There is one I know of. It was done by Lingenfelter using Opel provided parts. They made Omegas with 5-speeds in Europe but I guess they thought Americans were too lazy to stir the stick and push the pedal. When GM trashed the Omega V8 project Lingenfelter bought the remaining parts to build V8/5-speed Cateras but that fizzled too and only one was built and sold. Lingenfelter then sold the parts as incomplete kits which were snapped up by Catera owners with dreams of building the ultimate American Beemer. As far as I know none has been completed though a few have come close. If you want a 5-speed Cat you'll have to round up the necessary parts from the kit owners or from ebay in Europe. The link will take you to my Catera V album. It's the Lingenfelter prototype.

http://www.pbase.com/elvin315/the_catera_v

 

I don't WANT a 5-speed Catera, but the automatic in mine is bad and ones in junkyards are probably bad or will go bad so I figure putting in a stick would solve the reliability issue and create a unique car at the same time. Wouldn't want a V8, just keep the stock 3.0.

 

I only pointed out the Catera V because it's the only one I know of with a manual transmission. I didn't mean you should go and build a V8 Catera. What exactly is wrong with your tranny? It might be rebuildable. Kits cost between $200-$300. My Catera itself had a slipping tranny and lost 4th gear. She now has a used tranny and shifts just fine. My cousin took my old one, rebuilt it, and slapped into his Catera. Our cars use the GM 4L30-E transmission which is also found in:

1991–1995 BMW 525i
1992–1995 BMW 325i
1992–1998 BMW 318i
1994–2001 Honda Passport
1996–1999 BMW 328i
1996–1999 BMW 528i
1996–2000 BMW Z3
1996– Acura SLX
1997–1999 BMW 323i
1999– Isuzu Amigo
2001– Isuzu VehiCROSS
1991–1998 Isuzu Rodeo
1990–2001 Isuzu Trooper

Not sure if their gearing is the same as in the Catera version so some research is needed but the BMW versions are probably a safe bet. As for a "stick" you're on your own. The 4L30E is electronically controlled so the computer will be useless. Don't know what codes would pop up. I guess a RWD GM tranny could be made to fit the chassis but will it mate with the L81 engine in the Catera? Who knows? You'd also need a clutch pedal and master-cylinder. Easiest way, though by no means easy, would be to acquire an Omega pedal box from Great Britain (Vauxhall) or Germany (Opel). If not you'll be cutting and welding. Good Luck.

 

I see and hear about these Cateras that have transmission problems with under 100,000 miles and some with just 60,000 miles so are you sure those BMW's use this transmission also? I doubt the trans from a BMW straight 6 would mate to the V6. Were the Omegas sold in Mexico or the Carribean which would be easier to acquire?

 

161000 on mine, so far no problem with tranny or engine. I changed tranny fluid 3 times already,not a flush, thats why have to do that many, and I switched to DEX 6

 

Those BMWs definitely used the 4L30E but you have a point regarding the bell-housing matching both engines. As for closer markets this was the worldwide distribution according to Wikipedia:

Germany as the Opel Omega B
United Kingdom as Vauxhall Omega B.

NOTE
The Australian Holdens are visually similar to their European cousins but are larger in all dimensions and feature different interior styling as well as different mechanical components, including petrol engine choices ranging from a 3.8 litre V6 or 5.0 litre V8 through to the introduction of a 5.7 litre V8 in 1999, a new 3.6 litre V6 in 2004 and a new 260 kW 6.0 litre V8 in the final year of VZ Commodore production. Starting in 1999 GM ceased production in Brazil in favor of importing Holden Commodores modified for the Brazilian market.

I think the closest place is GB including Ireland. I know there's an Omega club in Denmark and there are probably others scattered around Europe. Start with the Omega Owners Forum in GB.
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php

 

Start with the Omega Owners Forum in GB.
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php

I tried to register but it asks, What colour is the indicator on European cars? I put in red, green, yellow, white. Wouldn't accept any of them so it won't let me register. WTF?

 

Not me, but I did have a first name basis relationship with a tow truck owner!

 

I tried signing up, it's not amber, or white, or clear either :noidea: .

 

And there is no email address to contact. Nice.:cookoo:

 

AH HA! Keep clicking back and accepting the terms. The question will change.

 

That got it done after 10 tries. I can only imagine how long it takes for them to process it.

 

Well now I'm supposedly registered there but when I try, "activate your account by selecting the following link," it goes to an endless loop of resending the activation code.

 

Don't know what to say. I have no trouble logging on to OOF but I've been registered since 2007. Try this other Brit Omega site.

Vauxhall Owners Network:
http://www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co...x.php?forums/omega-monaro-vxr-vxr8-carlton-senator-manta-monza-owners-forum.29/

There's also a Catera forum on Yahoo:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/CateraOwners/info