Cheap Vauxhall Cavalier Gearbox

The Cavalier ran across several distinct generations: Mk1 (1975–1981), Mk2 (1981–1988), and Mk3 (1988–1995), and gearboxes are generally not interchangeable across these generation boundaries. Within a generation, fitment is driven primarily by engine code and whether the car is petrol or diesel, rather than the model year alone. Give your engine code from the V5 or a VIN check to the breaker — it's the single most useful detail you can supply.

Both years sit within the Mk3 generation (1988–1995), so there is a reasonable chance of compatibility, but fitment still depends on your engine code and gearbox type (manual or automatic) matching the donor car's. Ancillary and mounting changes can occur mid-production even within a generation, so confirm directly with the breaker against your exact registration before purchasing. Never assume year alone is enough.

The Mk2 ran from 1981 to 1988 and the Mk3 from 1988 to 1995, and crossing that generation boundary is where compatibility becomes genuinely uncertain. Mechanical architecture changed between generations, so a direct swap is unlikely without modification, but you should confirm with the breaker against both registrations rather than rely on general guidance. Engine code differences between the two eras make an exact match very improbable.

No — trim level does not affect gearbox fitment on the Cavalier. The trim names L, GL, GLS, and CDX reflect interior and equipment differences rather than mechanical ones, so a gearbox from a GL and a CDX of the same engine code and gearbox type are mechanically the same. What matters is that the engine code, fuel type, and manual or automatic type all match, regardless of what badge is on the boot.

Yes, fuel type matters significantly — a diesel and a petrol Cavalier of the same year will have different gearboxes suited to different torque outputs and engine configurations. Always match the replacement gearbox to your exact engine code, which will also confirm fuel type, rather than going by year or trim alone. Supply your engine code to the breaker and they can cross-reference it against the donor vehicle.

This depends on your specific vehicle and the gearbox being fitted, and it's not something we can state as a blanket rule. Confirm with the breaker whether the unit from their vehicle requires any pairing or coding to work correctly in yours, as this can vary and getting it wrong can cause driveability or immobiliser issues. A good breaker will be able to advise based on the exact registration of both vehicles.