F23 tranny swap??

[Keoki1978]

I test drove a eco/F23 J-body and that trans shifts like butter. I know that I need the F23 from a 2200 powered J, but what else??

Im sure its been asked before, but the search function on this site shows nothing. If there are any links to some more detailed info regarding swapping to the F23 and what year was the best, Id appreciate it.

Just so that we are on the same page, I am using the LG8 3100. Im running a T3/TO4E turbo and the engine runs great. I currently have the NVG in now. Got some shift problems that are getting worst. Also if anyone is aware, can I use the jackshaft with the F23?? Those I've seen in the yards have one long shaft for the passenger side.

Thanks

[bszopi]

Not sure I'd want to use it, especially on a turbo'd engine.

It can handle torque inputs of up to 230 newton metres (170 ft·lbf).

You'd probably break it pretty easily. Most swaps with the newer Getrags are with the F40 tranny, which should have almost twice the torque input.

[Keoki1978]

I've considered that. I thought I heard something about the F23 being geared better. The research I've done shows that there are alot of people using this trans. It seems to hold up well to the abuse. I might just give up and send out the NVG for a full rebuild and see about cryo treating some components. Or swap to the F40, which ever cost less.

[robertisaar]

optimal gearing will be dependant on the engine itself, specifically, where the HP and Torque peaks are located.

[gar70614]

what kind of car do you drive? you would need a f23 flywheel and clutch, and probably cables and shifter. nvg axles should be fine tho.

[WrathOfSocrus]

Is the bellhousing removable? I can't seem to find a picture showing it well enough but I know that the Ecotec has a completely different bolt pattern. The wiki says there are 2 versions one made to work in heavier vehicles but I don't know what parts are different. I don't think I would use the F23 in a heavier vehicle than what they came in from the factory. If you keep the boost levels moderate it might survive behind a 3100 in a J or N body. I don't know what the boosted Ecotec guys are using to beef them up but I'm sure they would have some answers.

[alpinestar10]

Bryan go f40 not f23!!! Glad to hear its running great now. lemme know if you need anything

[alpinestar10]

Is the bellhousing removable? I can't seem to find a picture showing it well enough but I know that the Ecotec has a completely different bolt pattern. The wiki says there are 2 versions one made to work in heavier vehicles but I don't know what parts are different. I don't think I would use the F23 in a heavier vehicle than what they came in from the factory. If you keep the boost levels moderate it might survive behind a 3100 in a J or N body. I don't know what the boosted Ecotec guys are using to beef them up but I'm sure they would have some answers.

There is someone using the f23 on the 3500 so im assuming the bellhousing will work. and this 3500 is in a 3rd gen cavi and its running some 250 or 300 hp idk the specs off hand but superdave gave it the p&p work

[WrathOfSocrus]

The Twin Cam 4 cylinders have the metric bolt pattern but Ecotec motors have a different pattern where two of the bolts go through the bottom of the trans into the oil pan. I did an automatic Ecotec swap this past fall and I'm certain it is not the same. Maybe 2 or 3 of the bolts line up but you would have to first make sure the crank lines up with the input shaft and then modify the other bolt holes to secure it in place. A quick search of Google images shows both mating surfaces of the Ecotec. Although I see a pic now that makes it look like the bellhousing is removable.

[Barry]

I have been thinking about this swap as well. From the sound of it not many people have broken this trans.

Some issues that crossed my mind were VSS. Will that work? Who knows. If axles work, then intermediate shaft should work, assuming the diff is in the same location as the NVG. The cavi frame rail and trans mounts look the same, so it should just bolt up if you have those style mounts. 2.2 bellhousing will fit 60v6. 2.2 flywheel also fits 60v6 so if the clutch dosent work then use a 2.2 flywheel.

Then use a cav shifter and cables. IIRC B&M made a pretty solid shifter for those cars, so we can get away from our caveman NVG shifters.

I may do this swap into a 94 beretta with a 3500 this summer. I will take pics and record details that I come across.

[gar70614]

since 94+ berettas and 95-99 cavaliers manual trans mounts are almost the same you could use a isuzu from a cavalier would bolt right in. but in the 2000+ (f23) the mount locations changed in the cavaliers. to put a f23 in a isuzu equiped cavalier you need to drill a new hole in the front frame rail mount and weld in a new mount in the rear. you will also need a 2000+ 2.2 non eco flywheel and clutch. as far as axles i know you can use your driver side and either a cav long axle or a q4 intermediate because they dont bolt to the trans. idk about bolting to the block tho. this is from research ive done for cavaliers im not 100% on the beretta side of things but im 99%

[Superdave]

I'll see if i can get Dustin to comment in this thread, his F23 / 3500 3rd gen is a beast.


I do know that he recently broke an axle that also whipped around and tore a hole through the trans, he's on his 2nd F23 now..

[robertisaar]

I do know that he recently broke an axle that also whipped around and tore a hole through the trans, he's on his 2nd F23 now..

you know, i've seen that same problem happen to a F40 on the Pennocks forum... turns out the axle was ~1" too short and somehow caused the issue.

[MY91GT(Z)]

sounds like some axles would have to be custom made or basterdize a set to do this swap which should be relatively easy. but would be nice have some of these swap documented for future applicants

[gar70614]

ill double check on j-body. org but as long as your platform came with a 282 you should be able to use those axles or a cavalier axle, or a 5 speed 99+ n body... depending on the length and splines on the wheel end u need.