3.2 liter 5-speed into a Catera

[Phantom GTZ]

Hey guys.

Has anyone tried this before? I've been doing a bit of research and info on this kind of ordeal is hard to some by. By 5-speed I do mean manual transmission

Big Question:

Would the CTS engine controls swap into the Catera? From what I read, the wiring harnesses aren't far off. Not to mention the obvious similarities.

I guess that would be the major one. I know some mounts will most likely have to be fab'd for the manual transmission. I'll probably hack up a CTS center console for the interior.

I understand there is plenty more involved with a swap, but I wanted to get the discussion going.

Thanks!

-Joel

[Kcryan]

Id love a 5 speed catera.... other than that the only advice i can offer is talk to CateraV and look into GTO mounts/parts as the frame is similar

[Phantom GTZ]

From what I've found you would need to use the CPU, wiring harness, exhaust manifolds, oil pan, and accessories from the Catera.

The restrictions alone from the Catera manifolds will push the lower compression 3.2 liter engine's performance closer to the 3.0 liter Catera motor. I haven't looked into porting the Catera manifolds yet, but I think this swap (at least the engine) is a stupid idea. You might see 10 hp or 15 hp more with an equal ammount of torque.

As far as the 5-speed, I would rather use the Omega MV6 manual trans, center console, and pedal/clutch setup. Now for the kicker: It is almost impossible to find which transmission they used!!! Every info sheet I find lists the details for the auto, and absolutely nothing on which manual transmission it used.

[elvin315]

Any updates on this?

This comes from a newbie so take it for what it's worthbut the 3.2 LA3 is externally the same as the 3.0 L81. All the updates and improvements were done internally. The Catera's motor mounts should fit the LA3. I can't really say anything about the ECM or wiring harness.

As for the 5 speed transmission, they are plentiful in Europe. Shipping costs could be expensive but buying a rebuilt tranny shouldn't be a problem. Contact the Omega Owners Club and find out how they go about the conversion and what parts are needed. All in all it doesn't seem it'll be a hard job. After all, all it takes is money.

[Marks DTM Calib]

To fit a 5 speed R28 manual you need:

Pedal box
Flywheel (dual mass)
Clutch pressure and friction plate
Gearbox and mounting bracket
Prop shaft
gear lever assembly and gaitor
Clutch master cylinder and pipe work (connects to small plastic spur on existing brake fluid res)

Possibly a diff change to sort out the ratios of the final drive (try for an LSD from an Ex-plod!)

Then strap out a pin on the ECU to tell it its a manual setup......


Have a look here:

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1161013363