Question: Transmission swap

[Suspenders]

Hello there. I wanted to know whether or not it is possible (and what would be required) to swap the VTi transmission (VT25E I believe) in a 2003 Saturn Vue 4 cylinder 2.2L FWD with a regular geared automatic transmission (4T45E) from the 2005 and later Saturn Vue 4cyl 2.2L FWDs.

I took a look online and so far and I haven't found anyone who has actually done it. I called two Saturn dealerships near me and they told me they've never even heard that question before (the best I got from them was "it might work"). Has anyone managed to pull it off?

[mellissam]

Hello there. I wanted to know whether or not it is possible (and what would be required) to swap the VTi transmission (VT25E I believe) in a 2003 Saturn Vue 4 cylinder 2.2L FWD with a regular geared automatic transmission (4T45E) from the 2005 and later Saturn Vue 4cyl 2.2L FWDs.

I took a look online and so far and I haven't found anyone who has actually done it. I called two Saturn dealerships near me and they told me they've never even heard that question before (the best I got from them was "it might work"). Has anyone managed to pull it off?

Actually someone did swap out a VTI for maunaul or auto...hmmm...not sure, I think it was the manual. Search the threads...it wasn't too long ago...they listed all the parts required....cheers.:)

aha! Found link...
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92403&highlight=VTI+swap

It was VTI to manual...another thread on same subject...I'd get ahold of Oleg1969
http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90594&highlight=VTI+swap

[Suspenders]

Yep, there was also this page here http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-71716.html from another forum member. I just haven't found a definite "yes" from anyone on the subject. Too bad Oleg didn't swap for an automatic......

The fact that Saturn keeps replacing the VTi with another VTi dosen't inspire much confidence as to the feasability, either. :(

[IMkenNY]

I replaced my 2003 Vues VTI with a conventional automatic at 36,000 miles!

It cost me ~$1200.00 and alot of my labor

I ended up with these additional items in my 2003 VTI Vue that it didnt come with:
3.0 V6
5 speed Automatic
Remote keyless entry
' Power locks
Power windows
temperature / compass mirror
Power side view mirrors
All wheel drive

What made it possible was I was able to pick up a rolled over salvage Vue on Ebay for $1000 that I got all the parts from.

To swap the newer conventional automatic you would need at least these parts and likely others:

Conventional automatic transmission
Engine harness
engine computer or software reflash
transmission computer
drive shafts and wheel hubs

Expensive proposition unless you used salvaged parts from a crashed vehicle.

[Suspenders]

The whole damn engine...a bold move, if I may say so. Hahaha

I was hoping that it would be a relatively straightforward job of just popping in the newer tranny and computer and presto. How many physical differences between the 2003 and '05's are there to account for?

[IMkenNY]

The unibodyframes/ subframes are the same, They changed the spline pattern in the wheel hubs.

[mangler66]

If you swap for a manual, make sure you get the transmission from a cobalt or cavalier to get the lower geared fifth. I almost want to do that now.

[Suspenders]

The 2003 FWD Vue is actually my pops, who bought it because the side panels wont rust and because the car itself is very easy to get into (and that's quite important when you're pushing 66!). He's not too much of a fan for driving manuals, though, which is why the automatic tranny is the one I'm interested in.

Funnilly enough, someone made a wikipedia article on the 4T45E http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_4T45-E_transmission .


IMkenNY, are the (engine) electronics on the 2003 and 2005 Vues essentially the same as well?