Been doing some reading and research on the forums, but most of the useful threads either get de-railed or just kind of peter off... so I will start one up with a couple questions, and hope for some pointed insight from this knowledgable community!

Going bigger power in a fully-bolted cobalt on meth, preparing for a ZFR swap, I have been hearing/reading that going with an LSJ trans is a good option. Reasons for this have included different gear ratios (although Im not sure the gains here), stronger capabilities for torque/power, and a cheaper alternative to the ZZP LNF trans upgrade.

My questions are as such. Is this an actual upgrade over the LNF trans? What are the biggest couple of gains, and does the difference in ratios actually play a role? Is it a direct bolt-on?

Keep in mind, the clutch will be changed out when the trans is upgraded, most likely with a KY Stage 3, or a Spec Stage 3.... and from what I hear, getting a new OEM flywheel is pretty much the better option here as well.

 

the only benefit is a lower final drive. 4.05 compared to 3.82. Move the speeds down in each gear that torque will come in...
other than that? Put in a GMPP clutch and protect your transmission.

If it was me, I would not change the trans unless it was broken. But that said, I wouldnt look for more power than stage 1 out of an LNF. Its FWD. Like I wonder sometimes, whats the point ? if it wont hook up, for example...

 

^ just because lol

 

Completely agree here, but getting custom tuned works too imo.

The only reason it makes sense to me is if they are gonna put slicks on and run it at the track.

 

I am going to run slicks at the track If that is really the only benefit, then I can see why its not really needed to be swapped out. I have seen some threads of a couple SS/TC's running 500+ on the stock trans, and I probably wont be breaking that number for a while anyways... just wanted to straightforward answers, and I appreciate you guys taking the time to throw them out there!

 

Just be careful not to abuse it. Even if there are people at 500+, plenty of people have blown up third gear at 400~, so hopefully you'll never need the lsj trans haha.

 

Pretty much what Powell said. LNF trans usually gives out at around 400 whp but the key is the hard hitting, quick spooling turbos that destroy it. There are plenty of people LSJ and LNF alike who make 500+ and their trans are ok. most are on the later spooling turbos like the s256et or pte5557. It also seems to be just luck too. As John said, put in a GMPP clutch and that way it will slip before your trans explodes

 

Tell that to the honda's running 9s-10s with 1.6 60fts, and boost by gear.

 

Sadly their transmissions like them a lot more than ours like us!

 

Truth, we got screwed when it came to that.

 

i watched a cavalier at the CED meet at great lakes go 10 and 140 on an f 23.
i have to figure the driver has a bit to do with it. his trans was fine.

he doesnt drive the cavvy on the street.

 

if you are drag racing you should be 4.45. come on! Do the math, most of the drag slicks folks put on the car, over gear it horribly. Take a page from ex soccers book, he has it figured out and is making his setup to suit..

 

i agree with most here. change it out if it breaks. im on the stock trans with the zzp stage 4 clutch and new oem flywheel. i definitely have some fun with my car. dont beat the **** out of it but definitely "spirited" lol. (been on this set up almost a year) upgrade when it breaks. not when its still working.

 

Exactly if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Keep putting money aside in case it does, other wise enjoy the set up!

 

i think people will be really surprised with my setup.

but btw. hondas also have dog boxes and aftermarket support for transmissions like nobodies business. and legit boost by gear can be had for us as well if you're willing to spend the money. and i'm not just talking about torque management via hpt.

 

this is becoming informative

 

True, hopefully one day the cobalt community will have endless after market support, but I doubt that will ever happen.

 

unfortunetley i don't think that will happen. the platform is dead

 

I agree with you, there is only a handful of companies currently, not to mention a company making upgrades for a stronger trans. There just isn't enough interest in parts, nor is there any money in it for companies making parts.

 

close ratio 3 & 4 gears for f35 are available at 1200 each set. pony up . lol

 

Im leaning towards the F40 6 speed swap if my tranny takes a dump.

 

take a trip to grand rapids. dont forget your check book lol

 

Had a buddy back when we first for into cobalts/redlines in 06/07 try the cyro treatment stuff, worked more like a bandaid, he said F it and swapped a auto in.

 

the lsj trans isnt a benefit imho. really the only thing that benefits is like it was said the 4.05 final drive.

if your on slicks your going to break sooner or later. its wear and tear on anything idc what kind of trans you have. sure big dollar transmission will hold up a lot longer but eventually parts need to be replaced.

that being said you could wpc the gear set and it will sorta help but its not a permanent solution. i made 442whp on our mustang dyno with a spec stage 3+ clutch and aluminum flywheel(if you go with specs stuff get their flywheel do not use a stock one. they work as a paired combo and work damn good). i probablly had at minimum 75 dyno passes on the car and possibly more during testing with daily driving and never had the trans give way.

the biggest improvement you can make is the driver behind the wheel and the shifts being made.

 

I agree, I don't feel it's really worth the swap.