What's the minimium diameter tubing required for an engine cradle? Options

[Mid_Engine_914]

Would 1.25" OD mild steel stubing with 0.120" wall thickness be suitable for building an engine cradle for this VR6/901 tranny combo? The motor itself weighs about 400 lbs.

(IMG:http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/9576/12vvr6901trannydk1.jpg)

[sww914]

6" oughta do it.

[JPB]

I'd go more like .250 cuz the mount probably won't be that long plus the ends need to be super fastened to your frame. That way it will never fail if your welds are good. The design has alot to do with it also. I would rather put a mount that cradels the trany and engine together than just a mount for the engine specially if it puts out some decent power. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)

[Mid_Engine_914]

Bump. If I can use 1.25" OD mild steel tubing I can bend it myself with one of these but any larger and I need one of these.

[Brian_Boss]

Bump. If I can use 1.25" OD mild steel tubing I can bend it myself with one of these but any larger and I need one of these.

I have the Harbor Freight version of that first bender and I don't think it's designed to bend tube, only bar stock. I could imagine making a gentle bend in square tube but I'm pretty sure it would not work on round.

[andys]

I built my engine cradle using 1 1/2" X .120" wall mild steel tubing. Engine is an LS1 at about 400lbs; the transaxle is a 6 speed at about 140 lbs. I've got a photo somewhere.........

A lot depends on the design you plan to incorporate.

Andys

[Mid_Engine_914]

I have the Harbor Freight version of that first bender and I don't think it's designed to bend tube, only bar stock. I could imagine making a gentle bend in square tube but I'm pretty sure it would not work on round.

I found that bender after watching Ron Covell use it to bend round, mild steel tubing with it in his "Working with Tubing" DVD.

[Mid_Engine_914]

I built my engine cradle using 1 1/2" X .120" wall mild steel tubing. Engine is an LS1 at about 400lbs; the transaxle is a 6 speed at about 140 lbs. I've got a photo somewhere.........

A lot depends on the design you plan to incorporate.

Andys

I would love to see pictures of your cradle and hear more about your setup. Did you bend the tubing yourself? Are you using a GM tranny?

[Crazyhippy]

1.25 x .120 wall should be fine if designed decent and welded well...

DOM would be even better.

BJH

[Mid_Engine_914]

Thanks. That sounds like what I need.

Drawn Over Mandrel is a cold drawn electric resistance welded tube with all flash removed. Compared to structural pipe, DOM Round Tubing is produced to more exact OD and ID tolerances and better finishes without a seam. Ideally suited for a wide range of structural and bushing applications. Widely used in stressful applications requiring higher quality, uniformity, strength, and soundness.


APPLICATIONS - Farm implements, construction equipment, racecar frames, motorcycle frames, automotive parts, off-road accessories, etc

[Crazyhippy]

We use 1.50 x .120 wall for cage stuff in desert (baja 500 stuff) trucks.

If it will protect your noggin w/ a 5000 lb truck flipping through the desert, it should be able to hold up a 500lb motor trans combo.

BJH

[Gary]

I'll be watching your progress with keen interest!

I've been looking at the possibility of a VR6 mated to either an Audi 016 (FWD 5000, 100 models) or Boxster tranny (similar internals to the 016, different case). Should be a bolt-up - no adapter plate. Both give a substantial increase in torque ratings. The 016 is nice b/c they're cheap at the boneyards $200-300, but you have to fab a shifter - well documented on the GT40 and lambo replica sites. The Boxster trannys are more - $1000-1500, but are newer, "Porsche", and have the shifter engineered for you.

If in the course of your project you have the tranny seperated, can you post a picture of the VR6 from the flywheel end? I'd like to see the bolt pattern of the case.

[andys]

I'll be watching your progress with keen interest!

I've been looking at the possibility of a VR6 mated to either an Audi 016 (FWD 5000, 100 models) or Boxster tranny (similar internals to the 016, different case). Should be a bolt-up - no adapter plate. Both give a substantial increase in torque ratings. The 016 is nice b/c they're cheap at the boneyards $200-300, but you have to fab a shifter - well documented on the GT40 and lambo replica sites. The Boxster trannys are more - $1000-1500, but are newer, "Porsche", and have the shifter engineered for you.

