The Getrag F23 Tutorial - By Emc209i (Page 7/28)
carbon JAN 09, 07:44 AM
One more question... was the .81 5th really an option in the VIN 4 J-body? The guy I am getting my tranny from is telling me that neither he or his yard have an M86 RPO tranny, apparently meaning they only have MG3's? I find that hard to believe.

Other places that i have read, and mattwa, say the .81 gear was only used in the Vue and small SUVs like it... so it wouldn't have the right bell anyway. I am wondering if I have muddied the waters with him by mentioning the RPO code...

Edit: Just so we're clear, I am talking about the short 5th gear option, 0.81 in place of the 0.69 gear.

[This message has been edited by carbon (edited 01-09-2012).]

L67 JAN 11, 03:45 PM
It's my understanding that the MG3 (shorter 5th gear) was only offered for the Saturn Vue. The HHR uses a shorter final drive (3.95) but the same gearing as the cars.

All of the cars should only use the original gearing and 3.84 final drive, with the exception of only the newer Cobalts, which offer 3.63 as well as 3.84 final drives, depending on the option ordered from GM.

In short, only one option was offered for the J-bodies, and that's the M86 F23. GM Metric bellhousing from 2000-2002, and Ecotec bellhousing from 2000-2005. As long as you have the correct bellhousing (provided you aren't swapping internals) it's a safe bet.

Hope this information doesn't come too late.
hnthomps JAN 11, 05:59 PM
My main concern with this transmission is the supposedly "170 ft lbs of torque" rating. I recently dynoed a mostly stock 3800 SC Series II engine an got an average of about 300 ft lbs torque based on three runs. Obviouly the transmission can withstand more than the rated numbers but does anyone have a lot of experience of this transmission in higher torque applications (300 - 450 ft lbs)?

Nelson
carbon JAN 11, 06:05 PM

quote
Originally posted by L67:

Hope this information doesn't come too late.



Nope, still good! Thanks!
Trinten JAN 11, 06:07 PM

quote
Originally posted by hnthomps:

My main concern with this transmission is the supposedly "170 ft lbs of torque" rating. I recently dynoed a mostly stock 3800 SC Series II engine an got an average of about 300 ft lbs torque based on three runs. Obviouly the transmission can withstand more than the rated numbers but does anyone have a lot of experience of this transmission in higher torque applications (300 - 450 ft lbs)?

Nelson



It's my *understanding* that Jncomutt's car was putting down around 500 torque. I do not know if that was at the wheels or crank. Before he decided to go to an automatic, he was attempting to see how much abuse the transmission could take, including clutch dumps - he snapped more axles than anything else. I personally have not been so brazen with mine.
L67 JAN 11, 06:24 PM
Those where wheel numbers, over 600 crank. Good times.
mattwa JAN 11, 08:05 PM

quote
Originally posted by hnthomps:

My main concern with this transmission is the supposedly "170 ft lbs of torque" rating. I recently dynoed a mostly stock 3800 SC Series II engine an got an average of about 300 ft lbs torque based on three runs. Obviouly the transmission can withstand more than the rated numbers but does anyone have a lot of experience of this transmission in higher torque applications (300 - 450 ft lbs)?

Nelson



Those are just numbers...real world experience has shown they are VERY tough. Just look at the internals, it's pretty beefy for a "170 ft-lb" transmission. Then when you see one in person like I have next to a 282, let alone an Isuzu...makes them look like a toy.
voodoochikin04 JAN 11, 08:17 PM
so where would one go to get that bleeder unit for the f23? my trans didnt come with that and i CANNOT find one..
mattwa JAN 11, 08:22 PM

quote
Originally posted by voodoochikin04:

so where would one go to get that bleeder unit for the f23? my trans didnt come with that and i CANNOT find one..



You're not talking about the Rodger Thelin adapter line are you? If you are talking about the piece on the F23, then I would assume you could get one from a junkyard.
akademikjeanius JAN 11, 08:23 PM
I apologize for the late expression of appreciation. Been away the past couple days. Thanks everybody for all the information and education on the gearing! Always go the extra mile to help out a Fellow Fiero'er