E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Engine, Transmission & Rear End => Topic started by: Topcat on July 07, 2018, 06:25:09 PM

Title: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Topcat on July 07, 2018, 06:25:09 PM
Anyone planning to meet with Jaimie at Carlisle?

Maybe ask him if his lead time is beginning to improve or when that will happen?

We've got 5 million machine shops out here in the bay area if he needs help making parts.

If you received one, place how long as well.

This will give us a Lead time average possibly.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: anlauto on July 07, 2018, 06:51:35 PM
He has to be caught up by now, isn't he ? It's been YEARS!!!
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Topcat on July 07, 2018, 08:28:40 PM
Quote from: anlauto on July 07, 2018, 06:51:35 PM
He has to be caught up by now, isn't he ? It's been YEARS!!!

Was just on his revised (5th edition) website and I didn't see it there.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 303 Mopar on July 07, 2018, 09:05:04 PM
Quote from: Topcat on July 07, 2018, 08:28:40 PM
Quote from: anlauto on July 07, 2018, 06:51:35 PM
He has to be caught up by now, isn't he ? It's been YEARS!!!

Was just on his revised (5th edition) website and I didn't see it there.

He has been contracted to make transmissions for Graveyard Carz now, but no 855 on his site anymore. I'm on year 4 and he told me I was #15 in line about 6 months ago.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Topcat on July 07, 2018, 09:25:56 PM
So it sounds like production is so low, he went private.  :notsure:
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: ec_co on July 07, 2018, 09:36:19 PM
IMO these have become a bit of vaporware. engineering supposedly finished a long time ago. took in a lot of pre-orders .... years ago .... still not delivering. has had multiple offers of help to get production going and orders caught up. with so many folks wanting a better fitting 5spd you'd think this would be in hard production already ..... nope ....

I've heard they do great work, but something is off track here and the communication with customers seems horrible
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Topcat on July 07, 2018, 09:57:27 PM
Hey I got an idea...  :idea:

Let me find Elon Musk here in Fremont to get him outta making these and let him make them.   :haha:
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: RUNCHARGER on July 07, 2018, 10:10:52 PM
I've always had excellent dealings with Jamie. Everyone that has an A-855 seems quite pleased with them.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: mjb765 on July 08, 2018, 06:58:19 AM
Gone from the website--hard to imagine, but yep......I spoke with Jamie in November and he told me I should have one in my hands by late May or June. We all know that didn't happen. Not sure If I can make Carlisle, but if someone talks to him about it please update this thread. I'm sure a lot of people will bring it up when they see him.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 303 Mopar on July 09, 2018, 11:50:37 AM
I received a message from Jamie on FB:
"Yes we are still making the 855 and there is still a waiting list. We are still working on the transition of the new website and don't have a tab for the 855 just yet."
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 61K T/A on July 09, 2018, 01:04:30 PM
Jamie did my 833 about 10 years ago and am very happy. On the other hand Gear Vendors is in my future. You can get a Keith Black block faster that an 855.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Voodoo Child on July 09, 2018, 02:47:50 PM
I'll stop in and ask him for you guys. I need a knock off Hurst pistol grip shifter for my Tremec. The handle I got from SST was plane chrome. No lettering. :bigthumb:
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Chryco Psycho on July 09, 2018, 05:38:09 PM
I have been dealing with Jamie for parts for over a decade , he has always been awesome , just in over his head with the demand for 855 trans , I know he is producing more of the 855 now
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Voodoo Child on July 16, 2018, 02:30:34 PM
I talked to Jamie's dad Saturday, he said they are slowly getting the trans out but still having vendor/ supply issues. He said they are waiting on the ""out board shaft"" on the ebody trans. Don't shoot the messenger!
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 303 Mopar on July 16, 2018, 02:42:46 PM
So here is a dilemma I thought of:  The 855 is a completely custom trans, and Jamie is the ONLY person that knows how this trans is made AND how to fix it if something goes wrong.  Given the multi-year production cycle, how long is it going to take and cost me when/if there is an issue with the 855?  And am I better off just sticking with a 833 or 833 OD?
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: RUNCHARGER on July 16, 2018, 09:51:15 PM
Good point 303. All mechanical things require maintenance once in awhile.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 61K T/A on July 17, 2018, 03:57:51 AM
Reality check
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: HP_Cuda on July 18, 2018, 12:40:48 PM

