Hey I was looking into swapping in a new engine in my 05 2.2L cobalt and I was just wondering if it makes a difference what yr the new 2.2 came out of because I've noticed how some of them look different then mine like the coil packs and that look different and does it matter if it came out of an auto and goin into a standard Without havin to re tune the hole ecu
just a quick out with the old in with the new and drive away kinda thing

 

The Difference you see is the Generation it came From.
The (Gen1) L61 vs (Gen 2) LAP
The L61's Have the Coil Packs under a cover and a Heatsink to the Right of the valve cover and the LAP's Do not have this Cover.
There is a difference in the Pcm Between the Two Generations So your looking for a 2005-2007 Engine For Maximum Plug and Play.

 

2005-2006 L61 Gen?
2007-2008 L61 Gen (newer), these engines have a different ECU, and they have a nasty little issue with swapping out to more aggressive cams because of the cam position sensor. I have not seen proof, but these block are supposed to be stronger than the 05-06's
2009-2010 LAP Gen (newer,newer)

 

They switched the ICM to coil packs as well. If you have an 05, you need an 05/06 engine.

 

Auto or manual trans wont matter, as long as the ignition isn't coil on plug you should be fine. I think they started that in 07. But not 100% sure. All the wiring connectors should be routed right with a pre 07 L61.