After hearing about how weak my Isuzu transmission is, I went to the junkyard today. I found a manual Cavalier that had the engine already removed. Is this the transmission I want? If so, what should I make sure I pull with it? Do I need the cables, for example?



Also, I can get a whole L67 for less than $500 from the junkyard here if I pull it myself, but it's a gamble, of course. In your experience, are these engines usually OK if they look clean or am I better off paying extra for an Ed Morad engine?

Thanks,

Darian

My rule of thumb is if the car shows obvious signs of distress - an accident that wrote it off - then that's a good start, because you know there's a good chance that in order to get into an accident the car was roadworthy. Beyond that, look for fluid leaks, and with the tranny you can run it through the gears by hand. As far as cables go, I don't think the stock ones are any good to you, best to use aftermarket. On my swap I have 2 cables, both 75" long. On the L67, does the $500 include the harness and ECM?

Thanks.

Good point on the damage on the outside question.

$500 is for everything - 300 without the supercharger. The car looked to be well cared for but old, so maybe the engine finally died.

I can't get mileage because the batteries are removed.

Edit: That is the correct transmission, though, right?

[This message has been edited by dhen (edited 11-17-2013).]

Transmission is correct, I have the F23 out of the Cavalier in my 85 GT with 3800sc

That is a F23, but I would be worried how long the oil fill cap has been off and laying to the side. Transmission might be full of water by now.

It doesn't rain often here in San Antonio, but that's a good point. I put the cap back on and I'll run it through the gears.

Unfortunately many an engine and tranny have been ruined because some clown removed a fluid cap or other part and left the engine or tranny exposed to the elements.
I always walk away from these deals as it is not worth the risk of not knowing how much exposure the parts have had. Dan

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DARN Cars now open with
Over 30 years wiring experience between cars and trade as an avionics technician in both Canadian Air Force and civilian aviation.
Over 25 years experience building and modifying cars.
Over 10 years of full Fiero engine swaps and harnesses building and still going.

quote Originally posted by dhen: Thanks. Good point on the damage on the outside question. $500 is for everything - 300 without the supercharger. The car looked to be well cared for but old, so maybe the engine finally died. I can't get mileage because the batteries are removed. Edit: That is the correct transmission, though, right?

If that person went to an shop to get their oil changed, by looking in the upper left side of the windshield, there will be this sticker informing he or she on when their next oil change is.

I have had surpisingly good luck with rusty exposed engines in the past.. I wouldnt trust a transmission quite as much unless it has been recently rusty.

quote Originally posted by rbell2915: If that person went to an shop to get their oil changed, by looking in the upper left side of the windshield, there will be this sticker informing he or she on when their next oil change is.

I didn't think about that. Thanks!

quote Originally posted by dhen: I didn't think about that. Thanks!

You're welcome and good luck!

quote Originally posted by rbell2915: If that person went to an shop to get their oil changed, by looking in the upper left side of the windshield, there will be this sticker informing he or she on when their next oil change is.

Another thing is you can bring in a fully charged drill battery and some alligator clamp wires and that usually gives enough power to power the cluster. Of course the key has to be in the car or you'd have to be really good at knowing which wires to jump at ignition.

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86 Fiero GT 4spd - L67 swap: VS cam, GenV
98 GTP - Some mods