I apologize in advance for the tremendously lengthy post, but the title says it all..

I can feel my torque converter starting to slip as well as other symptoms and I am so sick of the auto trans. I want what little horsepower I have to be as fun as possible! I have been thinking for a long time about swapping for a 2.2L 5 speed manual transmission instead of paying the stupid price to have the auto rebuilt.

I know what you're thinking.. "Waste of time, just buy a manual car, too much trouble.." Well, I'm upside down in this car and getting rid of it isn't an option. Furthermore, I think I could install a manual transmission for around the same price if not a bit less than rebuilding the automatic, unless I'm missing something. Hence, the reason for this post.

Ideally I'd like to find a manual 2.2 in a local junkyard and pull everything I need, but if I can't find one, here's my question.. I can buy a 2.2L 5 speed manual for around $400 shipped on eBay. Aside from the obvious clutch, flywheel, pedals, and shifter assembly that I will need to purchase separately, is there something I'm missing here? I have all the tools and experience necessary, but it seems to be this daunting task that everyone says to stay far away from. I also work with my roommate and will have an alternate ride for as long as needed. Any input is greatly appreciated, and I would love to hear from someone who has done this (if they exist )

 

On that same note... Does anyone know if 2000+ manual Cavaliers use the exact same 5 speed transmission/will it work? I know it's essentially the same 2.2 motor. Thanks again!

 

do you have any fabrication skills at all?

wiring, you are forgetting about the entire electronics aspect to this build, as well is you just assume it's going to bolt right up

 

That is precisely the reason for this post.

Fabrication experience? Yes. Wiring experience? Yes. However, I am looking to get in contact with someone who has done this so that I can contact them for their more specific input.

As far as "bolt right up" are you saying that the 2.2 motor with a manual transmission differs from the 2.2 motor with the automatic transmission? As far as that goes, yes, I would assume that the motor would be the same. However, this was posted to determine if I am incorrect in saying that.

Thank you for the input though.

 

From what I understand yes the auto has 2 tranny mounts and manual has 3..

https://www.turbotechracing.com/prod...idcategory=482

^^You will need to weld this in for the front tranny mount


If you could maybe look for a cobalt with a blown motor also since you have the 2.2L...Your car uses the F23 (I think is the name)..So if you can find a 2.2 or a 2.4 cobalt with a blown motor that is standard...drop in your motor and flash and go ??

The route your choosing is a lot more work and fabrication...Where as dropping a motor is straight forward ?? could this not be an option for you since your friend can drive you to work anyways lmao


Also for the cavalier question it should work but your ratio's might be different, Best bet is pull both apart and compare the gear sizes...But I'm pretty sure the bellhousing is the same and will bolt right up.

 

Is welding a mount the only fabrication you're talking about? I can definitely do that. And are you saying with the Cavalier transmission that wouldn't be necessary? Does the transmission have its own computer or is part of the main ECU? I'm assuming it would need to be reflashed. Just trying to cover all grounds here to weigh my options. I'm not worried about how difficult it would be, I'll have plenty of time.

If welding a mount and rewiring is the hardest part I don't see any reason not to do it. But someone please tell me if I'm that far in over my head.

Yes, I want a manual transmission that bad hahaha. If someone can drop an LS1 in a Cobalt and convert it to RWD I don't see why this has to be so impossible.... But maybe I'm just crazy

 

As somebody that has done this on a couple of vehicles before, I strongly recommend you buy a donor car that is a manual. Something with high mileage and rusted out, or from a junk yard that has been t-boned or rear ended. It makes the swap much, much easier.

 

local just installed a f35 (yes f35 not f23) to his 2.2. was pretty interesting to watch i must say.

 

So there you go lol ^^ that should help you have more options now.


Yes as long as your comfortable go for it, Some people don't like doing there own work like that and go to a shop.... Here is a quick list off a site I got from google search to give you an idea.

Manual engine wiring harness.
Manual flywheel,clutch, pressure plate, thrust bearing.
Possibly an adaptor to mount the flywheel to the crank.
Manual gearbox.
Manual crossmember and gearbox mounts.
New pedal box.
New console to suit manual stick.

Things are left out its just for an idea.

Yes the Tcm will be needed, But you can flash the one from your automatic to work ..And with today cars if you know what to look for no wiring is necessary (unless its custom)..depin or run a new harness with the wires that are need ..So look for a manual car and you can grab the transmission harness plug and play at the connector or depin what ever you prefer.....I am a mechanic by trade and to see random wires is a first start to any headache..

 

There are only like 2 Cobalts total in all junkyards that I know of in the area, although I haven't had a chance to call and see if they are manual. With my luck, they probably won't be but who knows!! Even if that's the case, I'd be spending quite a bit more money to purchase the entire car, demolished or not, don't you think?

Completely agree about the wiring, but again, this thing could sit my garage for a month if needed. That's probably how long it would take me anyways with as much free time as I have right now

It's definitely an intriguing idea.... I just want to talk to someone who has done it!!!

 

Yes that is true, Unless you can find one on kijiji or craigslist or something..That has a blown tranny and they just wants to get ride of it for cheep, It is just a easier route and a lot quicker.

As long as you are comfortable with the wiring and welding, grinding and other things along those lines then you should be fine tackling this,

I have done it before on a cavalier with a buddy of mine, Best advice is make sure of what you need make a list and check it 3 times before you even start, Take your time there should be no rush or you might miss something....If you get stuck on something ..leave it come back tommorrow worst thing is you could break something cuz of you being stuck.......I have seen people that haven't done this before get masking tape and name and mark off every little hose to every little wire for there first attempt maybe this would be an idea for you as well.

 

just to give you some perspective on the difficulty of this, someone swapped in a manual 6 speed from a g8 gxp into an auto GT, took him almost a year, and about $8000.