As the title states, I've just purchased an 06 Cobalt SS 5 speed manual as of today, for what I can see it is mostly if not completely stock.

It has had an engine rebuild and swap, the owner I bought it off of has stated the place that did the engine swap messed it up royally.

During the test drives and drive home, the ENTIRE car jumps dramatically with some loud clunking in every gear shift. Not just some herky jerky shifting. The guy said "Oh, yah it's most definitely the control arm bushing I was telling you about."

But I suspect otherwise. The price was a steal, and it didn't seem to be in too terrible of shape, but this does have me concerned. I have read through some pages and some forums, and have read it's either low transmission fluid or motor/transmission mounts.

Along with a lot of rude comments stating the poster has to learn to drive, and that the Cobalt's just shift like that? Or are sensitive on the throttle causing harsh shifting?

I would like to hear some of you guy's insight on this matter, as this line up of car is brand new to me. Any help and information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

These Cobalts do have a steeper learning curve for the manual transmission. The throttles can be sensitive in first gear. How does it handel in 2nd? 3rd? Once you're IN gear does it clunk when accelearting or slowing down? If the guy who installed the engine screwed up the job, it could be something messed up with the clutch too.
I think control arm bushing issues would show up in abnormal tire wear, and basicly turning /handling, not shifting. If your transmittion fluid is low, get it evaluated SOON. Otherwise RIP transmission, Bye Bye Gears.
Looking at the motor mounts is a good place to start. Make sure they are not destroyed and make sure the bolts are snug/tight. You have the same year I do, and I'm on my third front motor mount at around 170000 miles or so. Your absolute best bet is to take it to a shop and have their mechanic go over it. The tech will be able to see and check things that we online can't.

 

Amazing information.

Thank you!

I live in Canada and the guy I bought it off of let me use his plates to get it home, it has some bit of work to do to get it safetied, and where I live you're only allowed a 7 day temporary insurance tag once a year. So I really gotta figure out what it needs and do diagnostics myself. Before I get the insurance. As it needs muffler and that will take 2 or 3 days out of the temp tag.

As for the clunking when accelerating, yes, it does do that. It almost feels like the whole engine is twisting or trying to jump out of the engine bay. So I figured motor and trans mounts.

As for the clutch, it feels really good, he said he did the whole front end and brakes along with the clutch and everything associated himself. As for the engine he took it to a shop to change over and they completely messed things up he stated.

Thanks for the help!