New engine - advice please

**mdibb2009** · 20th July 2011, 15:19

Right guys ive decided to stop putting money into my current engine as its done 186,000 miles and theres more and more problems arising.

The engine is a z18xe, 52 plate.

So, ive changed engines before on older cars, mk3 astras, corsas, novas etc... but never done one on a newer car.

So... i Have a few questions if you wouldnt mind answering them please.

Is the engine removal the same as older vehicles ? remove driveshafts, all engine loom, disconnect pipes etc.. and lift out of the top ?

Can I use any z18xe engine from any car and any year ?

Is there anything to look out for on these engines when buying them ?

As im doing a straight forward swap I will be keeping my existing engine loom and ecu.

Thanks very much

**mdibb2009** · 20th July 2011, 21:11

Also is it possible to take the engine and box together out of the top on these ?

Thanks

**roswell** · 20th July 2011, 23:34

First question,

whats actualy wrong with your current engine ?

**sb1uk** · 20th July 2011, 23:48

If you can get an engine from the same year better mileage that would be best so you don't have any wiring issues. If you can let me have your reg no I will find out what chassis range had your engine so you can look at more options to get same engine.

**mdibb2009** · 21st July 2011, 00:13

Sb1uk, my reg is dy52 ygz, thanks mate.

Roswell, head gasket has failed twice now even after a head skim, theres also quite a lot of play in the pistons and its done 186,000 so im going to cut my losses and try get the same engine with a lot less miles.

Thanks guys

**mucklestone** · 21st July 2011, 10:17

I have done this swap myself on a 56 plate vvt one, but the block is the same, just the head and some wiring are different....

The official 'proper' way is to drop the engine out the bottom, but if you angle it over you can get it out through the top with the gearbox on. No need to touch the subframe...

I recomend bumper off to give access to the rad hoses.

If you need any advice PM me.

**Deztroyer** · 21st July 2011, 12:44

we did this on Whiskyno7's motor this year ....

engine out through the top
swap over all ancillaries and refit the original ecu

http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131435

good luck

**mdibb2009** · 21st July 2011, 15:04

Cheers guys, so aslong as I keep my original ECU I should be fine ?

Just the shafts to remove now then its ready to come out.

Thanks

**triple595** · 21st July 2011, 15:18

not many people tackle changing an engine these days, used to do it all the time with me old man back in the 80's

**mdibb2009** · 21st July 2011, 15:28

True, I think a lot of people think its harder and more complicated than what it actually is.

Aslong as you take your time, and have a rough idea on your way around the engine, aswell as having the correct tools then its quite straight forward and can save you a hell of a lot of money I feel.

Its all well and good reading books and haynes manual etc.. but the best way is to just get out there and get stuck in.

Ive only ever changed engines on older vauxhalls so this was something a bit new to me, but once I started taking things apart it all fell into place really and is more or less the same procedure.

Its took me about 4 hours altogether and all I need to do now is remove driveshafts and lift it out.