:? When looking for performance parts for the ecotec engines I find that GM makes their own specific parts for the engines. THe main question I have is if the crank they sell on their gm parts direct site is the same crank that is already in the cobalt SS. Both cranks understroke the engine to 2.0 l instead of 2.2, but the aftermarket crank is said to be a racing crank so is it stronger or did they put that same part in the SS. I would like to know because the aftermarket crank is like 3000$ and i cant seem to find any other performance cranks available for the ecotec engins.

Don't know about the crank but there are some after market parts in the works. I talked to a Saturn tech about the RL and he said that Jones is a making a chip and another company is making a different wastegate.

Don't worry. I have a feeling there will be a lot of aftermarket stuff released in the near future seeing how GM is advertising these as "tuner cars".

It seems pretty typical for factory crankshafts to be forged. At least, most Sport Compact type cars. I assume it'd be the same for the Cobalt SS, and probably the redline. Especially for the SS considering they took the time to make a custom 5spd tranny for it.

Especially for the SS considering they took the time to make a custom 5spd tranny for it.


The only difference I could note between the regular 5 spd and the SS 5 spead is the first gear ration being higher on the SS (4.10) as opposed to 3.something on the regular model. Is anything else different, like the clutch or something. I have heard the clutch is a point of weakness on FWD cars with a lot of power.

i heard somewhere the clutch on the SS is amazing....but that was just rumored so i'm not sure

The synchros and gears were built better and stronger to be more durable with the added power. It's on their site and probably in an article or two on this site. So, logically, it'd seem they'd take the time to strengthen the engine/platform as a whole...not just one part.

Especially for the SS considering they took the time to make a custom 5spd tranny for it.


The only difference I could note between the regular 5 spd and the SS 5 spead is the first gear ration being higher on the SS (4.10) as opposed to 3.something on the regular model. Is anything else different, like the clutch or something. I have heard the clutch is a point of weakness on FWD cars with a lot of power.

just wanted to add, 5th gear is different too. .69 on the SS, .81 on all other 5 spds.

ELS

i've read that the weakest link should be the clutch, otherwise all else will break, and honestly i'd rather burn up a clutch than break my driveshafts

Amen to that.

Yeah I'm not sure... CV axles are usually cheaper then clutches I think, but who knows, the heavier-duty components in these cars may be more expensive. Of course I still hope the clutch is strong, don't wanna be replacing one every 10-20k like a Evo owner.

Especially for the SS considering they took the time to make a custom 5spd tranny for it.


The only difference I could note between the regular 5 spd and the SS 5 spead is the first gear ration being higher on the SS (4.10) as opposed to 3.something on the regular model. Is anything else different

They are totally different actually, the new Cobalt SS supercharged will have the FGP (Fiat-GM-Powertrain) 5-speed tranny while the current 04 Redline's have a beefed up Getrag 5-speed tranny. Except for 1st gear and 5th gear, the gearing is the same (i.e. the gear ratios) like mentioned by others.

Basically, the FGP 5-speed from what I have read, is much more durable and cabable of handleing the extra power of the 2.0 SC. It's more heavy-duty.

Maybe in future models of the Redline, they will also use the FGP 5-speed.

Really? Thats good info, I wouldn't have thought that they'd use a different transmission on the Redline and Cobalt, although if the FGP is better I'd assume that the consequent Redlines will have it as well.

They are totally different actually, the new Cobalt SS supercharged will have the FGP (Fiat-GM-Powertrain) 5-speed tranny while the current 04 Redline's have a beefed up Getrag 5-speed tranny. Except for 1st gear and 5th gear, the gearing is the same (i.e. the gear ratios) like mentioned by others.

Basically, the FGP 5-speed from what I have read, is much more durable and cabable of handleing the extra power of the 2.0 SC. It's more heavy-duty.

Maybe in future models of the Redline, they will also use the FGP 5-speed.


The ION 1-2-3 uses a GETRAG POS 5 speed
The ION RedLine uses a FGP F35 5 speed
The F25 from the L series and F35 in the RedLine is the manual all the Turbo Opel and Saab vehicles use. Notice the Euro-que of having to lift up the shift boot hub to engage reverse.

1st 3.38
2nd 1.76
3rd 1.18
4th 0.89
5th 0.70
Rev 3.17
FDR 4.05:1

large amounts of traction (slicks) are about the only way you can break an axle. That is, unless you act stupid and burn out for minutes on end.

large amounts of traction (slicks) are about the only way you can break an axle. That is, unless you act stupid and burn out for minutes on end.
Wheel hop contributes to broken axles, high torque, and drivetrain geometry missalignment(lowering too much).

I don't see why the need of changing the crank is necessary. I'd bet money to say the stock ecotec crank can hold whatever power you throw at it.

Finally someone mentioned wheel hop. My brother has a brand new Ion Red Line and when he floors that thing it has incredible wheel hop. He intends to fix it by bracing the engine but my guess is that the Cobalt SS will have the same problem considering it is the exact same car. If you really floor it it's quite intense. The hopping makes me wanna back off so maybe hopefully by '06 when I get mine, GM might have this problem fixed because obviously this leads to other problems.

Tom

motor mount polyurethane inserts help a ton with eliminating wheelhop. :)