Engine swap

SLOWLEARNER101

MEMBER
2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
50,000 MILES

Wish to replace the LS engine which is blown with another engine of the same make and model. Must I use the same year 2012 or can I go with a newer 2015 engine with very low miles. Concerned about ease of install when I go with newer engine. Also, interested in what it will cost to have an independent repair shop do the change out. I am in North Florida so costs are not like major cities. What manuals do you recommend for me to review before I start this project if I end up doing it myself? I have replaced engines in my twenties and thirties but electronics were much simpler then. Thanks for your review and response. Appreciate any advice here as our son needs to get his car running.

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
43,072 POSTS

Hello,

Both and AllData have great resources you can use online which is nice. The engines should be the same. Here are some diagrams from AllData to help you see what you are in for when doing the job.

You must lower the cradle when removing engine. Start by disconnecting the battery then you will need to drain the cooling system and air conditioner here are guides to help you get started.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Here are diagrams to help you see what you are in for when replacing the engine.

Check out the diagrams (below).

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, January 15th, 2018 AT 2:21 PM

SLOWLEARNER101

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks Ken, will print everything this evening after dinner and study and write more tomorrow. Looks good so far. Found 2012 1.8L engine about one hundred miles away.

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Monday, January 15th, 2018 AT 2:28 PM

KEN L