Ok guys, I've been using my little 1.8 Turbo 4-spd SE sedan as my daily driver since a drunk took my Cobalt SS out back in October. Now the little bird needs a head. I got to thinking (dangerous) if it's going to be down for a bit why not buy a new/rebuilt engine for it, that way it'll last another 267k miles...lol. I was on GM parts direct and found that they sell the 1.8 liter w/o turbo, manual trans and a 1.8 liter w/turbo, automatic. That's not going to help me because I have a manual turbo car. These engines are nothing like any engines I'm used to so I was wondering if anybody knows what the difference is and if I can get around it? I just can't get rid of the bird again and freshening it up is the only way to get the old lady on board. Thanks in advance for your help.

Ok my take is switching from a manual to auto would require some changes like a ECM specific for a 1.8 turbo with a automatic.To explain our cars are set up like 1.8 engine with turbo and manual has the ecm spec'd to run just that.If you changed to a automatic you would have to change the ecm and not to mention swapping shifter,and finding said parts a pain.You would keep the same harness inside and eng bay but not worth swapping being parts are just scarce.I would pull your engine,get a fresh rebuild,keep all of your parts as they are,manual,turbo and maybe a shop can do the rebuild, with a warranty.To me that would be wise being your stuff is ok,and freshen up what you have.I would go new clutch assembly being the trans has to come out, and replace any wear items while your at it.Buying a new engine or reman would be more costly plus going manual to auto would cause alot of extra changes to adapt that and as said finding a auto shifter,and ecm specific to run a 1.8 turbo with a auto.Too many hurdles.I would go rebuild your eng,and save some money,and hope my little book makes sense.I may be leaving something off but,shift cables might be the same,I suspect to recall they are,and getting the console the shifter comes made into,not hard to find,but most are beat up I find.

Ron is right. There are too many differences between auto trans & manual cars. You'd also have to change the radiator as well. You probably wouldn't like the performance difference between an automatic & manual tranny especially in a turbo-charged application. It is easier to keep a turbo spooled-up with a stick than it is with an automatic transmission.
You'd probably be best served by having your original engine rebuilt (bore job, resurface block deck, new bearings, timing belt, water pump, thermostat, oil pump, etc.). The added bonus is a little more cubic inches which will improve your performance slightly !
Also, if your head is cracked, REPLACE IT. Consider flushing or replacing the rad, and look into another turbo while you are at it.
A new clutch and resurfacing the flywheel would be a good idea as well. I know It sounds like a lot of work & money, but I bet if you do all of that - it would be less expensive than and engine/ auto-tranny swap from GM.
Angie's List is an awesome resource to find engine builders in your area.




~ Mike ~

Thanks for the input Ron. I was just wondering if there are any differences in the engine block for the cars that had automatic trans as opposed to manual like mounting points for different brackets or is there a difference in the crankshaft where I won't be able to install a pilot bearing or my manual flywheel. Changing my car to auto isn't an option. If I didn't get to row through the gears myself the experience of driving the little turbo car wouldn't be fun anymore.

Thanks for the input Mike. I hadn't seen that you posted and I appreciate yalls time.

If my car was an auto, it would not still be with me

Sorry not able to add more to this.

I hear ya Paul. Shortly after I bought my 85 SE Sedan a guy gave me an 86 GT convertable with the anemic tbi 1.8 and an auto. I had originally planned on my drivetrain going in the vert but after looking around I have yet to find another bare bones turbo 4-door. I felt bad about butchering up my sedan which seems pretty rare so the vert gave its life to save the front suspension on the sedan after a close encounter of the curb kind. I did however screw up a couple of years ago when a rival fire department had a member donate a 1985 Buick Skyhawk T-type to be used as a drill car. I was told to come get it saturday. Saturday morning when I showed up it was too late. It had been set ablaze, extinguished, and cut to pieces.