[65cayne]

I am looking for a direct replacement transmission and engine for my 1997 Chevy Cavalier. What years could I use as a donor?

This car has been dirt cheap to drive and maintain (until now) and I really dont want to part with it (or rebuild the engine and transmission). I dont care what my wife says about it (she says "it needs to go"...:noway. I did some searching here and around the web but did not find much useful info except that a later model ecotech swap would be a total PITA (i.e. not a direct swap).

It is currently a 2.2L with a 3-speed auto. Engine has developed a bad knock (180k miles) and the transmission slips so bad in reverse that it will only roll on level ground. Other than that, it drives great and has never let me down.

Thanks.

 

[JWA]

You might call the local salvage yard, they should know which ones would work. I did a quick search on www.autowrecking.net (I know the owners and a buddy works for them). It looks like you might be able to step up to the 2.4L and that a Grand Am motor would work. Is the trans bad too or are you just trying to swap both thinking it would be easier? Any thought of a ring bearing kit and see if you could go farther with the original setup?

 

[65cayne]

Thanks Jeff. Yes I did consider do a simple rebuild but my gut is telling me to find a running core and just do a simple remove and replace. I already have several other projects I need to finish and my wife would kill me if this car was in pieces in the garage for more than a few days (she would have to park outside...in the <gasp> cold like I already do).
The 2.4L sounds good but really what matters most to me is the ease of the swap so if that would work, just an added bonus but the 2.2L has plenty of pep.

Also, yes the transmission is bad too. Needs to be rebuilt or replaced (no reverse).

 

[robtco99]

www.jbody.org will have all the info you need

The easiest and cheapest way to do it would be buy a wrecked 2.2/ 2200 auto cavalier or sunfire and swap the drive line into yours. To be honest by the time you buy the parts and do the work you could buy another cheap cavalier to drive.

 

[65cayne]

Yes I went to J-body already...was unfamiliar with the site and didnt find much. However, just went back and found this:

pre-'98 LN2 (2.2L): finned rocker-cover, big exhaust ports, cast-aluminum intake-manifold.

post-'97 LN2 & L43 (Flex-fuel version) (2.2L): unpainted smooth natural-finish rcoker cover, small exhaust ports, poly-carbonate (plastic) intake-manifold.

Ecotec 2.2L: dual overhead cams!

The first two interchange, but not without everything from the head-gasket up that's bolted to it, and changing the wiring connectors to the injectors to match the ones to be used. The third one won't, because everything is different with the ecotec engines compared to the LN2's.
I believe this only applies to the heads...I'll keep searching that site for more info. I was just hoping someone might know off hand.

And I will have forego the "donor car" idea. I dont need another carcass in the yard. Just looking for a direct swap. I dont think that'll cost anything but the money I spend aquiring it. Thanks.

 

[robtco99]

98-02's had the 2200 in them and they are a little better than the 2.2, but it all depends on what you can find. It'll probably be hard to find a 2.2 with low miles since they haven't made it since 97. The 2200/2.2's are known for head gasket problems so I would check that if possible if the donor engine is still in the car.

The ecotec is a great engine but is a ton of work to swap in a pre 2000. You pretty much have to rewire everything from the dash forward. I have an 02 with an eco and it's been a great car.

 

[65cayne]

Honestly Rob, I dont care what it is. As long as it will start and run for a few thousand miles. Just need to know which years I can use in a "one for one" type of replacement. I dont want to modify any wiring harnesses, add sensors, re-route things, drill holes, etc...you get the point.

Oh yeah, I replaced the head gasket on mine about 4 years ago so the rumors are true.

Thanks.