Today our custom built transaxel showed up in it's crate from California. It was like Christmas for the shop kids. They gathered around the crate while I took the screws out and opened it up. As it was opened, I heard a lot of comments like: "wow that's so awesome", and "that's the coolest thing ever". We had originally intended to use the transaxel that was with the bus, but Diesel engines run at a much lower RPM. Mike at Rancho Performance Transaxles had the solution for us. He put in a taller 3rd and 4th gear to lower the RPMs at highway speed, and help with the efficency. The original gasoline motor would have had about 70 horse power, but the new diesel engine will have somewhere around 130 or more horsepower, for this reason Mike welded 1st and 2nd gear. The tranny was also beautifully painted with stainless nuts to accent the black. He also installed a diesel bellhousing and a short input shaft to accomadate the 1.9 liter TDi engine. Mike is also doing his part to support education by donating all the labor for this undertaking, meaning we only paid for the parts and shipping. Thanks again Mike!!!!! Here are some pics of the new tranny and a 7th grader (Tim) changing over some of the brackets and the throwout bearings. You'll find a link to Rancho Performance Transaxles in the links section, check out his webpage; it's cool.
