LFX 3.6/F23 option (Page 1/13)
mender FEB 23, 09:21 PM
I'm in the process of putting an LFX (FWD) into my '87 and I've mated it to an F23 transaxle from a 2001 Cavalier with a 2.4 (Quad4 pattern). The bellhousing needs trimming just under the coolant manifold plus a bit of carving for starter nose clearance of the LFX starter. Some of the bolts line up, others need to be added but the dowels locate properly.

I went with the F23 to avoid the expense and mods needed for the Saab F40 transaxle. I've adapted a Cobalt SS aluminum flywheel (8 bolt) by redrillng the mounting pattern and installing the proper ring gear but there is likely an easier method that already works with the F23. My combo will likely be different than a more mainstream solution so I'll leave that up to the next person. I think the rest of the F23 details have been covered in other threads.

Just wanted to let people know that there's a cheap way to get a 3.6 attached to a manual for the Fiero.

To reiterate some of the pertinent specs: LFX, 304 hp, direct injection, 360 lbs, same power as LS4 with less weight and a standard starter location. F23: 112 lbs, uses Fiero axles and clutch disc.

[This message has been edited by mender (edited 02-23-2016).]

Gall757 FEB 23, 10:12 PM
Can you post some pictures? Is the LFX bolt pattern the same as the Quad 4?
mender FEB 23, 11:12 PM
I'll see if I can post some pictures.

No, the bolt pattern isn't exactly the same as the Quad4 but IIRC three bolts line up. I'll be making two brackets to pick up a few more bolts. The main thing is that the dowels locate the F23 correctly; that was the part that I was most concerned about so I machined a mandrel that located off the crank pilot hole and slipped on the Quad4 Getrag bellhousing I had sitting around.
dobey FEB 24, 09:24 AM

quote
Originally posted by Gall757:

Can you post some pictures? Is the LFX bolt pattern the same as the Quad 4?



No. The LFX pattern is the High Feature V6 pattern (unique to the HFV6 family). An adapter plate would be required to mount any transverse manual transaxle to a HFV6, except for the Saab F40 that came bolted to the 2.8t 9-3 for a few years. It's the only manual transverse application with the HFV6 bell pattern that I'm aware of currently. And getting that version of the F40 can be pretty pricey.
dobey FEB 24, 09:27 AM

quote
Originally posted by mender:

I'll see if I can post some pictures.

No, the bolt pattern isn't exactly the same as the Quad4 but IIRC three bolts line up. I'll be making two brackets to pick up a few more bolts. The main thing is that the dowels locate the F23 correctly; that was the part that I was most concerned about so I machined a mandrel that located off the crank pilot hole and slipped on the Quad4 Getrag bellhousing I had sitting around.



Definitely interested to see pictures of this.

Is the diff output location the same as for the stock 6t70 trans? Or is it rotated a bit from there?
Bridgetown FEB 24, 12:02 PM
Very interested to see pics.
On another note welcome! Nice to have another Alberta fiero fan on the site. I'm just south in Lethbridge. When you get this up and running I'd love to see it. I've always thought the high feature (2.8 or 3.6) would make great engines for the fiero, but the wiring and fuel systems intimidate me a bit. And of course tunning, which I still in need of help with on my own swap.

[This message has been edited by Bridgetown (edited 02-24-2016).]

mender FEB 24, 07:56 PM
Thanks, I've stopped in here occasionally, mostly to look for info so I figured I might as well contribute. This project likely won't get completed until late summer if I'm lucky, too much happening but will let you know. I race an '87 with an LX9/282 in Chump, the transaxle is going to get updated to an F23 for the Castrol race in July.

Looks like I'm going to need help to show pictures. They're in the camera but it looks like I'm supposed to download them somewhere then link to them.

Anyone?

[This message has been edited by mender (edited 02-24-2016).]

Gall757 FEB 24, 08:06 PM
If you are using Windows, click the rectangle at the bottom of the page called Pennock's Image Poster.

If you are using a smart phone....I have no idea.
mender FEB 24, 08:13 PM
I scrolled to the bottom of the page but can't find that icon or rectangle. Maybe I don't have permission yet.

Don't know the orientation of the 6t70 so can't say but the F23 should end up in the same location as the 282. At least that's the plan; I'll use my 60 degree F23 on the stock 2.8 with the front mount still attached to locate and fab the transaxle mounting brackets, then switch to this F23 and the 3.6 to fab the engine mounts.
Gall757 FEB 24, 08:16 PM
Keep Looking................