2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

Hi! I'm new to this site and just bought a 2003 Saturn Vue with cylinder 2.2l motor. It also has the CVT transmission which is bad. I bought this Vue for a deal and love the room, features, and look of it. This is a project for my daughter. She will be 15 here in a couple of weeks and we are going to work on this together. I originally purchased a 2004 Malibu Classic for her that needed work. It also has the 2.2l 4 cylinder in it. I purchased a rebuilt head due to a timing chain issue and put the car back together. After driving it for only I mile I realized the bottom half of that motor was bad, so I decided to purchase another vehicle with the same motor, hence the Saturn Vue.

Now I am having second thoughts. We both like the Vue better and I really don't want to just pull the motor out of this and haul it off to the junk yard, so that's why I joined this site. I was reading quite a bit of transmission swap stories, but none seem to have all of the information I am looking for. Here is what I am thinking. Take the transmission out of the Malibu Classic and try installing it in the Vue. I know the transmission bolts right up to the motor, but what are the "pitfalls" to doing this swap? Not sure I can get a dealer to program the transmission when and if this complete and possible so there is that info.

I've been working on cars since I was 7 and now in my 40's. I am restoring a '68 Chevelle right now, but putting that on-hold to start/finish this project. I am ready for a challenge.

The only thing wrong with the 2004 Chevy Malibu Classic mechanically is the motor, so there is always the possibility of just pulling the motor out of the Vue. I would like to save the Vue if I can get some help from here.

Take care and thanks for reading!

Steve D.

2003 Saturn Vue
2004 Chevy Malibu Classic
2016 Chevy Malibu
1997 Chevy Suburban
1968 Chevy Chevelle

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

I think your best bet is to go with a proven swap combination. I know for a fact that the AF23 is a proven swap and is a reliable one. It is also well documented and a manual even exists for the process. The AF23 is a readily available transmission as it was used in the ION sedan in 2003 and 2004. If you go with the Malibu tranny you will be in uncharted waters I believe. You can purchase the transmission and all the parts needed for the AF23 swap for less than $400 if you have a pick and pay JY local.

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

The ECM and transmission control module talk to each other.. Not sure how you could get the ECM to recognize whatever is needed to control the new tranny..

I'd recommend go with a proven and documented swap.

Our "Rescue Vue" started life as a CVT and is now sporting a 5 speed manual. We tow this behind our motorhome and are very happy with it

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

I agree with waiter21 both the 5 speed manual and AF23 Aisin automatic are better options. PM me your email addy if you want a look at the manual for the AF23 swap. It is pretty thorough and easy to follow. The wiring is the hardest part and you will have to do a little fab work for the front lower mount. We will be here to help.

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

Perfect! I am planning on posting if more people would like to see this process done. Anyone know if any programming needs to be done to the engine or transmission?

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

Which swap are you going to do?

VTI to 5 Speed Manual
VTI to AF23
VTI to the Malibu which I believe is a 4T45E

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

I think I will do the ION automatic transmission. Now I just need to find an ION to buy. I figure buying an entire car will save me money in the long run.

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

Do you have a copy of the VTI to AF23 swap manual that Jimmy Ford put together? I have it if you are interested.

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

I do not..

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

If you private message me and send me an email address I would be happy to send it to you. It is a rather large PDF file.

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

Could I get a copy of the manual starting on a swap. Thank you
[email]jegnemc@yahoo.com[/email]

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

[QUOTE=oldmanina2005vu;2267378]Do you have a copy of the VTI to AF23 swap manual that Jimmy Ford put together? I have it if you are interested.[/QUOTE]



Wanting to know if i could get a copy of this manual in the middle of a swap. Thank you
My email. [email]Jegnemc@yahoo.com[/email]

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

Manual sent. Good Luck!!

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

can i get a copy of d vti to af23 swap

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

Manual sent.

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

could I please also get a copy of the vti to af23 swap? [email]jariggs669@gmail.com[/email]

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

Please send me this manual?

my email, [email]atsmith@hotmail.com[/email] .

Thank you!

:us:

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

Hello, I could use a copy of the manual as well. [email]Kent3710@hotmail.com[/email].
Also, regarding the transmission swap. In your opinion which is easier? (relatively speaking)
Swapping a VTI for a 5-speed manual? or this automatic? I would think that not having to install a clutch pedal, 5-speed shifter, slave cylinder and all of that would make it somewhat simpler.

2003 Saturn VUE, FWD, 2.2 eco-tech. (crappy VTI) thank you.

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

Still working on this project. I've ran into some issues. I can not get the sub-frame bolts to come out. I am afraid that I am going to break the bolts. One, does anyone know the bolt length and thread if I do break these bolts? 2 has anyone figured out the wiring in the document that is mentioned in this feed? I am an Automation Engineer and work with wiring a lot, and this document has me a little confused. Any help is much appreciated!!

Thanks,

Steve

Re: 2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap
 

[B]ENGINE BOLTS[/B]

The cradle bolts are about 6 inches long, I'm not sure about their thread size. Bolts are available at any GM dealer.....

Squirt some PB Blaster through the small nut plate opening so it gets on the bolt threads.. On one of my bolts (Drivers front) I had to cut the opening to make it a little larger so I could reach in there with a wrench and hold the nut plate while turning the bolt..

I used an impact driver on all the bolts to break them lose. I had to replace the drivers front bolt as it was rusted very bad.

[B]ENGINE CRADLE[/B]

When you get the cradle out, inspect it carefully for rust, especially if you live in the rust belt.. My cradle was completely rotted out. I didn't see it two yers ago when I replaced the clutch, but a couple months ago, all the sudden the front wheels started pointing in different directions.. The cradle rusted through from the inside.. I bought a cradle from Texas out of a 2009 Equanox. The same cradle is used in a lot of different years..

[url]http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234668[/url]

[B]
WIRING HARNESS - CVT to 5 SPD[/B]

I inherited my Vue from someone who did the tranny/engine swap but could never get it running.. One of the things I checked was to see if the wiring harness was correct. Although I believe the best course is to get a harness (and ECM) out of the donor car, I believe you could modify an auto harness to work with the manual tranny.. Here are a couple differences that I found..

[url]http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=215544[/url]

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