite the investment but that is what it takes if you want a transmission with a 500 ft-lb torque rating from the factory.

[Uranium-238]

It's about $4k for the TKO, bellhousing, and shifter relocator so it's quite the investment but that is what it takes if you want a transmission with a 500 ft-lb torque rating from the factory.

Why not go for a 600 ft/lb rated trans and get a TR6060? Granted you've still got the QT issues (those guys are ing professional scalpers) and the relocation, but I'd imagine a used one isn't quite as expensive as a new one:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-24264047

Figure with a new TR6060, $1200 for a custom QT bellhousing, and $500 for linkage and you're at $5k for a brand new setup. Find a used TR6060, which appears to be in the same ballpark price as the TKO, at least on Ebay, and you end up spending the same amount of money for a 600 ft/lb setup as you would for a 500 ft/lb one.

[Steelmesh]

I'm also curious about transmission adapter plates and how to compensate for the thickness of the adapter plate.  The plate is something I can build in my garage, but not sure of the costs like needing a custom input shaft or custom flywheel.

Manual car swap plate instructions, no mention of any custom shafts/clutch/flywheel: https://www.mazworx.com/Docs/KAVG-Installation-Instructions.pdf

Automatic swap plate, comes with a flexplate and crank flange spacer: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0021/2415/2950/files/PA10001-Packard_straight_8_install_kit.pdf

Manual car swap plate, comes with flywheel spacer:
https://www.lojkits.com/products/vq40de-to-lsx-transmission-adapter?variant=33637780742


I can design a plate and flywheel spacer I suppose...



What I am also considering is a cheap manual that is slightly better than the AR-5 and less expensive and ubiquitous on the used market.  I see loads of MV5 6-speeds for the 5th gen V6 Camaros, like $400 and a bunch in stock all over.  Who knows, probably not the right shifter location anyway.

[marksbug]

 the way most shifters are done these days.... there movable!!! I was also thinking about the newer cammarow trans the one on the 4 cyl turbo. tr3030 or something like that. I wish that new 2.o turbo had the same bellhousing pattern.... it dont.

[Steelmesh]

the way most shifters are done these days.... there movable!!! I was also thinking about the newer cammarow trans the one on the 4 cyl turbo. tr3030 or something like that. I wish that new 2.o turbo had the same bellhousing pattern.... it dont.

Good to know, that 4 cyl camara idea crossed my mind, but consider that if I want to hoon around like the big boys making a statement on the streets in this little convertible, I'll need the T-56 strength.   Just need $4k and a little time to make it happen.  Until then I'll have to deal with the AR5 and my lead foot.

So be sure to like and subscribe to my youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MegaMechatronicsInc.  Among several topics and series I will produce, one of them is "How to build a twincharger" using the Solstice as the example.  I gotta shill to pay these bills.

[Uranium-238]

That's you? I used your HP Tuners vids back when I was starting to learn thew software.

[Steelmesh]

That's you? I used your HP Tuners vids back when I was starting to learn thew software.

Yes sir, I hope it was helpful!

[Uranium-238]

Yes sir, I hope it was helpful!

It was. Still haven't tuned the Camaro for power, mostly because I don't truly trust my AFR gauge. But I was able to get rid of all knock and helped even out the fuel trims.

Honestly, to do more I need a dyno...and since a legit tuner is going to have more experience (with tuning, and with his dyno) I'm going to have the car professionally tuned soon, hopefully this year.

[MattM]

Haven't been on in a while, and I'm sure you mentioned something but I was going to ask if you ever thought about going with straight cut gears in the current transmission?  Back when I was building the Probe GT some 10 second Probe guys were working with a company called PAR for straight cut gears.  Their transmissions were able to handle all of the abuse after that.  Can't remember how expensive it was....I'll try to look it up...

Let me edit this...Looked it up on PAR....These would be custom gears (where you send your internals in and they straight cut to match)....Would be at LEAST $8,000.  I'm guessing you don't have that laying around (I know I don't).

Just forget I mentioned that...lol....  Although, I'm sure there are cheaper options for having your transmission rebuilt with stoudter internals.

[MattM]

This is a tad off topic, but I thought it was funny when I was searching for useful information for Steelmesh's transmission dilemma I came across a website FABBOT.com selling an LS to AR5 adapter for people to use the AR5 transmission behind the LS.  I't weird in some of the conversations I'm seeing people are talking about "how strong" the AR5 is, and that MK3 supras have been using the transmissions behind 500whp builds for a while.

Just thought it was funny to see....

[MattM]

One more update on the idea of having your AR5 rebuilt with stouter internals instead.  I was reading that our AR5 is VERY similar to the SUPRA MK3 transmission, and as such there are companies who rebuild them with stouter internals for fairly cheap.  Perhaps you could call one of those companies and see what they would say about a rebuild of yours.  Here is a link to one such company:

https://www.driftmotion.com/product-p/dm3045.htm

It's worth a shot to look at it.  That rebuild kit that they are referring to for the R154 Supra transmission is only $750. 

