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[JGMerlin]

Hi Everyone,

I've got a question that has been bugging me for some time:

To my knowledge the 2.2 DTi Omega was only ever available with a manual 'box. Even on the continent. Why wasn't it available as an automatic?

The same engine (X/Y22DTH) was available in the Frontera mated to an 'adapted' AR35 (including transfer box).

Now, I know that the DTi isn't exactly the most rapid Omega in the range but it does have plenty of torque. On the face of it something that would have worked well with an auto box?

So, this begs the question; if I wanted an automatic 2.2 DTi Omega. Could I take a torque converter from a Frontera DTi (assuming that it is a different item to the petrol  one) and mate this to a 'standard' AR35 'box. Transfer all of the necessary computers, change the pedal box etc?

Okay, I'm sure that it not as simple as that but as a for instance?

My only thought was that during the gear-shift it would need to induce a split-second pause to allow the change to complete before the power was re-applied. There would need to be communication between the gearbox and engine ECUs for this to happen. They managed this with the Frontera so could this or would it even be feasible in an Omega?

This is purely hypothetical at this stage and it would be a lot of effort to carry out such a conversion so I'm not going to be rushing out to the garage just yet . . . .

. . .  but could it be done?

>Jamie

[Omegatoy]

course it can be done, if you have enough time and can solve the problems that can arise from this type of conversion, you would need to run a cooler for the gearbox fluid to be added to your list, dont forget most auto ecu for the engine havepin 40?(someone post the right no up) which is grounded for a manual trans and not grounded for auto trans, so yoiu would need to find out if that can be done in the ecu of the 2.2 not sure on that one!! also prop would be different length maybe you could adapt a 2.5 diesel one not sure on that either, lots to think about!!

[VXL V6]

Reckon that you'd be better sourcing a 5L40, prop and possibly diff from a 2.5DTI (ebay.de time!). the five speed auto has a map that is specific to the torque curve of the diesel 

Big question is if it's worth all the effort?  :-/

I like having a manual on the dti, think it suits it and the clutch isn't heavy. The throw across the gate between the gears isn't exactly sporty but then the Omega isn't particularly sporty either!

[JGMerlin]

Good points:

I'd forgotten about the cooling issues so yes, there would e a need for additional coolers for the transmission oil.

Something that always struck me was the difference between the fuel economy between the manual and auto 'boxes on the 2.5TD engine. I presume that with similar power and torque characteristics the 2.2 would give similar economy figures with an auto box?

I guess I was hoping for better fuel economy from a 2.2

Like you said VXL V6; is it really worth the effort? As you also said, and you're right the Omega is a not a sporty car.

The 5L40 would give better performance and would be better matched to the diesel engine but would be a lot of extra effort in terms of sourcing the required parts etc.

Can you think of a reason why Opel didn't think that the Automatic shouldn't be offered with the DTi?

[TheBoy]

Small diesels do not suit autos IMHO.

Additionally, it would destroy the economy.

But I reckon the real reason is that GM didn't have a suitable gearbox - the engine is quite peaky in Omega form, and the wide ratios of the standard UK spec autoboxes probably wouldn't suit...

[Kevin Wood]

Small diesels do not suit autos IMHO.

Additionally, it would destroy the economy.

But I reckon the real reason is that GM didn't have a suitable gearbox - the engine is quite peaky in Omega form, and the wide ratios of the standard UK spec autoboxes probably wouldn't suit...

Yep, I reckon you're right. It would have been practically undrivable with an AR25/35 and, for some reason, GM didn't appear to want to give us the 5 speed autos in the UK. (it may not have suited it either, of course).

Kevin

[OMEEEGAH]

got to say i don't like omega autos as much as manuals,had loads of them and i love the fact i know if i'm after a 2.2dti i know its a man so its easier to buy imo.
the manual boxes are much more sturdier than the autos even though the auto boxes are better than most other cars with autos but the fact is i like a big car with a manual box that can at low speeds sit in top gear saving money on fuel whereas a auto is up and down and doesn't like it.

[2woody]

manual is always going to be more economical than auto.

2.2DTi auto would be an interesting project, but I can't think why you'd do it over a 2.5, for which all the parts are available. 2.5 manual diseasel + chip would probably be at least as good on fuel as a 2.2DTi auto