My girlfriends 2005 Vibe Base 5 speed with 165,000 mi. (1zz & C59) has a failed transmission (4th gear grinds/pops out). She inherited this car from her brother about 4-5 years ago. When he first purchased the car, he had a used 5-speed and clutch installed because of similar issues. I think it had about 100K at that time.
On Monday night I purchased a JDM Corolla/Matrix XRS C60 6-Speed imported from Japan, for $900. It has between 50-60K on it and is from a reputable seller. The ad stated that it is for a Corolla/Matrix XRS but does not specify which of the two it is actually from. It will be delivered to the loading dock at my place of work later today, or tomorrow.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/253141124450
I have a few questions:
1. Did I make a huge mistake? Will a Japanese spec. 6 speed work with an US spec. base vibe?
Everything I have read leads me to believe I will be fine and it will work the same as if I pulled a 6-speed from a vibe GT or matrix/corolla XRS here in the US. Fingers crossed.
2. New flywheel: What do you guys recommend? It doesn't seem like there are many options for an OEM flywheel for the 1ZZ, or at least that say they fit the vibe. Most of the flywheels I have seen for the base vibe look like they don't have the ring gear attached. I'm not sure if that's just the stock photos? and they really do have a ring gear attached? I don't really want to swap over the ring gear if I don't have to. I've also seen flywheel for the 1ZZ (not the 2zz) Celica, Corolla/Matrix that say they don't fit the vibe. is this true? Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced (<$100 shipped) complete OEM flywheel for a 1ZZ base vibe?
I had planned on getting the current flywheel machined to save a few bucks, but since I'm hoping to get the vibe back on the road within a day or two and plan on doing this on the weekend, I don't know if I will be able to get it machined in time, and I don't want it holding things up.
3. Engine hoist point: Can I just remove the rear hoist point on the engine and move it to the unused hoist point location of the front of the engine? I have seen write ups where this is mentioned, but then it was stated that they used one from a miata in the front? Will I need both points to hoist the engine, or can I just move the rear hoist forward and not get any additional hardware/hook?
I have also ordered a new Exedy clutch kit KTY014, new ARP flywheel bolts, 2 new axle nuts, and I will be picking up both axle seals from Napa. Other than a couple of quarts of MT-90 can anyone think of anything else I possibly need?
I have been doing a lot of research, but as I have learned from other big projects, you can never do enough research. There is always something you miss or is left out of write ups. I will post picture of the C60 when It arrives and I will continue to post questions in this thread. I am excited to get going on this project! I'm planning on starting a week from Saturday Sept. 23rd. so I have a bit of time to continue reading/gathering supplies and parts.
Cheers and thanks in advance!
-Tim