Manual swap (VN motor and box into VS)

[Mattimus]

Hey guys. Didn't know where to post this, so if it needs to be moved somewhere else that's cool.

So I drive an automatic 3.8L VS Sedan, and recently picked up a defected VN manual sedan with a Buick. The VN is a piece of shit but mechanically sound so I'm pretty keen on dumping the motor and box into my VS.

I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to do this without having to modify too much of the wiring loom in the VS? or will I have to tear that out completely and replace it with the one from the VN? Also, are there any other hidden problems that I may encounter during this conversion?

Cheers, Matt.

[James39]

Laws would prevent you useing the motor.. Cannot put older motors into newer cars...

[wamboin23]

I'd just be putting the manual box behind your engine. much less work.

just need a VS S1 manual flywheel.

[Mattimus]

I'd just be putting the manual box behind your engine. much less work.

just need a VS S1 manual flywheel.

if I do that won't I need to somehow find a manual computer for my car as well? I thought it'd be simpler just to use the buick because I have everything I need already available

[Andrew426]

Isnt the input shaft different between the VNS1 and VS, because the Early vn crank was ~20mm shorter? Or did it just have more meat on the back of the flywheel?

TBH I would just go for it. If its not subject to inspection, whos gonna know? If a cop spots it just be like "I dunno, Its what they came out with"

[Mattimus]

Isnt the input shaft different between the VNS1 and VS, because the Early vn crank was ~20mm shorter? Or did it just have more meat on the back of the flywheel?

TBH I would just go for it. If its not subject to inspection, whos gonna know? If a cop spots it just be like "I dunno, Its what they came out with"

I'm not even sure yet whether it's a series one or two VN, the motor was taken out before I picked the car up and then the owner decided he didn't want the motor anymore and said I can pick it up whenever.

and yeah that's what I was planning on doing hah.

Although for arguments sake, how would it be easier slapping this box behind my ecotec? I'd love to keep the motor I already have but I've gathered from other posts it's actually a lot more expensive and difficult this way, cause of all the other parts I'd need to get.

[James39]

Isnt the input shaft different between the VNS1 and VS, because the Early vn crank was ~20mm shorter? Or did it just have more meat on the back of the flywheel?

TBH I would just go for it. If its not subject to inspection, whos gonna know? If a cop spots it just be like "I dunno, Its what they came out with"

When I have gone for rego checks (Pink slip) the mechanic has checked the engine number to make sure it matches the details already on file.

[Andrew426]

When I have gone for rego checks the mechanic has checked the engine number to make sure it matches the details already on file.

A soft sander and a sweet set of number punches could help you with that one.

Inb4 fraud - its only fraud if its done with malicious intent.

[Mattimus]

When I have gone for rego checks the mechanic has checked the engine number to make sure it matches the details already on file.

rego checks? Is this a NSW thing?

[wraith]

A soft sander and a sweet set of number punches could help you with that one.

Inb4 fraud - its only fraud if its done with malicious intent.

Fraud is fraud dipshit. Irrespective of intentions

[Mattimus]

Fraud is fraud dipshit. Irrespective of intentions

I'm sure he's joking lol. Before this thread gets derailed, does anyone have any other input that could actually help me out?

[James39]

rego checks? Is this a NSW thing?

All of Australia has some form of inspections I am sure? To make sure they are safe.



Not sure on the engine mounts etc, but I am sure you need the Computer and engine bay wireing looms from the VN I would only use the The manual box though as you would have less to swap and just get a manual computer (ECU) for the ecotec or get your current one programed.....

[wraith]

Due to emissions motor will not be able to be swapped over. The manual will also need a little bit of work to fit. How badly do you want the manual?

[Mattimus]

Due to emissions motor will not be able to be swapped over. The manual will also need a little bit of work to fit. How badly do you want the manual?

Well it's not exactly a life or death situation but I would definitely like to put it in there :P and since I already have it sitting in my shed I figure why not give it a bash if I can acquire all the parts I need.

[GAMBLR]

All of Australia has some form of inspections I am sure? To make sure they are safe.

SA doesn't need the checks each year prior to rego. Our vehicles are only subject to checks if they are deemed unroadworthy.

Sit on it patiently Matt, wait until you find the parts you need to put the manual behind the Ecotec. Unless the Ecotec is really that much of a dog. In which case I recommend an LS1

[Mattimus]

Damo you know I can't drive a V8 or anything else interesting for that matter, until I'm either 25 or have my full license or suck enough government dick blah blah blah

so go shove your LS1 up your bum :P

[Tim Smtih]

Cannot put older motors into newer cars...

does anyone have any other input that could actually help me out?

I'm guessing you don't have the cash spare for one of these?

VS-VY ECOTEC V6 CRATE MOTOR

[Andrew426]

Fraud is fraud dipshit. Irrespective of intentions

Dude, I was joking.

He could still do it tho, its a pretty pussy crime. Prob never get picked up on it anyway.

[Mattimus]

I'm guessing you don't have the cash spare for one of these?

VS-VY ECOTEC V6 CRATE MOTOR

Already got a perfectly good ecotec sitting in my engine bay :P

Problem is that first year apprentice wages doesn't really leave me with cash to spare for anything else, and in order to smack the t5 behind my ecotec I'm gonna need to first acquire a few parts to suit.

[Mattimus]

kinda thread revival. Not that it's really that old but whatever.

I've decided to just put the t5 behind the ecotec, saves too much messing around with the buick. I have a manual flywheel and computer lined up to buy for the ecotec. Can anyone tell me what other parts I will need, not including those that I can pinch from the VN?

Also, how much should I be paying for the manual computer and flywheel? Is $300 a good price or am I being ripped off?

[Mattimus]

Oh well I bought the computer and flywheel anyway. The dowel holes in the flywheel both have what appears to be a dowel in them, but has been ground off and sits flush with the face of the flywheel itself? wtf.

Am I going to have to modify my loom to accommodate for the manual computer? Also will I have to get it my key programmed to suit so I can still start my car? :P

[Hangman]

Doesn't the flywheel have to be mirror balanced to the flexplate?

[mischa]

Im pretty sure you will need the manual motor/gearbox loom to suit. Have a read of this, im supprised no one else has mentioned it so far.

The complete Vn-Vr Manual Conversion Guide.

[TUF UTE]

this made me lol....

[Mattimus]

Doesn't the flywheel have to be mirror balanced to the flexplate?

I can have this done relatively easily I think, a place not too far from here should have the tools and the know how for that.

this made me lol....

Thankyou, good sir, for this immensely insightful comment. Out of everything anyone has posted so far, this has by far been the most helpful. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

Im pretty sure you will need the manual motor/gearbox loom to suit. Have a read of this, im supprised no one else has mentioned it so far.

Will I be able to pinch these of my donar car, being an executive manual VN? And is it simply a matter of cutting off all the wires to the plugs and then matching the colours when soldering it into the other vehicle, or will I need wiring diagrams?

cheers