If in the course of your project you have the tranny seperated, can you post a picture of the VR6 from the flywheel end? I'd like to see the bolt pattern of the case.

You don't need to pay Porsche prices for a Boxster trans. The 5 speed version is the same model 012 as is the late Audi/VW model 012 5 speed (not to be confused with the model 02J used on transverse applications). The prices start at about $300. Only advantage the Boxster trans has, is if it includes the shift linkage. It does a nice job of translating the movement.

Andys

[andys]

I built my engine cradle using 1 1/2" X .120" wall mild steel tubing. Engine is an LS1 at about 400lbs; the transaxle is a 6 speed at about 140 lbs. I've got a photo somewhere.........

A lot depends on the design you plan to incorporate.

Andys

I would love to see pictures of your cradle and hear more about your setup. Did you bend the tubing yourself? Are you using a GM tranny?

Here's one photo that may help. Sorry, focus is poor. There's a bolt-in crossmember that's not visible right behind the adapter plate. Motor mounts (hydro-elastic) are LS6 'Vette. I had a local hotrod shop make the two simple bends.

Andys

[jd74914]

What kind of transaxle is that Andys? Boxster or Audi?

[Aaron Cox]

What kind of transaxle is that Andys? Boxster or Audi?

and more pics please!

[andys]

What kind of transaxle is that Andys? Boxster or Audi?

and more pics please!

It's an Audi/Getrag 01E 6 speed. Never imported to North America (except for the Quattro version), ergo few exist stateside.

Andys

[Brian_Boss]

I have the Harbor Freight version of that first bender and I don't think it's designed to bend tube, only bar stock. I could imagine making a gentle bend in square tube but I'm pretty sure it would not work on round.

I found that bender after watching Ron Covell use it to bend round, mild steel tubing with it in his "Working with Tubing" DVD.

Interesting. Did he use some trick or just stick the tube in and bend it? I have never had much luck bending any kind of tube with a bender that does not use some kind of mandrel to support the sides of the bend.

[Mid_Engine_914]

I'll be watching your progress with keen interest!

I've been looking at the possibility of a VR6 mated to either an Audi 016 (FWD 5000, 100 models) or Boxster tranny (similar internals to the 016, different case). Should be a bolt-up - no adapter plate. Both give a substantial increase in torque ratings. The 016 is nice b/c they're cheap at the boneyards $200-300, but you have to fab a shifter - well documented on the GT40 and lambo replica sites. The Boxster trannys are more - $1000-1500, but are newer, "Porsche", and have the shifter engineered for you.

If in the course of your project you have the tranny seperated, can you post a picture of the VR6 from the flywheel end? I'd like to see the bolt pattern of the case.

Here are a few pics I took of the flywheel end of my 12V VR6 which is from a '97 Passat. If you need me to take some specific measurements between bolt holes, let me know and I'll try to take them tomorrow before I reattach the tranny.

(IMG:http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7245/901trannymountboltpattekb5.th.jpg)

(IMG:http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9351/901trannymountboltpattesy6.th.jpg)

(IMG:http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8995/901trannymountboltpattebj1.th.jpg)

(IMG:http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/1338/901trannymountboltpatteho0.th.jpg)

(IMG:http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/5800/901trannymountboltpattelw0.th.jpg)

(IMG:http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8839/901trannymountboltpattejc3.th.jpg)

(IMG:http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/3959/901trannymountboltpattegr4.th.jpg)

(IMG:http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4237/901trannymountboltpatterr6.th.jpg)

[Mid_Engine_914]

Interesting. Did he use some trick or just stick the tube in and bend it? I have never had much luck bending any kind of tube with a bender that does not use some kind of mandrel to support the sides of the bend.

Here are some screen captures of the tool setup.

(IMG:http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8336/tubingbender004qx1.jpg)

(IMG:http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/2749/tubingbender005pw8.jpg)

(IMG:http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1541/tubingbender006ke4.jpg)