Gear vendor might be the better route.  :iagree:
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: GoodysGotaCuda on July 18, 2018, 04:33:50 PM
Makes me glad I pulled the trigger on the T56. It was a bit more work, paid for, installed and ready-to-go!
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Topcat on July 18, 2018, 06:07:35 PM
Quote from: 303 Mopar on July 16, 2018, 02:42:46 PM
So here is a dilemma I thought of:  The 855 is a completely custom trans, and Jamie is the ONLY person that knows how this trans is made AND how to fix it if something goes wrong.  Given the multi-year production cycle, how long is it going to take and cost me when/if there is an issue with the 855?  And am I better off just sticking with a 833 or 833 OD?

I thought the 855 is similar in design to  the 833?

So are we assuming it'll be that much different in doing a basic re build?
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: RUNCHARGER on July 18, 2018, 09:54:12 PM
Yes, I doubt anything would transfer over to the 855. I could be wrong but I believe that even the style of synchro used is different. I doubt any gears would interchange and the shafts would be different as well with the extra gear.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Chryco Psycho on July 18, 2018, 10:28:41 PM
I agree , basically an all new unit but knowing the reliability of the A833 they should last years or decades
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 303 Mopar on July 19, 2018, 01:01:37 PM
Quote from: Chryco Psycho on July 18, 2018, 10:28:41 PM
I agree , basically an all new unit but knowing the reliability of the A833 they should last years or decades
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on July 18, 2018, 09:54:12 PM
Yes, I doubt anything would transfer over to the 855. I could be wrong but I believe that even the style of synchro used is different. I doubt any gears would interchange and the shafts would be different as well with the extra gear.

The 855 is a completely custom unit based off the 833, but even the housing is custom. All internals, shift pattern, shaft, etc are custom.  And while the 833 is reliable, there have been a couple guys I've talked to that have had issues with the 855 that Jamie fixed but again he is THE ONLY guy that can do this. 

I may be pessimistic but it also may be another 4 years before I have to worry about deciding to buy one.
Title: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 303 Mopar on August 03, 2018, 07:05:26 AM
So this is interesting....

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180803/9f7ffe8d1f6da117b65ef6dda328bef6.png)
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: GoodysGotaCuda on August 03, 2018, 07:16:55 AM
Good gravy that's an expensive trans.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: anlauto on August 03, 2018, 07:40:57 AM
Is "John Huff" a part of Passion Performance ?
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 303 Mopar on August 03, 2018, 07:55:45 AM
Quote from: anlauto on August 03, 2018, 07:40:57 AM
Is "John Huff" a part of Passion Performance ?

John actually called me when he saw my questions on one of Jamie's posts.  He said he cashed out his IRA and invested it in Passon. Apparently the 855's are being sent to John for testing.  He said he installs each trans in one of his cars, drives it around and makes sure everything works.  He is in Wyoming so I thought I would drive up the highway and pick one up, but $5k?  :rubeyes:
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: RUNCHARGER on August 03, 2018, 02:58:33 PM
Hmm: So all the B-body orders have been filled then, I hope.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 303 Mopar on August 03, 2018, 03:21:56 PM
More from John:
"For clarification purposes Jamie Passon helped design this transmission. I invested in the project because it seemed I would never get a transmission if I didn't which is true. So after cashing out my IRA, I also ended up working with vendors to produce parts. I worked with Garrett Fuss Inc. to make this project move forward. I then built crates to ship them and road tested every transmission before shipping. This has been a hard project and those of you who know the whole story understand. It has taken years to get to where we are shipping these out on a regular basis."
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Rumple on August 06, 2018, 01:38:35 PM
Found this link on another board, http://www.5speedmuscle.com/our-story.html
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: anlauto on August 06, 2018, 02:01:08 PM
Well that's neat....with the influx of money, maybe now they can actually be built and "in stock" $5300 does seem steep, but if that comes with everything you need, then I think it's comparable to the Tremec TKO conversions as far as price is concerned. :dunno:

