I think I have the getrag in my 88 Formula. :/ I can build 400+ HP out of a SBC for $1500 or less. Im not sure how much power my transmission can handle though. So...How much can it handle??

[This message has been edited by 88fieroformula (edited 01-04-2004).]

I'll be the first to jump on this and say it depends on how it's applied!
My personal preference would be to stay under 300hp and drive gently unless absolutely neccessary.
There are a few members here pushing well over 300hp but take a look at Tinas thread. Personally I think I would be happy with a reliable 250 to 300hp behind my 5spd.

[This message has been edited by DRA (edited 01-04-2004).]

It's not about the HP. It's about the torque. The getrag was originally speced at 200 ft/lbs. But I have read in many other places that they can take up to 300 ft lbs+. Not obviously it won't last if you go drag racing it every red light you see, but Archie has been bolting v8's up to that trans for a while now, and I haven't seen anything bad posted about it.

There is no way I will be drag racing it at every light. I would definately be very careful.

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-88fieroformula-

quote Originally posted by DRA: There are a few members here pushing well over 300hp but take a look at Tinas thread.

Tina isn't using a Getrag. Her thread is about Isuzus.

quote Originally posted by 88fieroformula: There is no way I will be drag racing it at every light. I would definately be very careful.

The Getrags have been known to handle alot of power, depends on your powerband and driving style.. I have a friend that had a 350sbc with Holley fuel injection and NOS in his Fiero.. He found a HO305 built for high RPMs, so after rebuilding the HO motor he swapped it out with the 350 and has quite happy that he did cause he says it runs better than before. and it flew before, i drove it. You car is light, it doesn't need a torque monster to get it moving in a hurry..

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3.4 DOHC Turbo swap in progress

quote Originally posted by Formula88: Tina isn't using a Getrag. Her thread is about Isuzus.

So a Getrag will hold up that much better? I will agree that the Getrag is a stronger transaxle but neither were designed for the HP or torque of a built SBC. I've twisted a few uni-body's in my days and seen a couple of trannies grenade and I just don't see either transaxle holding up to aggressive launchs from a, lets say....
383 Cubic Inches: L98 motor

Lingenfelter 383, from his book- Modifying Small Block Chevy Engines.

350 block .030 over

Cast 400 crank

Production 5.565" 400 rods

Sealed power forged pistons

Lingenfelter hydraulic roller cam: 219/219 @ .050, .525/.525 lift. 112deg lobe sep, Comp Cams 1.6 ratio stainless steel rocker arms.

Ported aluminum 'Vette heads with 2.00/1.56" valves.

SuperRam intake, base, and 58mm throttle body.

1-3/4" headers were used for the test.

RPM TQ HP
1600 363 110
2000 375 143
2500 411 196
3000 424 242
3500 466 310
4000 476 362
4500 481 412
5000 458 436
5250 446 442
5500 416 435
6000 372 425

Even Archie has a disclaimer of sorts:
(quote)
Using engines in the 250 to 400 h.p. range, we have run in excess of 500,000 miles on our test cars, and have had no drive line failures. It should be noted, however, even though we have had no failures, that any motor vehicle can fail if subjected to severe and constant abuse.
(unquote)

500,000 miles on test car(s) is not 500,000 miles on one car. Not dogging Archie but I have seen pics of sheared axles and grenaded trannies. As I originally stated it depends on how the power is applied, I think Archie would agree with this statement.

Don't mind me, I've had a few to many tonight and probably don't know what I'm talking about.

quote Originally posted by 88fieroformula: I think I have the getrag in my 88 Formula. :/ I can build 400+ HP out of a SBC for $1500 or less. Im not sure how much power my transmission can handle though. So...How much can it handle??

If you have the stock trans in your Formula, it will be a Getrag 5spd, it will handle the power you want, just be sure to re-build it when putting the engine in. Your dilemma is chosing the clutch setup, either a Spec III, or Quartermaster perferred. Visit the string on my car, as there are a number of things you many want to consider:
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/025670.html
Ultrasonic Harden/Stress Relieveing off transmission internals/case recommended, but not required.

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http://www.cartsys.com/fiero/cal-engine.wav

For what it's worth, when I got my car back from Archie almost 1 year ago(1/06/03), I still had a set of tires on it that were getting pretty well worn. So when I gave a few demo rides to some of my friends I dumped the clutch on every launch and speed shifted as much as you can in a 5 speed. Basically drove it like a teenager with his first hot car. Well nothing happened to it then or 1 year later. Now being older and a little smarter, I very rarely do that but I still can. And yes I bought new tires.
BTW --the car, as some of you know, has a 1996 LT1 putting out apprpx 330HP/345Torq.
Ask formulla88 about the car--right John?

As stated above torque breaks parts not HP. That being said. Mine put down 320 ftlb of torque through the rear wheels on the dyno with no problems. I took it out to an industrial park the other day, and laid down a nice burn out. as long as you don't beat it on a regular basis, and don't put sticky tires on it you will be fine.

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LS1 v8 T-Top 87 GT

http://www.acxunlimited.com/ls1swap.htm

quote Originally posted by DRA: I just don't see either transaxle holding up to aggressive launchs from a, lets say.... 383 Cubic Inches: L98 motor Lingenfelter 383, from his book- Modifying Small Block Chevy Engines. 350 block .030 over Cast 400 crank Production 5.565" 400 rods Sealed power forged pistons Lingenfelter hydraulic roller cam: 219/219 @ .050, .525/.525 lift. 112deg lobe sep, Comp Cams 1.6 ratio stainless steel rocker arms. Ported aluminum 'Vette heads with 2.00/1.56" valves. SuperRam intake, base, and 58mm throttle body. 1-3/4" headers were used for the test. RPM TQ HP 1600 363 110 2000 375 143 2500 411 196 3000 424 242 3500 466 310 4000 476 362 4500 481 412 5000 458 436 5250 446 442 5500 416 435 6000 372 425

But it did.

2003 set-up.
383 SBC (Slighty different RPM/TQ range)/98 cavalier 5 speed Izusu/Quartermaster clutch.

quote Don't mind me, I've had a few to many tonight and probably don't know what I'm talking about

Ditto
That coffee bit working for you this morning?
Man does my head hurt this morning ...where's the asprin when you need it.

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quote Originally posted by 88fieroformula: I think I have the getrag in my 88 Formula. :/ I can build 400+ HP out of a SBC for $1500 or less. Im not sure how much power my transmission can handle though. So...How much can it handle??

To heck with the tranny, I want to see one of those $1,500 400HP small blocks.

400 block + 350 crank = 377"
6" rods
KB pistons
alum heads
750 carb
etc etc
my labor = 0
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425 HP = $4,500.oo

Russ Camp

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86 SE350 x 4 speed (my way)
86 SE2.8 x 4 speed (all-option restored)

[This message has been edited by Russ544 (edited 01-04-2004).]

My cousin is being very genorous and giving me just about everything i need. He told me that all the stuff i will need to buy will cost me only about $1500. He mainly deals with marine and sand car stuff. He is incredible and is going to teach me how to build a motor. This will be my first motor but hopefully not my last. This is the only one he will help me with and the rest will be done by me alone. He said he would normally charge a person about $5500 for a motor like the one we are going to build. I am very lucky to have him as my cousin

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-88fieroformula-