Transmission

As I work on adding controller support into the game (more on that later), I wanted to keep you in the loop with some continued improvements to the vehicle mechanics. This time, I've gone through and improved the transmission.

The AK250E engine comes paired with a bulky 4-speed transmission. This is an OEM unit for the Daizo T-360 and comes standard with the AK250E. The gear ratios are as follows:

Ratio 1 - 4.25
Ratio 2 - 2.61
Ratio 3 - 1.72
Ratio 4 - 1.05
Final - 5.89
Reverse - 4.25

The E05A now comes fitted with a more suitable transmission to maximize the engine’s performance. The E05A transmission is not only lighter than its AK250 counterpart, but it also features a 5th gear, allowing for a higher top speed.

Note 1: The transmission listed below is the automatic variant, but a manual option is also available.
Note 2: The engine referenced above was purchased without an exhaust fitted.

Ratio 1 - 3.915
Ratio 2 - 2.266
Ratio 3 - 1.4
Ratio 4 - 0.92
Ratio 5 - 0.75
Final - 8.131
Reverse - 3.583

The GX390 general-purpose engine now has a transmission that matches its plucky grit. Despite being a single-speed setup, the GX390 still has enough punch to put the rear-wheel drive to work. This one’s for those who appreciate the simple things in life.

Ratio 1 - 3.912
Final - 5.63
Reverse - 3.583

Lastly, we have the built-in N360E 4-speed transmission. Since this transmission is integrated into the engine, it cannot be swapped out—meaning players who purchase the N360 engine will need to make do with a front-wheel drive truck.

Ratio 1 - 2.529
Ratio 2 0 1.656
Ratio 3 - 1.0
Ratio 4 - 0.605
Final - 10.51
Reverse - 2.055

All of the transmissions listed above—excluding the GPE engine—have been built using accurate gear ratios from their real-world counterparts.
Swappable transmissions allow us to give players more control over both top-end and low-end performance. In the future, I plan to add manual gear ratio adjustment, though exactly how this system will work is still in development.

Subframes

If you've ever watched a plucky mechanic try to engine swap their turdbox on YouTube, you’ve probably witnessed a condensed version of welding hell. I'm referring to the act of fitting a subframe in order to secure the engine.

I'm sure there are some sickos out there who’d love me to go deep into forcing players to construct their own subframes—and to you I say: go play Landlord’s Super, then tell me if you still want more fiddling.

But in Honcho, this whole process is automated for you. Anytime you fit a new engine or transmission, the subframe will be set up automatically, so all you have to do is grab your wrench and bolt it in. Lovely.

Controller Support

Controller support is going well. The front end and about half of the in-game systems now support it, including things like name changing and colour picking.

Unfortunately, wheel support won’t make it into the demo, as my Logitech wheel has died on me. Wub wub wub.

Anyway, I wanted to get something out before the Easter weekend for you all, and this is what I’ve got.

Thanks, as always, for the continued patience and support.
– Greg