Energized test of the drive train !!

(Updated 1/22/2013 to include photos)

The Warp 11 and Getrag transmission were bolted together on the bench and the rear transmission cross member attached to the transmission prior to lowering the assembly into the motor compartment with a chain hoist. The front of the Warp 11 rested on the car frame with the rear of the transmission being supported with a floor jack.

Picture 05218 showing the lowering of the Warp 11/Getrag into the motor compartment.

Using a rolling floor jack, the weight of the transmission was supported and the assembly moved toward the back of the car. Four replacement mounting bolts (obtained from Patrick BMW, $8.00) were used to attach the cross member to the undercarriage of the car. The drive shaft was then installed, first attaching the four bolts at the rear differential joint, followed by attachment of the center support bearing. The bolt heads of the flex joint would not clear the rear transmission cross member, so the rear transmission cross member bolts were removed from one side, and loosened on the other. This provided enough clearance for the flex joint to wiggle into the space and mate to the transmission flange. Luckily, the red paint marks previously painted on the drive shaft, transmission flange, and differential flange, were all intact, so it was possible to realign all the components without difficulty.

Picture 05302 showing the undercarriage view of the installed drive train and drive shaft. The rear transmission cross member was previously sand blasted and repainted prior to attaching it with new mounting bolts.

Picture DSC05213 showing the empty motor compartment with the ICE engine mounting brackets in place.

Picture DSC05297 showing the position of the left hand ICE mounting bracket after the Warp 11 had been secured to the drive shaft and differential. The bracket will provide some dimensional information, but it is not usable in its current form without significant modification and welding.

Picture DSC05303 showing the available space in the motor compartment after the Warp 11 had been secured to the drive shaft and differential.

THE WHEELS TURN !!!!

Video MOV05299 showing the operation of the temporary trunk located on/off switch, the rotation of the rear wheels, and a view of the operating motor in the motor compartment.