Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix 6-speed manual

[SCREECH]

Ok, I'm just too overcome with curiosity about this transaxle - anybody got anymore detailed info than the gear ratios/final drive (I've already found that info on matrixvibe.net)??

I've been searching for info about it, brand, bellhousing config, etc. since I heard about it slated for the Vibe GT. Anybody out there know if it's the 660 bellhousing that's still being used for the 4-bangers of that era? Anybody have any additional info / experience regarding this transaxle? Reliability? Durability? Just a big waste of time even talking about it?

[RidgeRunner]

I would imagine it's a Toyota bellhousing of some sort.

[Lyle's GTP]

Toyota Motor, Toyota transmission? Good chance.

I just think it's bad that GM has to go running to Toyota to compete with the imports. They probably own 90% of Toyota, but still.

Lyle

[SCREECH]

Toyota Motor, Toyota transmission? Good chance.

So the engine in the Vibe's a Toy(ota), eh? Hmm...I didn't know that. Well, I guess that would ix-nay that idea. Do you guys know FOR SURE that it is, though? Does anybody happen to have any pics of it? Just curious.

EDIT: Ok - I just found a forum that seems to confirm the above - the 1.8 DOHC in the Vibe/Matrix was originally used in another Toyota (I think it was the Corolla if I recall - short term memory failing....feeling faint....lights...dimming...... ) Anyway....I guess that puts this topic to rest - thanks, guys!

[RacerX11]

Yes. All the available drivetrains in the Matrix/Vibe are Toyota sourced.

It is my understanding that Toyota handled the mechanical design and manufacture of the vehicles, while GM handled the sheet metal and interior design.

I don't know that it would be a good tranny for a stout V6 anyway. It is connected to a 185 HP 4 cylinder, but it doesn't put out much torque. I would be surprised if it would hold up to a V6.

Marty

[Cliff8928]

If you were really looking into a 6-speed, you might be able to somehow get a bellhousing from a "M94 / F23" Getrag 287 to fit a saab "F25" trans (i think quaife makes gears to convert a 5-speed to 6-speed aswell.. they're about $4000 http://www.quaifeamerica.com )

Cliff Scott
89 BerettaGT
89 Volvo740

[93LuminaZ34va]

Yeah, it uses the 1.8l from the toyota celica GT in the Vibe GT, in front of the 6 speed. redline of like 8k.....

[SCREECH]

get a bellhousing from a "M94 / F23" Getrag 287 to fit a saab "F25" trans (i think quaife makes gears to convert a 5-speed to 6-speed aswell.. they're about $4000 http://www.quaifeamerica.com)

http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/transmissions/gmpow/mu3.htm

This link on GM's site shows the Saab F25 (MU3) transaxle as being a 5-speed. However, I was on quaife's site, and they do talk about the 6-speed F25 gearset ($4795US! ) I'm so confuseled!

I would expect that converting a transaxle from 5-speed to a 6-speed would be more of a proceedure than just swapping the gears - going to a 6-speed would require another shifting rail (because there's now 7 gears with reverse, instead of 6), another synchro, etc, etc etc. Maybe I'll have to write to Quaife and say "WTF?"

Going with a 6-speed isn't super-high on my priority list, but I just thought it would give it that extra degree on the coolness scale. I suppose, I could look at it this way: it would be a lot cooler having a Getrag that stands up to my absue, than to have a crappy-ass 6-speed that I'm in the garage with yanking it (the transmission, people! C'MON!!! ) to put my Getrag back in because it PUKED!

Just as a side note, Quaife does make some 6-speed FWD transaxles themselves. They're only about $16,000 US (not including the $2,000 for the shifter and cables!) so maybe I might get a second mortgage on the house and go that route! Yeah...and monkey's might fly out of my butt!!!

[brian89gp]

If DKOV gets those trannys of his built it should be interesting.

With the VW 5spd transmissions, the 6spd kit adds the 6th gearset onto the end of the tranny.

[v6h.o.]

If DKOV gets those trannys of his built it should be interesting.

With the VW 5spd transmissions, the 6spd kit adds the 6th gearset onto the end of the tranny.

yeah whats happening with those transmissions he's building? i havnt checked that thread in a while now... any updates that you know of Brian?

[pocket-rocket]

I have heard that it was all bullshit. Which really sucks balls.