What happened to the "hundreds" of people on a waiting list ?
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: RUNCHARGER on August 06, 2018, 05:33:07 PM
If they are going to install the same innards into a case for GM's I see that as a good thing too. That should ensure complete A855's and parts should be available for a few years to come.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: cordodge on August 06, 2018, 07:16:43 PM
I obviously moved on after 3 years on the list, That would be a $8000 gear box by the time I got it in my garage with the exchange and duty at the boarder.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: anlauto on August 06, 2018, 07:55:41 PM
What was Passion originally selling them for ?
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: cordodge on August 06, 2018, 07:57:44 PM
If I can remember right it was around $3500/$3700
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: mjb765 on August 13, 2018, 10:11:28 AM
Quote from: cordodge on August 06, 2018, 07:57:44 PM
If I can remember right it was around $3500/$3700

I remember it being $4295 way back when it was announced.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: rocketresto on August 13, 2018, 11:30:42 AM
Just got one delivered today for a customer car, looks gorgeous and can't wait to get it installed.  Going into a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T.  From what I understand the 66-69 B-Body version is much more available with a shorter wait and they are having some issues getting the E-Body version parts.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: RUNCHARGER on August 13, 2018, 03:23:40 PM
Make sure the test drive is no longer than absolutely necessary.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Mopsquad on August 13, 2018, 03:26:40 PM
I'd be an immediate purchaser of the E-body version even at that price.  The SST kit is great and complete but the unknown can drive the cost up another 2K with the labour to modify the tunnel and repaint underneath.

Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: YellowThumper on August 17, 2018, 11:13:48 PM
Quote from: Mopsquad on August 13, 2018, 03:26:40 PM
I'd be an immediate purchaser of the E-body version even at that price.  The SST kit is great and complete but the unknown can drive the cost up another 2K with the labour to modify the tunnel and repaint underneath.

This I agree with. Back to original purpose. No tunnel mods.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: RUNCHARGER on August 18, 2018, 07:55:44 AM
Yup evasive surgery and total cost must be taken into account. That A-855 bolts to the bellhousing, works with the current clutch, mounts on the stock mount no cutting necessary. Stock driveshaft too I think. So you pay for the trans and shifter along with trans fluid and throw it in in an hour or two.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 303 Mopar on August 18, 2018, 07:57:53 AM
Did anyone get a chance to talk with Jamie at Carlisle? 
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: mjb765 on August 18, 2018, 09:18:22 PM
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on August 18, 2018, 07:55:44 AM
Yup evasive surgery and total cost must be taken into account. That A-855 bolts to the bellhousing, works with the current clutch, mounts on the stock mount no cutting necessary. Stock driveshaft too I think. So you pay for the trans and shifter along with trans fluid and throw it in in an hour or two.

As long as you have an 18 spline clutch.....
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 303 Mopar on August 21, 2018, 01:36:24 PM
I noticed Jamie has updated his website with the 855 listed for $5475 - https://www.passonperformance.com/categories/complete-transmissions/product/502-passon-performance-a-855-five-speed-transmission
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: YellowThumper on August 21, 2018, 03:31:39 PM
 :bigthumb:

Here is hoping the upped cost allows them to continue producing them for years to come.

Cost is difficult to swallow now but once the market has enough and backlog disappears cost adjustments will probably follow.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: mjb765 on August 21, 2018, 06:20:30 PM
Quote from: 303 Mopar on August 21, 2018, 01:36:24 PM
I noticed Jamie has updated his website with the 855 listed for $5475 - https://www.passonperformance.com/categories/complete-transmissions/product/502-passon-performance-a-855-five-speed-transmission

I wonder if it will be any less for those of us on the list from the beginning?
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Topcat on August 21, 2018, 07:26:27 PM
Who here has been waiting the longest from when you placed your order?

Put in your date when you placed a deposit.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 303 Mopar on August 21, 2018, 08:53:53 PM
Quote from: Topcat on August 21, 2018, 07:26:27 PM
Who here has been waiting the longest from when you placed your order?

Put in your date when you placed a deposit.

