Transaxle Types

[Certified Lotus]

Can someone provide an overview of the different types of Europa transaxles and how to identify them? I think there are three types and either 4 speed or 5 speed. And then there is a NG3 version?

[andy harwood]

AFAIK, yes 3 types thru Europa production.
336 - 4 speed
352 - 4 speed
365 - 5 speed

The NG3 came from the Renualt Fuego. The transaxle that was in the Turbo Fuego seems to be the preferred one, due to gear ratios.
There is a excel file of the different gearboxes and models of cars they were installed, along with gear ratios on the yahoo site.
name of file is "Renault gearboxes and models".
I'm sure someone will chime in with more info.

[BDA]

I've heard of someone who is using a NG9, but I don't know anything about it.

[Certified Lotus]

Thanks Andy. How can I visually tell the difference between the 336 and the 352 ?

[andy harwood]

I don't know how much detail is in the manuals. There are some write ups on Lotus Central, also the exploded views.
http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/index.htm
I've only dealt with the 365 that was in my TCS, and the NG3 I will replace it with. So I'm not much help there, sorry.

[jbcollier]

336 is a "side shifter" while both the 352 and the 365 shift from the rear.

[Certified Lotus]

Thanks JB! Can is assume that all Europa's after 1973 had the 365 five speed transaxle? Are there markings on the transaxle that show which model it is (besides the rear shifting).

[BDA]

 No. There were 4 speed '73 Europas. Probably the best way to tell one from another is to look at the end cover.

[blasterdad]

There should be a round ID plate bolted to the rear of the transaxle, (mine is kinda smashed).
Mine is a 336, (ID says TYPE 336-56)

[Certified Lotus]

Yes, I have the same round disc on my transaxle that says 352, but I bought another Europa that doesn't have the identification tag on it.

[jbcollier]

Good, then you know what a 352 looks like.  The 365 looks the same but the rear cover is much deeper to accommodate the 5th gearset.

[Certified Lotus]

Thanks JB. Now I know what to look for.