If I....

[Sam_Fear]

...try to build a mid-engine rat from a FWD ricer, what would be my best bet for a transmission? I think it needs a manual, but I'm concerned about the shift linkage problem. I really don't want a full automatic, so how about a semi-auto? Would that solve the linkage problem? (Not sure what cars have them)

Are there cable shifter set ups out there?

 

[Old Iron]

You wouldn't have to do a ricer, you could do something like a Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Stealth, etc.
V6 auto maybe able to do a manual valve body

 

[madman]

Mr 2?

 

[RoddingRon]

Lucky Fast Eddie did this one a while back...uses a Fiero set up, which is similar to several front wheel drive cars. IF...(big if) I remember correctly, the Fiero and other similar GM's use a cable set up for the shifting of the manual transmissions

 

[GJunktionMike]

Most front wheel drives fron 90's up have the cable setup for linkage.

 

[Sam_Fear]

Most front wheel drives fron 90's up have the cable setup for linkage.

That's what I was looking for. Thanks GJM! I think I'll keep looking for a stick.

 

[Stroker McGurk]

Would be cool to do that...Also, you could leave the axles steerable...4 wheel steering like the monster trucks.....Would put on a good show

 

[RPM]

A 500 Caddy from an Eldorado, turbo 400 with a shifter like a rear engine dragster would use. A long Morse cable. Or 455 Olds from Tornado.

 

[jfg455]

newer impala ss 5.3L V8 and an auto would work...

 

[zzrodder]

There's lots of supercharged 3.8 Buicks out there cheap or Caddy Northstar V8 fwds, 'course they are all autos...
If you really want an import, how about a Subaru WRX Turbo? They have a flat 4 or boxer style engine that sits low and ahead of the axle for a low center of gravity.

 

[26Troadster]

the only problem is with most of these setups is the motor is almost or is on top of the trans. i have thought about this alot and where i'm at on it is to use a american v8/v6 and shorten a manual trans and use a jag or vette independant (spelling) rearend to make a true mid engine. with the irs no driveshaft.

 

[Sam_Fear]

The one thing that will decide my donor is what I can get. Ricers are easy and cheap to find. FWD transverse set ups are short front to back - I'll be limited in space.

I've read most ricer transverse suspensions can be or are offset up to 10". So I hope to be able to move the motor farther forward at the axle.

 

[BigIrish]

You'll be ahead of the game if you can find a Toyota MR2 for the donor which is mid-engine. Only a 4-banger but they had supercharged and turbos over the years and liked to rev.

 

[martyf]

Would be cool to do that...Also, you could leave the axles steerable...4 wheel steering like the monster trucks.....Would put on a good show

I think Honda Prelude did that in the late 80s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sldOdWYzW7U