Was just curious if anybody posted a thread on what you would need to do to swap in a 2000 2.2L motor into a 1996 cavalier that had a 2.2L as well. I'm well aware the motors are completely different. I know i need the harness and the PCM for the 2000 motor&transmission. Will the 2000 harness plug right into the 1996 cavi at that big square connector under the master cylinder and work fine? Or, what else would need to be done? Also, would the 96 transmission bolt to the 2000 motor? if not, thats fine. 5-speed trannys are reasonably cheap for 2.2Ls. My buddy has a 2000 motor, and we found a 1996 cavalier with a junk 2.2 for like $400. Just wanted a little heads up before we decided to do the swap. No real necessary reason we need to do the swap. Just a good experience project.


"If I'm not back in 5 minutes...just wait longer"

You'll need to wire the car back to the tail lights and replace the gas tank if you want to put any 2000 + PCM in

However, if you run the 2000 motor, and a 1999 or 1998 PCM, and all the sensors needed for the 98/99 PCM, you won't need to rewire the car...

I'm not sure if there were any sensor differences between the 98-99 and the 00-02 LN2 engines...