Hi everyone,
I am in the process of swapping out my engine cradle/subframe. My current car has the one bolt/tab for securing the swaybar. I got a great price on an Cobalt SS/TC (LNF) engine cradle that has two bolts to secure the swaybar. I also ended up using the LNF swaybar as well. Figured it would be a neat little project to attempt.

I have 2.2L cobalt (F23) and everything swapped in fine. The only thing that caught me off guard was the lower radiator mounts. The LNF cradle did not come with one and I thought I could reuse the ones from my car. Apparently that's not the case as they do not line up.

Taking a look online it I came across the following part numbers. For those that did this swap do I need the LNF lower radiator mounts and support?
Part numbers 10368833, 22702290, 22702291

Don't ever recall anyone ever mentioning those in previous threads but it may have been something I glossed over.

Thanks

 

Did you swap the subframe just to utilize the 2-bolt sway bar bracket or for multiple reasons?

 

Well my car has over 150,000 miles on it with original steering rack, inner tie rods, and outer tie rods. With having another subframe it was much easier to just install all those parts and torquing everything to spec prior to swapping it. I really wanted to just give it a go and attempt swapping it because I have never done it before. It is definitely a weekend project and helps if you have a buddy assisting you. Having the 2 bolt was a bonus and I wanted to utilize a SS/TC swaybar as I have already swapped the rear beam with one from a SS/TC as well.

 

Just curious. I don't know about the different mounts. I thought they were the same on all Cobalts. I personally have swapped to the two bolt clamp by drilling an extra hole so wasn't something I ran into.

 

Wanted to provide an update. The mounts I ordered arrived in the mail and they are the same exact ones that I had on my old subframe. Taking a look again at the subframe I swapped I determined that the tabs for the lower radiator mounts are bent. I should have scrutinized them further. Oh well lesson learned, might have to take it to a shop to see if they can straighten out the tabs.

 

If you take it to a fab shop they might be able to weld the rad support in the correct location

 

Yea ended up taking it to an autobody shop, they were able to straighten out the tabs. The second option if they couldn't was to weld them in. Glad they got it done, much easier when you have a lift. Paid about $70 bucks. Radiator mounts are now good.