CVT's actually have a lot more drag than conventional manuals or autos. They make up for it by keeping the engine in such a tight range during acceleration. They suck in the winter due to the effect of temperature on the belt. Makes the engine rev way too high just to get moving.
But it can be done. Your main problem is going to be FINDING a transmission. There aren't very many of them made. And none will probably be a direct swap.
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