Author Topic: NG1 071 Transmission from 1981/82 Renault 18i wagon?  (Read 497 times)

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Offline Richard48Y

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NG1 071 Transmission from 1981/82 Renault 18i wagon?
« on: Tuesday,January 17, 2023, 07:40:21 PM »
I have an extra NG1 071 trans from a 1981/82 Renault 18i wagon.
I am told it can be used in the Europa but never got details on what would have to be changed and is there any advantage to it?
Is this a donor for mixing and matching for an improved ratio set?
Trying to decide what to do with it.

Just found that it is a five speed.
1071 Ratios:
1st 4.09
2nd 2.18
3rd 1.41
4th 1.03
5th .86
Final drive 3.44
« Last Edit: Tuesday,January 17, 2023, 08:06:34 PM by Richard48Y »

Offline BDA

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Re: NG1 071 Transmission from 1981/82 Renault 18i wagon?
« Reply #1 on: Tuesday,January 17, 2023, 08:12:00 PM »
I haven't looked into the NG1 but I'm assuming that like the NG3, it has four spider gears which should be plenty strong. I didn't see the 071 suffix in the workshop manual (http://lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/ng.pdf) so I couldn't get the ratios. Could you have been mistaken? The suffix is on the aluminum round tag bolted on the rear of the tranny.

I'm making an assumption that the end covers for the NG1 and NG3 are similar. That being the case, Lotus Supplies should be able to supply a rear mount set for your NG1. Given that you can weld, I would think that any modifications you would need would be pretty simple. The kit consists of tubes to be welded into holes you drill in the rear hoop. Mounts with bolts that bolt on to the end cover, and mounting bolts. You'll also have to delete the mounting "ears" that are on the rear hoop. Lotus Supplies should also be able to supply you with a shift linkage kit that will require some welding.

You'll also need a new pilot bearing which, you guessed it, Lotus Supplies should be able to provide. There is a website that spells out all the modifications that are suggested for adapting an NG3 to a Europa (http://www.greytower.com/jon/lotus/europa/gearbox/gearbox.html). They may or may not apply to the NG1. A call to Richard at Banks might be in order to get the straight skinny on that. I will say that I got my NG3 from Richard many years ago and all I did was install the pilot bearing and bolt it up to the engine and frame.

I hope that helps...

Offline europa88

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Re: NG1 071 Transmission from 1981/82 Renault 18i wagon?
« Reply #2 on: Wednesday,January 18, 2023, 05:53:19 AM »
I have an NG1 transmission in my Europa, supplied and fitted by Richard at Banks. I believe though that they are 2 spider gears (Not 100% sure) But Richard insists they are good for up to 200BHP. My Twin cam is pushing out 147BHP and its not been an issue.
If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver.

Offline SwiftDB4

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Re: NG1 071 Transmission from 1981/82 Renault 18i wagon?
« Reply #3 on: Wednesday,January 18, 2023, 09:16:17 AM »
NG1 definitely has 2 spider gears vs 4 of NG3, but it can still withstand a lot of hp. I had one in my 180hp Zetec powered Europa for a few years until I located an NG3. Never had a problem. Your 3.44 diff is a real plus vs most NG1 with 4.11. Rear cover is the same as NG3 and can be swapped. Internals look pretty similar, but I don't know that individual ratios can be swapped as snap ring widths differ between NG models. Also an NG1 diff may fit an NG3 case, but probably not the other way round as NG3 diff is bigger.

Offline Richard48Y

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Re: NG1 071 Transmission from 1981/82 Renault 18i wagon?
« Reply #4 on: Wednesday,January 18, 2023, 09:26:28 AM »
Nice to see that with a bit of work it is a good spare if my 336 ever fails.  :)
I will confirm the diff ratio.