[Joe Johnson]

I concur with those who say that the rules allow any modifications to the FP transmissions and you may also modify the output shaft of the FP motor (including welding to it, pulling the gear off, putting a new year on, grinding, smashing, bending, etc.) but not the insides of the motor.

Even if this was not allowed, you could STILL modify the transmission legally (imho) it would only require that you account for the fair market value of the transmission in your cost calculations. For clearly you can buy these gearboxes (or trade for them or have them donated to your team, etc.). In this case, they become a COTS part which can be modified to your heart's content as long as you don't break the COTS rules and you properly account for their costs.

Bottom line: modifications to the FP gearbox are legal.

Joe J.