Sadev install - r400

[SK400]

Hello all 

Has anyone installed a Sadev in an S3, 2013 r400 frame? 
 

I used to have a 6 speed caterham gearbox and could pull out and reinstall the engine and gearbox assembly in matter of minutes with no sweat by inclining the engine and the car chassis. 
 

I finally received my freshly built Esslinger 2.3l engine, now bolted to a brand new Sadev sequential.  
 

I’ve been trying to install the assembly into the car, but to no avail.  I’m missing 0.5” of clearance it seems, distance between the rear sensor boss and the end  of the gearbox resting on the gearbox mounting plate.  I can’t seem to find a way   
(see pictures). 
 

Whats the trick if I may ask?  Any help would be much appreciated.  I hope I don’t have to modify the frame or gearbox mounting plate.  
 

Thanks much 

Seb 

 

 

[SK400]

Replying to myself since I think I solved it.  
 

I had to split the gearbox and engine at the bell housing, insert the gearbox straight into the tunnel, and lower the engine vertically after having removed the serpentine belt and all the various belt pulleys to create clearance.  I then managed to align the engine and gearbox, clutch disk splines etc and brought it all together in the car. Torquing the bell housing bolts in place was not too bad.  
 

Let’s see how the rest of the build goes ….  
 

 

[MV8]

Glad you found a way. I'd make or buy a replacement trans mount (the plate that welds into the car), trim the edges so it will spoon/nest with the original and the holes will align, then cut out the center section leaving the tabs (like shown). The cut out piece can be a shim on the new plate if needed for setting the driveshaft joint angles.