V1 F40 guys chime in

[RickS]

I'm going to be sourcing a 2007+ Saab F40 and was wondering if the goblin F40 kit came with the solid mounts, or if I have to find those separate? Is the full ZZP Conversion required?

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

To simplify your F40 choice, get the ZZP F40 conversion kit - unless you are good at sourcing parts. The DIY route does require some time locating the needed parts. The F40 transmission comes in 2 flavors - the Ecotec bolt pattern and the V6 bolt pattern. The Saab F40 must come from the 2.0 and not the 2.7/3.0 V6.

The F35 solid motor mounts will work. The front mount fits stock, the rear mount has an adapter plate that I believe is included in the ZZP kit. Or can be modified to work if you have some fab/mod skills.

I'm assuming you know the Goblin frame for the F40 is a special order from DF? Contact Adam directly when you are ready to order to be certain this is communicated and tied to your chassis number.

 

[comegetjoe]

How many F40 guys are there that have completed goblins? There are a few in the build process, but information is hard to come by. DesertSasqwatch has been my go-to for a lot of questions and idea bouncing.

 

[RickS]

I'll definitely contact Adam, I was aware the F40 had to be the 2.0 specific for the correct bellhousing. I'll have to contact ZZP when I'm ready to see if I can customize the conversion kit. My plans will require a racing clutch, the stock LDK clutch won't handle the planned power.

How many F40 guys are there that have completed goblins? There are a few in the build process, but information is hard to come by. DesertSasqwatch has been my go-to for a lot of questions and idea bouncing.

DesertSasqwatch has been a big inspiration in my part selections. I've been lurking his build thread for several months reading and re-reading, taking screen shots for a folder I'll use for quick reference.

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

There's still an unanswered question for the F40 installation. The transmission to engine spacer ring:

Does it need to be installed with the F40 transmission?

I have searched for an answer everywhere for more than 2 years and nothing on the web provides a definitive answer. It's obviously used to set the TOB spacing clearance for the factory clutch components - very simple for car assembly line work. But I cannot determine if it (or similar) was used to assemble any of the factory installed F40s, like Saab or Buick Regal GS.

I know there have been at least 3 F40 installs completed - was the spacer used for your installation?

It is reportedly required on most F35 and probably F23 installs. Guess I will have to resort to checking the TOB clearance with the spacer and without at some point to make the determination.

 

[comegetjoe]

I measured my air gap without accounting for the spacer. If I am to use the spacer for measuring air gap, I need to redo some maths.
If I have to use the spacer, the dowel pins only show a smidge for alignment beyond the spacer.
What moves or changes if we dont use it?

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

That's the question, if the spacer is needed or not. If the air gap you measured is within specs without the spacer, then I have to believe you are set up correctly - for the Spec clutch.

 

[comegetjoe]

That's the question, if the spacer is needed or not. If the air gap you measured is within specs without the spacer, then I have to believe you are set up correctly - for the Spec clutch.

You have to measure your set up to see if YOU need to use it.

 

[ah.b.normal]

I believe the F23 does not use the spacer, otherwise I would think those spacers would be everywhere!, and they're not. DS and everyone else interested, I'll be looking in my J/Y fun days! I'll check the automatics as well, I doubt they use it, but every source helps!

 

[comegetjoe]

That's the question, if the spacer is needed or not. If the air gap you measured is within specs without the spacer, then I have to believe you are set up correctly - for the Spec clutch.

How would it affect affect starter engagement? Or would it at all?

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

The spacer is 0.110 inch, so it will likely not cause any issues with the starter gear engagement. The starter gear is wider than the ring gear on the flywheel, so a minor shift on the engagement face should not be a problem.

 

[RickS]

There's still an unanswered question for the F40 installation. The transmission to engine spacer ring:
View attachment 43893
Does it need to be installed with the F40 transmission?

Assuming this is required, is there a reliable source that we have found to purchase this?

 

[Robinjo]

Assuming this is required, is there a reliable source that we have found to purchase this?

I believe it's been discontinued so looking on Marketplace or some of the Cobalt FB pages is the best bet (unfortunately).

 

[Gtstorey]

Should be fairly simple to make on if you get desperate. Sheet of aluminum and a jigsaw.

You could probably do it in 2-3 pieces to make it a little cheaper.

 

[RickS]

The spacer is 0.110 inch, so it will likely not cause any issues with the starter gear engagement. The starter gear is wider than the ring gear on the flywheel, so a minor shift on the engagement face should not be a problem.

From a cobalt ss group on fb, they say the spacer is for the regal trans... maybe the saab bellhousing is just a slightly different length?

 

[comegetjoe]

From a cobalt ss group on fb, they say the spacer is for the regal trans... maybe the saab bellhousing is just a slightly different length?

I only have a spacer because it came on my 09 SS/TC donor. Are you saying it is supposed to be on a Regal as well?

 

[ah.b.normal]

The spacer is 0.110 inch, so it will likely not cause any issues with the starter gear engagement. The starter gear is wider than the ring gear on the flywheel, so a minor shift on the engagement face should not be a problem.

In the junk today. I lost the Sunbird with the F23 w/ ??4cyl motor and it had the spacer? Will document more if I can find it! I have seen a few pre 05 F23 that I can see have a different clutch line connection.

 

[RickS]

Are you saying it is supposed to be on a Regal as well?

I have no idea tbh, but that's how I read it when I was looking for information and stumbled on the post...

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

@RickS did you get any further with the Saab F40 procurement? How about your clutch selection? @comegetjoe went the performance clutch route, rather than a 'stock' clutch - he has some good information to share with his experience, I believe.

 

[RickS]

@RickS did you get any further with the Saab F40 procurement? How about your clutch selection? @comegetjoe went the performance clutch route, rather than a 'stock' clutch - he has some good information to share with his experience, I believe.

I haven't had much time to look, been busy with work and family lately. I'll keep you updated. Found a few on car-part.com, and there's a guy on FB selling one locally, but I haven't asked what year yet. I'm looking for a 2007+ for the best gear ratios.