S-Series Swap Guide

[OldNuc]

Originally Posted by swcoupe

Am so great full for your advice, I will address the intake as you have generously suggested. I have seen videos on the cleaning of the exhaust carbon so will be prepared for that as well.
The new to me 01 sc2, is saturn #5 for us, first with a sunroof, Leather seats, and bright and shining paint. Here paint clear coat goes fast in sw sun, but minimal rust is our saving grace on Saturns.

Motor swap then restore sunroof to operation. Thanks so much OldNuc!!!

You are welcome, sun roof restoration is a major job as all the plastic in the tracks is no longer available so it is a matter of finding good used parts. If you use YouTube search for richpin06a saturn for a long list of how to videos, not my videos but they are very good.

[1997sc2turbo]

Alright, I threw a dif pen or something in my 97sc2, I am wondering if I can pull the running 1.9 sohc out of a 1992 sw and bolt it in. I'm no mechanic, but from what I've read, the motor is the same, bolts the same. HELP?

[winkcle]

Hey Uzzy,

the exhaust system on my 1998 sw2 is shot. Do you know if the 2004 ion has a compatible exhaust system. I would like to pull the part from a yard and replace mine with it if possible?

joe

[mikek215]

Hi all. I'm thinking about trying to get my 96 SC2 back up and running (rod blew out the bottom).

I just want to make sure I'm understanding all this info. I have a 96 SC2 DOHC that had an auto trans (parted out some things after it blew). If I read it correctly, if I choose to rebuild I can

-use any block, SOHC or DOHC...the SOHC resulting in some compression issues.
-would need PCM from a 96 SOHC for the auto to function correctly if I use that type of block.
-would have to get another auto because a 5 speed won't work?

Found someone that has an 01 SOHC w/ a 5 speed. My first thought was to just get that and drop it in, but would like to stay with the DOHC.

Thoughts? Rebuild? Replace? I've never done anything like this, but want to learn and car is already dead, so I say why not go for it?

[SC2Sick]

Given the opportunity swap to a manual. WAY more fun to drive and is only an afternoon (day if you're new) project really. Use the DOHC because ~24 HP difference. You can mod the SOHC all you want and it'll still be slower than a bone stock DOHC.

There are dozens of DOHC swap threads.. they're pretty much a drop in.

[mikek215]

I really want to swap to a manual, it's been a long time and miss owning one. Not to concerned about more hp and what not, just want to get it back on the road for now.

Would like to keep the DOHC, but seems it may be easier to just drop a new engine in. So far I've only seen SOHC for sale in my area, but will keep searching.

[CJ's_1999_SL]

Originally Posted by mikek215

I really want to swap to a manual, it's been a long time and miss owning one. Not to concerned about more hp and what not, just want to get it back on the road for now.

Would like to keep the DOHC, but seems it may be easier to just drop a new engine in. So far I've only seen SOHC for sale in my area, but will keep searching.

If you can get a single cam engine, just grab it and use the block with your head. You might have slightly less compression, but overall should still be good to go.

[alordofchaos]

Originally Posted by mikek215

So far I've only seen SOHC for sale in my area, but will keep searching.

Check your local junkyards for S-series that have been rear-ended or T-boned, with no front end damage. You can pull a manual trans and matching PCM at the same time. '96-97 DOHC will be easiest, though as mentioned, any year will work but more modifications needed.

You can actually use your current (96 auto) PCM with a manual transmission (any S-series manual transmission) but will always be setting transmission codes, and the fuel maps won't be right (at certain rpms/loads, PCM will send a signal to the non-existing auto trans to shift, then adjust fuel accordingly - people who have done this describe it as a "flat spot" or hesitation)

[mikek215]

Just found a guy with a 99 SOHC and 5 speed who said he'll take $300 for it all. Also said he has the clutch pedal assembly and possibly may have the PCM if I decide to swap that out. Plus everything has already been pulled from the vehicle, so there's half the job done for me.

I feel for now I am just gonna drop the engine and trans in as is so I can get it back on the road, allowing me to drive it while I inspect and clean the 96 head to ensure it didn't get damaged as well when it blew.

