84 gas club car ds cracked transaxle

[Vishus]

So I picked up an 84 club car ds last year to cruise around in when I'm camping at BIR for the NHRA nationals. Worked great; last year.
I was it getting it ready for this years events next weekend and the transaxle suddenly started grinding and leaking profusely.
Pulled the axle today and found that the case is cracked. Called around some local places and discovered that finding a replacement locally and in time to depart for Brainerd on the 18th may not be a realistic aspiration, and may be more trouble than it's worth.

My coworker(who's a bit of a gearhead[whereas I'm more of a techie]) was nagging me a while back to throw a more powerful engine in the thing.
As I understand it, that would mean doing away with the whole transmission and running a chain strait to the rear axle, which would theoretically solve my predicament.

The parts guy I spoke with while looking for a replacement was all like"lol wut?" basically gave me the impression that I should scrap the thing for its aluminum and move on.

So now I'm wondering; Wut do? Is this a viable platform to mod upon? If so; what parts should I be looking at? Should i rebuild the trans? If so; where should I be looking for the parts to get them in time? Should I sell it for scrap and find something else for next weekend?
I'm not mechanically experienced per se, but I work as a fabricator I'm quite capable. I managed to drop the axle in ~4 hours with no experience. My father is an engineer and ex-diesel mech and could potentially assist me if need be. I've got plenty of cash to do something fun/worthwhile.

Thoughts/advice/questions/What would you do?

[Vishus]

The cart in question(prior to transaxle junkification).

[invalidsession]

Originally Posted by Vishus

So I picked up an 84 club car ds last year to cruise around in when I'm camping at BIR for the NHRA nationals. Worked great; last year.
I was it getting it ready for this years events next weekend and the transaxle suddenly started grinding and leaking profusely.
Pulled the axle today and found that the case is cracked. Called around some local places and discovered that finding a replacement locally and in time to depart for Brainerd on the 18th may not be a realistic aspiration, and may be more trouble than it's worth.

My coworker(who's a bit of a gearhead[whereas I'm more of a techie]) was nagging me a while back to throw a more powerful engine in the thing.
As I understand it, that would mean doing away with the whole transmission and running a chain strait to the rear axle, which would theoretically solve my predicament.

The parts guy I spoke with while looking for a replacement was all like"lol wut?" basically gave me the impression that I should scrap the thing for its aluminum and move on.

So now I'm wondering; Wut do? Is this a viable platform to mod upon? If so; what parts should I be looking at? Should i rebuild the trans? If so; where should I be looking for the parts to get them in time? Should I sell it for scrap and find something else for next weekend?
I'm not mechanically experienced per se, but I work as a fabricator I'm quite capable. I managed to drop the axle in ~4 hours with no experience. My father is an engineer and ex-diesel mech and could potentially assist me if need be. I've got plenty of cash to do something fun/worthwhile.

Thoughts/advice/questions/What would you do?

Nice looking cart Vishus and it appears that a little money would be well spent to keep her alive. Do you have any snapshots of the break in the trans ? Perhaps a decent TIG welder could sort out your issue ?

Chris.

[scottyb]

Yes post pics of the half that is cracked with as much detail of the case half as possible. I have some, there is more than on that could be in that cart.... Pics soon?

[rusty sr.]

let me know if you want to sell the rearend. they are much more fun with 100 or so more horse power.

[Vishus]

The damages. Haven't opened her up yet. Sounds like there's at least a busted bearing in there as well.

[scottyb]

More specifically I need a pic of the side case you are looking for... there are 2 different differentials used in that cart.
By the way, Nice crack

[Vishus]

You mean the part numbers?

[scottyb]

Sorry I don't have that one...... somebody else might though, go ahead and post a better pic.

[Vishus]