2003 Saturn Vue CVT Transmission swap

[Steve_Vue]

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