AWD Vibe +manual transmission swap?

[scourge]

Yes, I did a search for this prior to posting. I really like the look of the Vibe and I would like an AWD version (I don't care for FF, personally) but more performance. No, I'm not interested in drag racing, street racing, drifting, or...well, touge would be nice from time to time. But, I really would just like increased performace with more control than an AT offers.If there is no 5-speed manual conversion available, am I correct in assuming that the 1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) is a direct engine swap for more power?One can turbo/supercharge an AT but does anyone KNOW (not just assume) how much power the AT transmission can take and still be reliable? I'm thinking 250hp would be a nice target for a daily driver with the abilily to get jiggy when I wanted to.

[drunkenmaxx]

the sudden jolt of "lift" from the 2zz would be a bit much for the AWD system to handle.im sure a tranny swap could be possible, but it would be major moola.

[joatmon]

Greenfire put a S/C on his AWD Matrix, and didn't have any tranny related problems from the exra HP, but that was what, maybe 170, not close to your 250 HP goal.I assume you could bolt a 2ZZ onto the AWD tranny, and maybe the tranny could handle the power, although you might lose some power due to the required exhaust rerouting to get arround the AWD stuff. I do not know of any manual tranny AWD option availability for these cars, the rear power comes from a driveshaft hooked into the auto tranny/differential, and dropping a standard GT 6 speed would eliminate that. You'd have to come up with a hybrid, maybe the front of the 5 or 6 speed with the back of the AWD auto tranny, but I have no idea if that is possible, or if you'd have problems from running ATF in a 6 speed gear box or 75W90 gear oil in the AWD backend designed to get ATF.The cars PCM controls both the engine and the tranny shift points, don't think there is one for 2ZZ and the AWD tranny together. Not sure if it would be cheaper to buy a GT and add the AWD stuff or buy an AWD and add the 2zzNot sure if there is another AWD powertrain from a different platform you could drop in and fit with custom front axles and rear driveshaft. Might have to get a matching rear differential to get the keep the front and rear wheels rev matched, maybe tweak that with different size front/rear tires.Lots I don't know and speculate on, My gut reaction is that 250 HP AWD is probably easier/cheaper/more reliably obtained by starting with a different car altogether.but anyway, welcome to genvibe, and if you do anything like this be sure to take lots of notes and pictures.

[scourge]

I am certainly going through a learning phase and I hope to not ask any questions that have previously been addressed. In Japan, Toyota continued production of the Celica GT4 past the 1989(?) final year here in the US. Those can an do put out over 250hp. There was one on the island I taught English on way South of Okinawa. I had an R32 Skyline GTS4 Coupe and I really fell in love with AWD. Didn't have the power of a GTR, but the handling was great. I am curious as to exactly what 1.8L engine Toyota used in the GT-4 Celica (I'm mainly a Nissan guy at heart, but I have loved the Vibe since it came out).Sourcing one would not be too difficult for me (my wife is Japanese and I still go back often), only finding out if this is pie-in-the-sky thinking or is this something actually doable without breaking the bank. The wife can't drive a manual so I could live with an AT if it had some giddy-up to it.Here is what I am referring to:http://page5.auctions.yahoo.co...35488Plus what the AWD transmission looks like. Here is one for around $450USD:http://page2.auctions.yahoo.co...69348

[tnpartsguy]

Welcome to GenVibe. Another Middle TN'n...cool.Yeah, the AWD Celica Driveline should fit with some tweaking, if you have the time and $$. Have raaxels.com make a custome set to interface the Vibe Hubs to the Celica driveline.Or just put the GM Supercharger Kit on, that will put you close to 200 hp or so, and if monitored carefully, should do OK.

[scourge]

My knowlege is very limited on these cars. So, it IS possible to swap the Celica GT-4 transmission to the 1ZZ/2ZZ engine without causing the ECU to crap out on me??????I'd rather have a 5-speed if possible over an AT anyday. But, if its a matter of a lot of custom work and $$$$ then it may just not be worth it. Is there a list of car shows in the Middle Tennessee region where I can go talk to VIBE/MATRIX owners? One can get some information online, but I find talking to people in person to be much better.

[scourge]

No one has tried a 2ZZ swap in the VIBE/MATRIX?

[drunkenmaxx]

Quote, originally posted by scourge »No one has tried a 2ZZ swap in the VIBE/MATRIX?nah, everyone who wanted one opted for the GT

[scourge]

Anyone know of a reputable Celica site so I can see if anyone there has a superchared AT 2ZZ engine? Seems better to go 2ZZ engine swap if the AWD tranny can take around 200hp that to swap in a 3GTE engine and tranny.I really really like the VIBE's looks and I've test driven a MATRIX now and it would be perfect for my needs. Just would like some more power. Its hard to go from a Skyline to a weedeater engine.

[scourge]

What about a RAV4 tranny?

[scourge]

I have discovered that some Matrix owners have considered the RAV4 tranny but no swaps yet. I have also been told that the Caldina AWD in Japan ises the same engine and the VIBE/MATRIX. I remembered it being a 2.5liter engine but may I am wrong at its the 2ZZ punched out to 2.0liters.Will find out more after I talk to my wife in Japan.

[ragingfish]

You'd be better of just getting a 5 speed base model then getting involved with this...Just my $0.02...

[scourge]

I hate FWD.

[joatmon]

Vibe/matrix are certainly great cars, but they are not strong cars. They can be made stronger to a point, but maybe you need to seriously think about other potential options. I don't know what it is specifically about the Vibe/Matrix that you really must have, but it seeems like there ought to be something with a Subaru badge that will give you the required 4wd and HP you want. Just seems like you'd be better off with a car designed to have that HP and 4wd instead of trying to invent it. If it were me, I'd buy something that already met my needs instead of buying a car I knew up front would be unsatisfactory without expensive and risky custom mods that would void the warranty on just about anything worth having a warranty on. Seems like the most frequently linked celica site is http://newcelica.org/

[goodvibe]

A WRX wouldn't cost more and give you what you want plus better performance and resale value.

[scourge]

I think this is just something that will have to wait for awhile. When the VIBE gets around $5000 in few years then it might be more cost effective to jsut swap over a 3GTE and be done with it.Scoobies are nice but I really like the VIBE.