Thanks for all your help and advice, time to go back to the beginning of this thread and brush up on what mods need to be done

[Pinfield357]

I have a 96 SL2 with a bad sub-frame, and just picked up a 00 SL2 with a bad engine. would It be easier to swap the sub-frame into the 96, or put the 96 engine into the 00?

From what I understand the engine swap would not be plug and play, not even swapping manifolds, but if I put the 00 head on the 96 bottom end I could make that work correct?

Thanks for the input.

[alordofchaos]

Originally Posted by Pinfield357

I have a 96 SL2 with a bad sub-frame, and just picked up a 00 SL2 with a bad engine. would It be easier to swap the sub-frame into the 96, or put the 96 engine into the 00?

You will probably get more views and responses if you start your own thread. Most people who have been around a while don't even look at the sticky threads, because they are "reference" threads.

That said, welcome to Saturnfans.

Caveat, I've never done an engine swap, but I would put the '96 engine in the '02 frame. You will need to retain the '02 fuel rail and injectors, and use your '02 sensors.

"bad subframe" on the '96 implies rust, which will make the bolts a pain to remove

I would wait for opinions from others who have done swaps before following my advice, though

[Saturn813]

Im looking to swap my 99 sl2 90 amo alternator to a 220 amp alternator but the only one i can find is for a 97 sl series will that still fit my 99 saturn

[OldNuc]

If it is an early 97 alternator you have to change the side connector or buy the adapter. look att he pix of the alternator you are planning on buying, if there is a fan on the front you need the adapter or connector swap.

[ribbs24601]

I have a 1999 dohc sl2 auto. I might be purchasing a 2000 sl1 manual with blown sohc engine. What problems will I have putting the dohc in the sohc's place? Wiring harness and such?

[alordofchaos]

Originally Posted by ribbs24601

I have a 1999 dohc sl2 auto. I might be purchasing a 2000 sl1 manual with blown sohc engine. What problems will I have putting the dohc in the sohc's place? Wiring harness and such?

First, welcome to saturnfans. It's a friendly and knowledgeable place.

Second, please don't post questions in this thread - nobody is upset or offended, it's just that people don't read it regularly, so you don't get responses (you posted 5 days ago and got no responses - if you had posted your own, new thread in the Tech forum, you would have at least a half dozen responses by the next day or two)

Third, this is a good starting guide - Low Saturn did the first DOHC to SOHC swap on a Saturn.
http://www.differentracing.com/tech_...dohc_swap.html

The biggest issue I see off hand - the SOHC PCM/ECU will not have the fuel map to run a DOHC engine; you will need a dealer flash or swap PCM, then introduce it to the BCM.

[Zeebins]

Originally Posted by alordofchaos

(you posted 5 days ago and got no responses - if you had posted your own, new thread in the Tech forum, you would have at least a half dozen responses by the next day or two)

Actually, he posted 5 days and 1 year ago

[alordofchaos]

Originally Posted by Zeebins

Actually, he posted 5 days and 1 year ago

D'Oh!

That's even worse, he never got an answer and all the answers are here

[ampecsu]

Anyone know where I can find a list of cars other than Saturns that use the same alternator as a 1995 SL2 (external fan and squared connector).

I'm trying to salvage one and the didn't have any but we stumbled across one that was identical from a 1995 Pontiac Firebird! Only it's NOISY!

I need to know what else I can have them search for in their inventory to find one.

Thanks

[markwood007788]

Genuine, dislike the differential is distinctive for any year. It's just the 91-93 center points.

[94SCTWO]

Before I throw this out there..YES it's an odd question and I know people will ask or say dumb things in reply but it is what it is...So what I am wondering is does anyone have ANY idea of what I would need to install a Saturn 1.9 dohc/ manual tranny into a 1998 Honda civic hatch.?? Reason. For this is simple I have a fully built 1.9 with less than 5k miles and newly built tranny and the Saturn is at this point K.I.A n plus think it would be unique to drop a built turbo 1.9 into it, just not sure exactly what's all needed to make it happen so any LEGITIMATE feedback is welcome and appreciated.! Thanks again