Jamie did not take deposits, so no price was locked in.  I've been on the list for almost 3 years.  John offered me one, but I can't swing $6000 with shipping.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: mjb765 on August 23, 2018, 06:18:29 PM
Jamie never took deposits....said he would call when your number came up and then you send money. I have been on the list 6 or 7 years....since almost the beginning.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: Topcat on June 15, 2020, 06:16:10 PM
Has the waiting line shortened?

Anyone get theirs recently?

Don't forget! Keep 6 feet apart while you keep waiting, with a mask on.   :vipermanhiding:   :haha:
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 70 Challenger Lover on June 15, 2020, 06:49:57 PM
I spoke to him in January and he said he would add me to his list. He claimed he was a year behind.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: HP2 on June 16, 2020, 09:16:09 AM
Mcleod came up with a small case 5 speed transmission that doesn't require tunnel cutting. Not sure if they have gone into production yet and they are not making a Mopar specific version. However, if one was so inclined, you could use a Muncie/Saginaw conversion bell to adapt one to a Mopar. Trans projected cost was $3k. Adapter bells are around $800. You'll also need flywheel, disc and pressure plate for around $400-500

https://www.mcleodracing.com/content/why-buy-a-muscle-car-5-transmission-over-a-tko/
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: ec_co on June 17, 2020, 05:32:00 AM
Quote from: HP2 on June 16, 2020, 09:16:09 AM
Mcleod came up with a small case 5 speed transmission that doesn't require tunnel cutting. Not sure if they have gone into production yet and they are not making a Mopar specific version. However, if one was so inclined, you could use a Muncie/Saginaw conversion bell to adapt one to a Mopar. Trans projected cost was $3k. Adapter bells are around $800. You'll also need flywheel, disc and pressure plate for around $400-500

https://www.mcleodracing.com/content/why-buy-a-muscle-car-5-transmission-over-a-tko/

I find it kinda odd that they aren't making a specific mopar version, considering he used his own Cuda to show it at SEMA if I remember correctly (an article from a couple years ago ... found it ... http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=102099.0)
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: anlauto on June 17, 2020, 06:38:30 AM
Cool piece but the shifter location would be an issue if you're going for the "stock look"  :alan2cents:
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: HP2 on June 17, 2020, 07:13:14 AM
Quote from: ec_co on June 17, 2020, 05:32:00 AM
Quote from: HP2 on June 16, 2020, 09:16:09 AM
Mcleod came up with a small case 5 speed transmission that doesn't require tunnel cutting. Not sure if they have gone into production yet and they are not making a Mopar specific version. However, if one was so inclined, you could use a Muncie/Saginaw conversion bell to adapt one to a Mopar. Trans projected cost was $3k. Adapter bells are around $800. You'll also need flywheel, disc and pressure plate for around $400-500

https://www.mcleodracing.com/content/why-buy-a-muscle-car-5-transmission-over-a-tko/

I find it kinda odd that they aren't making a specific mopar version, considering he used his own Cuda to show it at SEMA if I remember correctly (an article from a couple years ago ... found it ... http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=102099.0)

That's probably exactly why he has chosen to not make a mopar unit...he has been intimate to all the complaints about sticking with original dimensions and all the complaining about price and as a result simply decided not to play that game and concentrate on the markets with greater demand that will gladly hand over their money with reduced expectations or originality.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: RUNCHARGER on June 17, 2020, 07:22:56 AM
Passon unit is what I'd want. 1 year lead time is workable in most cases.
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: ec_co on June 17, 2020, 07:25:26 AM
the dimensions/originality thing doesn't sound right, anyone doing a T5/T6 conversion doesn't care, but if it fits without cutting/mods that is a bigger deal and could pull customers away from those mods since Passon 5spds are hard to come by (but highly preferred)
Title: Re: Passon 5 Speed at Carlisle
Post by: 70 Challenger Lover on June 17, 2020, 11:00:16 AM
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on June 17, 2020, 07:22:56 AM
Passon unit is what I'd want. 1 year lead time is workable in most cases.

I will be surprised if he actually sticks to that. I should probably reach back out to him and ask for an update. Worried he won't have me down on the list anymore! Haha