Here is a link to a forum talking about the similarities between the R154 and AR5 transmissions:

http://www.supramania.com/forum/threads/ar5-trans-take-two-the-solstice-solution.25024/

[Steelmesh]

One more update on the idea of having your AR5 rebuilt with stouter internals instead.  I was reading that our AR5 is VERY similar to the SUPRA MK3 transmission, and as such there are companies who rebuild them with stouter internals for fairly cheap.  Perhaps you could call one of those companies and see what they would say about a rebuild of yours.  Here is a link to one such company:

https://www.driftmotion.com/product-p/dm3045.htm

It's worth a shot to look at it.  That rebuild kit that they are referring to for the R154 Supra transmission is only $750. 

Here is a link to a forum talking about the similarities between the R154 and AR5 transmissions:

http://www.supramania.com/forum/threads/ar5-trans-take-two-the-solstice-solution.25024/

Thanks Matt.  I'm not sure if I have a unique issue with my setup that caused me to go through the second transmission like something with the clutch, maybe not fully disengaging and then I'm forcing it into gear or there was an existing issue the previous owner of the trans had.

If I am going to drop $8k on a solution I would seriously consider a sequential. In 3 months I will be in Spain learning how to fly and getting my ppg license, that's where the car budget went for 2020.

[MattM]

If you check out that driftmotion site they do rebuilds on very similar transmissions as ours for a TOTAL of 1,300.  Maybe they could rebuild yours with stronger parts for a similar cost...doesnt hurt to check it out..

[Steelmesh]

If you check out that driftmotion site they do rebuilds on very similar transmissions as ours for a TOTAL of 1,300.  Maybe they could rebuild yours with stronger parts for a similar cost...doesnt hurt to check it out..

This is probably my best option, I set myself a reminder to call them tomorrow! 

[Steelmesh]

It's done. Was either this or P0NYKLR and promised myself I would need to earn that plate, however I earned this plate so I got it instead:

[MattM]

I was also curious to see if you ever figured out the proper twincharger setup to make it work more efficiently.  That last time I remember reading on it I think you said you had too big a pulley on the m62 so it was spinning slower than stock.  Any updates there?

[Steelmesh]

I was also curious to see if you ever figured out the proper twincharger setup to make it work more efficiently.  That last time I remember reading on it I think you said you had too big a pulley on the m62 so it was spinning slower than stock.  Any updates there?

It will get a new 2.8" ZZP pulley next.  I have to pull the head / engine to fix the ring sealing issues, or whatever the issues are.  Best case I just need to slap in pistons.

I called Driftmotion, he quoted the R154 rebuild with upgrades would be over $1k, but they need to open it up and see what's wrong with it really. Mentioned OEM parts that he needs can get pricey.  I think UPS should be able to ship the tranmission, but not sure if driftmotion would want to send it back to me.

In the next couple months I'd like to tear into the car and root cause the engine and transmission issues and see what I need to get the car functional again because I still desire to continue devloping this twincharger setup and tuning.  I was being thrown off as this engine lost sealing, I found out the car can make 40 psi but is down on power, so I need to start over with a healthy engine.

[assquatch20]

This is a tad off topic, but I thought it was funny when I was searching for useful information for Steelmesh's transmission dilemma I came across a website FABBOT.com selling an LS to AR5 adapter for people to use the AR5 transmission behind the LS.  I't weird in some of the conversations I'm seeing people are talking about "how strong" the AR5 is, and that MK3 supras have been using the transmissions behind 500whp builds for a while.

Just thought it was funny to see....

That adapter is common with the 5.3 Colorado guys. They talk like it does okay up to a point. I have the 2.9/AR5 in my 'rado but if the engine ever goes I'd consider the swap. I usually drive like an old man, though.

[MattM]

It will get a new 2.8" ZZP pulley next.  I have to pull the head / engine to fix the ring sealing issues, or whatever the issues are.  Best case I just need to slap in pistons.

I called Driftmotion, he quoted the R154 rebuild with upgrades would be over $1k, but they need to open it up and see what's wrong with it really. Mentioned OEM parts that he needs can get pricey.  I think UPS should be able to ship the tranmission, but not sure if driftmotion would want to send it back to me.

In the next couple months I'd like to tear into the car and root cause the engine and transmission issues and see what I need to get the car functional again because I still desire to continue devloping this twincharger setup and tuning.  I was being thrown off as this engine lost sealing, I found out the car can make 40 psi but is down on power, so I need to start over with a healthy engine.

That really sucks your having engine problems now!!!  Man!!  Hopefully you can get everything worked out correctly...

[Steelmesh]

Keep an eye out on my youtube channel, been staying up late producing the next Twincharging 101 video, it's going to be interesting because I've put a lot of thought into identifying what a twincharger is after doing research and realizing it is loosely defined and there are a lot of opinions.  Any definition you find is contradicted by someone elses article.  I am going challenge the world to consider my proposal for defining a twincharged engine. 

Also consider, I did some keyword searches on the SAE website for technical papers on twincharging, but nothing notable and there is the challenge of keywords (like if you don't search for Aluminium, you'll miss the majority of info on Aluminum). 

Even at work I asked several people, more experienced engineers, at work and didn't get a clear or consistent answer about what is twincharging; even one of the senior respected combustion engine engineers would not give me an answer at all because he didn't know for sure.

http://www.MegaMechatronics.com