If I figure it out I'll let you know

 

I FINALLY had time to install the Powell rotated mount kit on my G5. I really like how it firmed up the slop in the engine. That rubber band feeling with each shift is gone. I just need to learn to keep the rpms a bit higher when starting out each time in 1st gear; the vibrations from 500-1200 rpms when the engine is under load are a bit crazy. They've calmed down a bit though after a couple days of driving.

I also installed Koni yellow struts and shocks. After reading all the stories here about people mistakenly cutting their strut housings too short, I only cut off about 7mm from the top of the struts. From what I can tell, that worked perfectly. They look like a pic EmporerJ posted somewhere on here; just a but of yellow showing. Paired with the YYZ v2 springs I have, I set them at a half turn from full soft, and they feel a bit softer than YYZ with FE5 struts/shocks. I might adjust them a bit firmer because I like a firmer ride, but my wife commented on how much smoother they are than the YYZ+FE5 setup.

Thanks John for the quality parts you build, and the time and effort you dedicate to making them just right!

 

"only 30K"?? Dang, she drives a lot! My wife doesn't have the boost itch like ECaulk's

 

Questions you didnt ask ,but here is the answer anyway
LSD .
Quaife did not manufacture the 08-10 Cobalt torsen style /quaife look alike LSD. The transmissions with the real quaife have tags on the top of the housing marked "LSD" and are 4.05 cwp. and the pseudos the tag does not say LSD but has a number, and X and a 3.82 cwp. So looking for a used quaife at the scrap yard, you know what to look for.

Quaife did not tell me who made these different units 08-10 but it must have surrounded the bankruptcy, Gm were pretty brutal with suppliers at the time, arrogant and demanding as they burned suppliers to the ground. GM Powertrain is the current name afaik of the previously named "Fiat/Saab/GM transmission"manufacturing joint venture Oor whatever you call it) that made the transmissions (F55/35 or whatever) that were stuffed in the 2.0 SC and Turbo versions of the Cobalt and Saturn Redline (SC only)

For some bizarre reason, ( possible slightly more torque capacity) GM chose to use the Saab based F55/35 variant for the SS/Redliness and not the Getrag non LSD/ F23 three shaft design that was used in a far larger production volume of manual shift base Cobalts and Saturns ( 2.2 and 2.4 naturally aspirated models.

But back to what Quaife told me via email overnight

"The cast housing differentials are definitely not Quaife as we have never cast our bodies they have always been machined out of billet. These must have come from a different manufacturer."

I had asked about my 38 degree Quaife which was a development part I had which we tested, and John Heinricy did not like, due to understeer. I used it, but with the new YYZ progressive Hyperco spring rate configurations I have made for me, and run now with the rear bars we make, works geat for me.

"Essentially the TBR is a complicated way of comparing the helix angle of the internals (sun gears and pinions) and the vast majority of our diffs have the same angle internals although some of the very large and very small diffs have different angles. A few diffs have options (eg QDF9U) as they are used in different applications, i.e. QDF9U (31dg) in a Honda Civic Type R or QDF9U/23dg in an Ariel Atom. If you put a standard QDF9U (31dg) in an Atom (very light mid engined car) the diff would push too hard for the amount of grip at the front. The 38 degree you have there is probably from the development stage."

So good info, and as a member on Saab Central points out, and I have found, those cast housing pseudo quaifes have never broken for me in use, but must have been made, I am guessing, in China. I will look closely. Pictures for reference.

Genuine


Psuedo


Compared

 

Some depressingly good info, thanks John.

 

John even says he has never seen one break. I wouldn't be really worried about it.

 

Good point.

 

I just wanted to give my feedback on the Powell stage 1 rotated mount kit I installed a few months ago. I did a ton of research on this product before purchasing. Basically everything I read was very positive, but pretty much all people talk about is how it fixes wheel hop. While that is true, there is another benefit that I believe is just as important. It really does a fantastic job of reducing engine/transmission movement which I always found to be excessive with the factory mounts, even on a completely stock LNF car. One thing that always bothered me about my Cobalt was the jerking movement I too often felt during certain conditions when getting on, or even more so when letting off the throttle. The rotated mounts essentially make this a non-issue. As someone above me just posted, it also gets rid of that "rubber band sensation" which is a little out of hand on higher horsepower cars during spirited driving. Some people mention increased vibration, from my experience it's very minimal, I was expecting worse honestly. I only notice it during idle with the A/C on, or when moving from a complete stop. I think this minor side effect is worth all the benefits though. Installation is pretty simple too. Overall I'm very happy with this product, on a stock LNF I'd say it's a great upgrade, on a tuned car I'd say this pretty much a must do!

 

speaking of the mount upgrade, i never got around to properly seating all my mounts. What is the sequence of loosening/tightening/lifting/lowering all of the engine/trans mounts to ensure that it is sitting right?

 

also judging Johns post, looks like i got a legit Quaife LSD trans! got it off an 07 LSJ with 15000 miles reported on it, which puts it around 25k total miles now : sure feels good when on the gas around the turns; it really pulls the front end around. Haven't really gone any burnouts in it but kinda been wanting to try to peel 2nd gear just to leave a nice long 11 somewhere haha

 

Detailed instructions should have been emailed to you when you placed your order. Did you check your email for them?

The front and rear mounts don't really have any adjustability. All you can do is loosen the left mount to let it shift into place, and then retighten it. The right mount is very soft, so no adjustment is needed.

 

My '07 Cobalt SS/SC doesn't pull as evenly with the LSD as it used to. John, since you have the answer to all things. Could this be my imagination or could the Quaife become damaged with abuse?

 

i know that the tranny fluid has no effect on the LSD but my car felt so much better once i changed it, OEM stuff of course

 

Thanks. Yeah i think i got instructions but lost the email unfortunately. John could you or somebody email them to joker42369@yahoo.com ? Thanks!

Im on the (puts on fireproof attire) ottp upper trans mount now. (under the fusebox) and gotta say im impressed so far. But with a new stock engine mount, lnf rear trans mount (so no spacer plate needed) and powells front.

 

It's a nice piece for sure rice I have it on mine no flaming from me lol

 

Hold on, you don't need the spacer when you're using an LNF rear mount on an LSJ motor?

 

Yes, you need the spacer. If you're using an OEM/stock mount, you need the spacer.

And unless riceburner is using the old style stage 2 LNF mount that John manufactured, he needs the spacer too.

 

Ah ok thanks, I did read correctly when I installed it then (with the spacer).

 

Ruh roh. Might need a spacer then lol. Unless i do have one and just forgot.

And thanks to whoever sent me the instructions! And to whoever is sending me pics of their rather small testes... (snail_ss?) Thanks but im not interested!

 

Lol why you blame me?

 

White car blurrily in the background

 

Lol well that wasn't me tho I don't play around like that

 

I would expect suspension parts not up to spec, or alignment are more likely for uneven pulling and not the Quaife

 

You're welcome.

 

I guess I will price OEM replacement control arms or a hydraulic press and aftermarket control arm bushings.