After considering input from the knowledgeable people on this forum, I have decided to go with the lfx engine and the Saab 9-3 f40 manual transmission. My question is what clutch/pressure plate/flywheel combination would be a reasonable choice? Thanks, Daryl M
The OE Saab 9-3 2.8t clutch is the correct dimensions. You may want to look for aftermarket clutches which fit that combination. I don't know who makes any, though, as it's a fairly rare setup.
Just picked up the transmission. I think I got a reasonable deal at $382 out the door. Had to make a 10 hour round trip to get it, but it looks like it is in good shape. Down side is they didn't have the clutch/flywheel. New GM parts go for about $600.
FWIW, I just looked at Rockauto. The earliest Saab 2.8 V6 turbo was around 2005-2006. It shows a different flywheel from the 2012 Camaro LFX manual. Both are Dual Mass flywheels, however. And both are showing "out of stock".
Originally posted by Daryl M: Dobey, do you kknow if a Camaro clutch will fit? Or at least the Camero flywheel/pressure plate.
It will fit the engine, but it's the wrong depth for the F40 trans, I think. You can find a flywheel for cheap on eBay. Heck, I have a flywheel sitting in my garage that I got for cheap on eBay because I wanted to check the bolt pattern and dimensions for my LS4.
I found a place to get an OEM clutch. https://www.esaabparts.com Thinking of trying a Camaro flywheel with the Saab clutch, pressure plate. What does everyone think?
Try clutch masters for a flywheel possibility, that appears to be the company that made an aluminum one piece flywheel for the 3900 from what I can tell from some 5 yr old emails I was able to find between myself and the person I sold my OE parts to for the mock up they used to make it. The flywheel looked great although I'm not sure I save pictures of it anywhere. It is designed to accept the stock clutch and pressure plate. The problem with some dual mass flywheels is that they have built in torque limits and I confirmed that with a SACHS company rep. Note that the 3.6L in the FWD platforms generally has a wide hp torque gap and even the HO 3900 GM showed at SEMA some years back in a G6 F40 combo only pushed about 260 lb/ft so keep that in mind if there is a considerable increase in torque between the designed application and your intended use as the flywheels are specific for their application in torque rating. Not all but enough to need to know the limits before you put it together. I felt the stocker slip in during my first build.
Nick Taliafero I believe is how the name is spelled, google it combined with SAAB Imports/transmission and you should be able to find him. He's an expert on the transmission you have. The billet flywheel that was made ran ~ $800 initially and it shouldn't be that difficult to change the bolt pattern as a possibility if you want to consider that but it would likely cost extra.
Get the facts on the specs before you buy, you can blow a lot of money in the process if you do it after the fact.
I found a place to get an OEM clutch. https://www.esaabparts.com Thinking of trying a Camaro flywheel with the Saab clutch, pressure plate. What does everyone think?
The Camaro trans and F40 have different bell housings. I am not sure that the flywheel is the same thickness in both cases.
I got lucky and found a Saab factory flywheel, used in Las Vegas for $145 including shipping. Should be here next week. Thanks everyone for your comments. Daryl M
Wasn't as lucky as I thought. They called back and told me they couldn't find it in their warehouse ans refunded my money. Oh well, at least the clutch kit arrived today.
