1997 Chevy Cavalier hole in side of engine

TJF

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
130,000 MILES

Im an experienced heavy duty mechanic who has been volunteered by his girlfriend to do an engine swap on a 1997 5 speed standard cavalier with the 2.2L. I need to know what the best way to do it is. My hope was to be able to just unbolt the engine from the transaxle and lift the engine out in my shop. From what I have read this is not possible, it is my understanding that I could drop the sub frame but this is not my favorite option. Is it possible to lift the engine and transaxle out as one once I remove all the hardware under the hood and axle shafts? I have not been able to work on or look at the car as it has not been dropped off yet. Any feed back would be helpfull for me to complete this "favour". Thanks very much

1 Reply

MADMIKE1735

MECHANIC
951 POSTS

This engine WILL come out of the top. It is not necessary to drop the subframe. Im not saying its going to be a walk in the park, its not a saturn. Haha, but you should have that engine out within 4 hrs depending on your knowledge with cars. The tranny stays in the car, bolted to the subframe, and there is a connector located behind the engine, under the intake manifold which is hard to access- I have found that its easiest to access through the passenger wheel well. Other than that one plug, you shouldnt really have an issue with this. If you do, feel free to ask questions. Ive done a few of these.