Upgrade to F35 manual transmission, LSD

[wte]

99 SAAB 9-5 2.3T, gearbox FM55B03 OEM #5161211
Getrag F25 transmission /F35 differential with diagnosed well known issues @180k mi
diagnosed maintenance with SAAB gearbox update kit #54 40 516, parts alone are about 260-300$ + expensive labour

Is there a "bolt on" exchange for FM55B03 with a newer FM55B05, MY2002+?
Any suggestions, any knowledge base?

I started with some research as ussualy everbody does:
- F35 transmission - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Taliaferro Imports, Inc. Nicks Gearbox Tips
- MU3 Option, Cobalt LSD Not a Quaife? - Page 3 - The Saab Link Forums
- TSN Saab for 2001: 9-5 Sedan Technical Specifications


Update 03/19/2015:
- Rebuilding F35 Manual Transmission & Eco-Tec (Cobalt SS) F35 part interchangeability - SaabCentral Forums

-> it's better to stay at 4.05:1 and I am thinkging to go this way:
swap used "low mileage" gearbox FM55B05, MY2002+ about 300$ - 400$
-> diff upgrade with used LSD unit from "cracked" Chevy Cobalt SS MU3 about 350-500$

Update 03/20/2015:
Some people said that FM55B05 MY2002+ manual transmissions aren't a bolt on replacement with mine FM55B03? Hard to believe, because the FM55B05 has the same OEM#:
- Saab Exchange Parts
- Are all 9-5 2.3 gearboxes the same? - SaabCentral Forums
- from german SAAB forums you can use "google translate"
- from sweden SAAB forums

Update 03/21/2015:
- the safest way with "zero mods" should be a "low mileage" FM55B05 gearbox swap from SAAB 9-5, MY 2001+, VIN AFTER xxxxx13025469+, and this is a bolt on replacement for FM55B03!
- AERO clutch set

further helpfull links:
- http://saabworld.net/f9/uh-oh-noise-...78/index2.html

LSD install:
- Quaife LSD install - SaabCentral Forums

[DrunkieTheBear]

Keep us updated.

I have a 2004 and just had the clutch done 4-5k miles ago, it had 140k on the original clutch, we did a fluid change out for the first time and maybe have possibly disrupted the input shaft bearing as I get a whirling noise when the clutch is disengaged just at idle :/ It has gotten better as I drive more, it only can be heard really during a cold start but once things warm up it goes away. So I've been down the "do I swap in the Cobalt SS guts into my transmission and enjoy having an LSD", just swap out transmissions, or rebuild this one (low on the list, I'll just swap before that considering I can pick up a transmission for $300-400). I have yet to find a cracked Cobalt Transmission unit with the LSD (one on ebay right now in Kansas, but isn't sure what it has). Decisions Decisions, since the cars are now really hitting well below $5k in value on the market.

Needless to say, after all this I am getting a rolling pin sound from my timing chain. I pulled the tensioner and measured 12-13mm, meaning my timing chain is getting close. My plan is to just go pick up this 40k mile B235R motor about an hour from me for a $1000 and when the time comes, just go ahead and swap it in and keep going. Which is why I have some time to decide how to handle the transmission. I would prefer to pick up a 9-5 transmission and pay to have someone swap the gut of the SS transmission in and that way, I can knock this whole project out in a weekend.

In the end I can turn around and sell both pieces and make a few bucks back (not much but something).