Mendeola SDR-5

I had a chance to check on the Mendeola SDR-5 transaxle. This is the transaxle designed for the GTM. Mendeola has a online catalog that is populated with photos of the GTM and Superlite SLC. They state that the SDR-5 was "Based on a mid-engine 2 seat, 2 wheel drive sports car with a wheelbase between 92" and 102" which weighs between 2400 and 2800 lbs. Front to rear bias: 45%F - 55%R. Rear tires P295 - P325 on 18" or 19" wheel."

Mendeola SDR5 transaxle. This was designed for the GTM.

Sounds like a GTM to me! There have been a lot of numbers thrown around about the SDR-5 transmission. These are the published numbers from Mendeola:

• 650 horsepower
• 600 foot-lbs torque

The knock on Mendeola has been their failure to deliver the original SDR transaxles to Factory Five customers on schedule or even a little behind schedule. My understanding is the original orders have been fulfilled. I inquired of Factory Five what kind of deposit and lead time they required for future SDR orders. Factory Five indicated they were not taking any SDR orders at this time.

The Mendeola website is running a banner ad indicating the SDR is coming soon. The online catalog that opens for the banner ad lists the SDR5. Page 7 has the following pricing:

• SDR5 Transaxle - $10,950
• GTM Mount - $475
• Master Shift Setup - $2400
• Gear Dash Indicator - $295           

There are probably some other things I need, so the entire transmission and shifting setup could cost somewhere north of $16,000. This is $4000 to $5000 over budget. Not good news on the money front, but great news on the durability front for a transaxle that is brand new and can handle the HP and torque coming off a LS 376/525 EFI engine.