Which transmission is best (Page 2/6)
dobey JUL 11, 07:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by lateFormula:
One that hasn't been mentioned is the F35 which is a five speed manual gearbox that is rated for input torque of 260 ft/lb. This trans was used in the Cobalt and HHR SS models with the LNF engine and they all came from the factory with a limited slip differential.



It's also a trans for the Ecotec engines, which have a different bell pattern, so won't bolt directly to any of the engines which OP is considering. It's a good trans, but most people tend to want to avoid an adapter plate if possible, as the plate takes away from available space, and limits positioning options of the engine/trans combination a bit more.
fast40driver JUL 11, 11:37 PM
I'd tend to vote for the F40 - but the MU9, introduced for 2007. This is providing that you like to drive a stick. Personally I do, and enjoy the extra shifts if I want to have fun - of course, with a 3800SC you could skip shift if so inclined.

My biggest ***** with the getrag is the 4-5 jump always seems too tall - I can live with the short 1st for the street, not so good for go-fast.

In the MU9, sixth is only a little taller than the 282, 4th, 5th and 6th are fairly close ratio. Very easy to slip down one gear if you want, the 6-5 shift seems real smooth to me, whereas on the getrag, 5-4 always seems "notchy", never seems to slide smoothly through the gate. And as I mentioned, you can always skip shift and drive it as a four speed.

Having said that, if you don't really WANT a stick, auto is probably the choice that makes most sense.

Just my 2 cents

Mike
ZaraSpOOk JUL 12, 02:51 PM
an alternate view:

use your Izusu

when all these were new, yes, it was the "weakest"
however, 25 years have gone by
is the prettiest girl in your high school class still the prettiest 25 years later?
if and when your Izusu breaks, they are a dime a dozen to replace
they are regularly listed on Craigslist for $100, and the owners are damn happy if anybody buys it
many are happy if they get half that once it sits in their garage long enough

if you put in a Getrag it will be even harder to find one when it does break than it will be now, and even more expensive
and you will feel damn lucky to find one
don't even think you can repair it
yes, you can repair it if you are lucky enough to find parts, which are even rarer than the transmission
but don't count on it
you can easily buy 4 Izusu's for the price of one Getrag, in fact you can probably buy a half dozen
or looked at another way, an entire working Izusu is less money than one replacement part for the Getrag (if you are lucky enough to find it)
carbon JUL 12, 03:07 PM

quote
Originally posted by lateFormula:

The F23 is rated for input torque of 170 ft/lb.

The F40 is rated for input torque of 295 ft/lb.

One that hasn't been mentioned is the F35 which is a five speed manual gearbox that is rated for input torque of 260 ft/lb. This trans was used in the Cobalt and HHR SS models with the LNF engine and they all came from the factory with a limited slip differential.



[This message has been edited by carbon (edited 07-12-2013).]

Justinbart JUL 12, 07:57 PM

quote
Originally posted by ZaraSpOOk:

an alternate view:

use your Izusu

when all these were new, yes, it was the "weakest"
however, 25 years have gone by
is the prettiest girl in your high school class still the prettiest 25 years later?
if and when your Izusu breaks, they are a dime a dozen to replace
they are regularly listed on Craigslist for $100, and the owners are damn happy if anybody buys it
many are happy if they get half that once it sits in their garage long enough

if you put in a Getrag it will be even harder to find one when it does break than it will be now, and even more expensive
and you will feel damn lucky to find one
don't even think you can repair it
yes, you can repair it if you are lucky enough to find parts, which are even rarer than the transmission
but don't count on it
you can easily buy 4 Izusu's for the price of one Getrag, in fact you can probably buy a half dozen
or looked at another way, an entire working Izusu is less money than one replacement part for the Getrag (if you are lucky enough to find it)



I would rather drive my car than replace transmissions anymore. It sucks when one breaks and destroys your $300+ clutch.

------------------
Turbo 3800 E85 F23 5spd spec5
11.17@132.6

Silicoan86 JUL 13, 12:32 AM
If you want to become an expert at replacing transmissions, go with Isuzus and buy them in bulk to save the downtime in the future.

If you want to do this once, go with the F23.
Raydar JUL 13, 07:15 AM
One that nobody has mentioned is the Beretta Getrag, for the 3.1.
It comes with a bit sturdier differential that the Fiero version.
IMHO, the best thing about this tranny is the internal hydraulic release bearing. It does away with the Fiero's (sometimes) unreliable slave cylinder and all the mechanical bits that are hanging off the side of the tranny. Leaves quite a bit more room for exhaust systems.
It will require Rodney's FWD shift cable adapters, but it's well worth it.
The gearing is the same as the Fiero Getrag.

I have one on my 4.9 and really like it.
It seems to shift a bit smoother than the Fiero Getrag. (I've heard that was by design, but I'm not sure.)


quote
Originally posted by Silicoan86:

If you want to become an expert at replacing transmissions, go with Isuzus and buy them in bulk to save the downtime in the future.
...



[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 07-13-2013).]

dobey JUL 13, 08:44 AM

quote
Originally posted by Raydar:
One that nobody has mentioned is the Beretta Getrag, for the 3.1.



Ah, I was totally going to mention the 90s HTOB Getrag over the stock Fiero Getrag in my chespest-to-best options post, but completely forgot to do so.
Corpsmen Ed JUL 13, 11:33 PM
Yeah, I don't know if I trust the Isuzu enough to leave it in the car. Especially if I swap in the 3800sc. Since I haven't actually driven the car yet, I can't vouch for its condition. When I bought it, I was told it runs but but needed a new fuel pump. It currently has 90K+. And I really don't want to do this more that once.

I love rowing through the gears on a stick shift, but am starting to consider dropping in one of the Automatics.

Thoughts???
NetCam JUL 13, 11:44 PM
Don't do it!!!