Engine Swap, Upgades, and Things

Let me start this off by first saying this engine swap is not an easy thing that can be done in a few hours. Many days of frustration and discouragement ensued while doing this.

Suzuki has engineered this platform in such a way that it would require getting the car on a lift, and dropping the sub frame with everything attached to it from the bottom. It IS possible to pull it from the top with a cherry picker, but it is not an easy task.


The swap itself took me over the course of a week to complete.

Engine Swap

This week, I'll be swapping this 170k + engine with a lower mileage 80k engine.

Should this engine give me an additional 100k miles, I will consider it a win situation. I've seen these engines climb upwards of 200k +, so I don't see why it wouldn't.

I may even rebuild the spare engine myself just for kicks.

Engine Knocking

Engine has developed Rod Knock. Time to locate another engine!

Oil Change - 6/18/17

Performed oil change with Amsoil 5-30W and K&N Filter.

Transmission Change

Purchased a used Transmission that has about 60k Miles. Swapped it in, and the car is good to go!

Used Transmission Ordered

ordered a used Automatic Transmission with 70k miles from Morrison's Auto Parts.

This is significantly lower then the original 170k transmission that is currently in it, which is having possible torque converter issues to begin with.

This will make provide much needed longevity to the car.

Automatic Fluid Change

So I decided to drain and fill the ATF fluid until it finally came out clear.

Driven the car for about 250 miles to make sure the Torque Converter shudder wouldn't get worse, as I plan on replacing the trans in Miami. Wanted to make sure it was up for the drive. Well, unfortunately, but fortunately the TC Shudder is to the point where the car lacks acceleration due to the TC issue.

The vibration is significantly worse, and glad it happened here. This is why I drove the vehicle non-stop as much possible. The SX4 is still drive-able, however not for long trips. Will need to replace the trans, which fortunately is not very expensive for a decent used one.

The "new" to my daily.

Purchased a SX4 as my new daily/winter beater car.