Can the F40 Drop In to Replace the M32?

[laborsmith]

A question in my mind is how much the drivetrain (transmission) can handle. Travssonic believes the clutch is the weak point and has pictures posted to support his point. I suspect that in addition to the clutch, the limitations of the M32 itself has to be of concern. We are already exceeding 220ftlbs at the wheel on a tranny rated at up to 234ftlbs at the crank.

Does anybody on the forum have access to info that can be shared about the F40? (weight, size etc. compared to the M32) I have found some info but not the kind that would indicate a direct drop in to be feasible, notice I said feasible, not possible.

Laborsmith

 

[Preloader]

Yes it will!!! If it bolts to the Opel, it will bolt to the Sonic. I'm feeling like it will just drop in, or only need minor adjustments. Supposedly weighs 124 lbs. Does anyone know the weight of the M32?

 

[laborsmith]

I have seen it, but right now can not remember where. Off to do a protracted search. Thanks for the info, Preloader.

Laborsmith

 

[Preloader]

I have seen it, but right now can not remember where. Off to do a protracted search. Thanks for the info, Preloader.

Laborsmith

I found confirming info on an Aveo Forum. Wasn't sure if it would be in poor taste to post the link on our beloved Sonic Forum... Even though they are our forefathers.

 

[laborsmith]

But away from US-Canada the Sonic is the Aveo.

My results so far: F40 weighs about 30lbs more and depending on configuration is 1" to 2" longer.

Laborsmith

 

[Preloader]

The 6spd trans for the RS is supposed to have sportier gearing. But I wonder if it will also accommadate for more HP/tq. If so, it would be my choice.

 

[mitdr774]

I wonder if they fixed the second gear grind issue for the rs??

 

[SuperFudd]

I think I read in this forum that 2nd gear grinding can be fixed by changing the "fluid" to one not a thin or as low in viscosity. Not sure what that would do to the waranty. It would likely decrease the mpg a tad.

 

[mitdr774]

in normal driving i do not have the grind, however on the rare occasion where I need to get up to speed fast I have to remember to take it easy on teh 1-2 shift.

Owning a 98 Z24 with an Isuzu know for being weak, I am always surprised when a transmission in a much newer car requires even more care with shifting. Its kind of a disappointment really. I guess I am used to being able to rip through the gears fast without issue. The Isuzu, Getrag F23, and the NVG1500 have all been easy to shift quick with no grind.

I really hope that a fix can be found and actually take care of the issue. The fix for the Getrag F23 (fluid change) fixed one issue, but caused others.

 

[theenico]

To answer the original question, the F40 and M32 are different transmission families. The F40 is physically larger. It may bolt to the engine (probably not though since the M32 is used with family 0 and 1 engines, whereas the F40 is used on family 2 and larger engines). If it did bolt up you would still have to fabricate mounts, adapt the shift cables, figure out the clutch, deal with the VSS, and get custom axles. Not really a swap for the faint of heart.

If you're worried about the M32 strength, it would probably be more cost effective to shot peen, REM finish, and cryogenically treat the gears and shafts.

 

[laborsmith]

I have wondered about cryo.

I did discover there to be a size difference (Post #5^)

In my present configuration, I am not worried. And since I currently am not planning any more power mods I will let this idea rest.

Laborsmith