Hey All,
I'm exploring the development of a more affordable reverse gearbox for us locost BECers. I've sourced the componments that
may help drive the price under $1000.00 US - this should save $400-500 opposed to the 1500.00 + solutions provided by Quaife and Westfield Sportscars LTD in the UK. My design will use readly available OEM components, so sourcing replacement parts will be fairly cheap and easy - I may structure my design whereas one could purchase a partially built reverser box (casing, reverse idler gear and output shaft included only), enabling the buyer to fill-in the missing components from the OEM source - this option may driving the purchase cost down even further. Turkey-key solution might come a short-term warranty on key components.
I've found that those boxes available to today (mine included below) lacks a good oil seal design around the in/output shafts; oil spews just about from every seam.
I'm new to this board, but have been a member on the locostbuilders.co.uk for several years. I have a Busa-based locost using a euroTech FR2000 reverser box (first -gen box) I purchased off ebay for $200 back in 05'. Even though the FR2000 has a lot wear/tare from the previous owner, It has worked very well so far. What scares me is that there are no available replacement parts (i.e output shaft, bushing, companion flanges) due to them being propriatary from the UK and/or no longer available - so when the components fail, the box becomes useless.
I'm using subaru prop shaft fitted with non-standard sliding yoke/flange. Diff is a Subaru 3.9 visious LSD from a 91-92 Legacy turbo (very rare). Front prop shaft mounts to the busa using the Hawk flange adapter. TIP: I will be using the Hawk Flange adapter with my reverse box design
I just want to get a feel for who would be interested and I should have working protoype ready by the beginning of summer. Please give me some feedback if anyone is in the market to purchase a made in the USA reverse gearbox.
thanks,
Ryan