I wanted to let others know on the Saab head vs the LSJ head, there are a couple more minute differences that can make this seemingly easy swap a real headache.

Obviously, the intake manifold bolt holes were already addressed.

The small casting "nub" that is located real close to the LSJ belt tensioner and the head's 10mm allen head wrench hole that covers a bolt to the front black chain guide.. this sticks farther out on the Saab head than on the LSJ, making the belt tensioner impossible to sit right unless you grind down that nub. I am not sure what the nub is for on the Saab head, but it has a tapped bolt hole there, where on the LSJ head it is only a nub.

There are other little things, but these are the biggest that we addressed today when we swapped this head onto an LSJ car.

 

yeah that same nub is on the 2.2's, grinding down that nub is one of the steps we have to do in order to supercharge the 2.2 ecotecs. It must come on all non supercharged ecotec engines

 

I did not know this. I appreciate the info on it.

Is there something that bolts onto that nub? Bracket or wiring harness or something?

Also, if getting your Saab head ported, do NOT drop off the Saab exhaust gasket to go with it for port matching. For some reason, the Saab gasket is so small, smaller in fact than the LSJ gasket, and if using that for porting, it doesn't even look like the ports were touched.

 

nope it's just a mystery nub

 

subbed i really wanna see how this turns out

 

interesting. subd

 

I'm in the process of finding myself a motor hoist. Should have a hold of one within a week here. Everything has been disconnected. ALL sensor cables, drive shafts, mounts, ect. Just need to pull out the block with transmission attached and go from there swapping stuff over.

 

nice, sub'd

 

*UPDATE*
Engine Hoist TODAY!!! Project Super Saab will be back underway.

 

I have a whole.saab motor I.got.for.150 ,bucks with turbo. 100k.miles. I hope it all.turns out okay. If.so.i.have a good extra long block

 

*UPDATE* 3-21-2012

We have removed the bad block and my Transmission.
Swapped quiet a few parts over to the new Saab motor. I have yet to drill out the Intake Mani holes, and shave down that weird metal nub for the belt tension pulley.

It's getting done, and I expect to have it running within a month.
Actually not to bad of a motor swap at all. I'm shitting brick about re-wiring everything back up. LOL

We've learned a LOT about this motor by just doing this project. Lots of time invested sitting on ass figuring out how to take something off. Like the Shifter cables LOL

PICS:






Thanks for the interest guys. I'm looking forward to a Corn Fed SAAB!!!!

 

*Update*
Shaved down the tensioer piece so it now fits on. You don't gotta take much off it.

Swapped all parts from LSJ to 9-3
Removed Transmission, Awaiting new Throw-out Bearing. Might as well replace.

Hoping to have motor in the car by this Tuesday coming up. YAY!!!

 

One of the guys in my club did this swap and us currently in the tuning process for e85.

 

I'm pretty sure your buddy is the guy I'm talking to a whole bunch on Facebook on this swap.

 

neat, would be in for finish product.

 

We're getting very close. I'm hoping to have the motor in by this Tuesday coming up if parts are found in time for that.

 

William?

 

Yes Sir. LOLZ

 

Nice you should be all good on your swap then he only hit a couple snags

 

interesting .... sub'd

 

*Update*
Motor with Tranny is planned to be installed Tues. Will have pics then. Have like 5 friends coming over to get R DONE!!!

Also, swapped the HVAC. LOVE IT NOW!!!!

 

*Update*
Ran into a issue. While attempting to just use the Saab's clutch that was already on the motor. We found that the transmission won't fit on. Which is weird because the Saab uses the exact same transmission. The flywheel is a lot thicker. So. I think were going to have to swap for my LSJ's flywheel and clutch.

However, all sensor and extra's have been swapped onto the Saab motor.
Intake Manifold holes have been drilled out and are ready for intake mani bolt up.
LNF struts have been installed. (SEE pic to see how bad my old struts were. No rebound AT ALL)
LNF motor mounts have been installed.

Pics:

 

*UPDATE*
So as noted above. I finally found some torx both male and female to remove the clutches and flywheels from the motor's to swap them.

The Saab uses a spring'less clutch, HOWEVER it uses a DUAL MASS flywheel, which itself contains springs to reduce clutch drops to the transmission. This is why is wouldn't fit. SO, I have swapped the flywheels now. I'll grab some pics soon to show you the difference in the two flywheels.
*Note, I'll be posting both of the clutches for sale as both were in pretty good condition. Won't be asking much at all either. Gotta get pics for CSS rules.

After this fiasco, I decided to purchase the GMS1 Clutch Upgrade for LSJ's. Pic below. I'm awaiting the clutch alignment tool I need to arrive. Then install transmission to motor and drop into car. I'm looking to have a running E85 Cobalt in about 2 weeks. Fingers Crossed no more issues come about.

 

*UPDATE*
Ran into some other minor issues nothing too bad though.

The motor is 1/2 way into the engine bay. I had to go to work.

Going to try to get motor bolted in by the end of the night tonight.

Hoping to have it tune ready by next weekend. Should be doable.

 

Motor is in!