2010-17 Buick Regal GS Swap Possible?

[TheGreenDragon]

I've looked it over a bit, but as I am still not as knowledgeable as a true gearhead I figured I'd ask: "Does this look doable?"

I was thinking of taking the LHU 2.0L Turbocharged I4 EcoTec and F40 Six-speed manual transmission out of a totaled Buick Regal GS and putting the guts inside the Sonic.

I was also thinking of swapping out the stock 5x105 hubs and brakes for the larger 5x115 hubs and disc brakes of the Chevy Cruze Diesel.

I am banking on the fact that all of these parts are from GM cars of the same model year and hoping that motor mounts and other fittings are located in roughly the same place.

So, if a true gearhead could weigh in and let me know where I'm going wrong, I would appreciate it. Because surely it can't be as simple as it sounds. opcorn:

 

[MyLonewolf25]

Could probably be done
More than likely would require custom axels

But as long as both cars have harbored same or at least similar drive train to our sonic it's more than likely possible

I've been personally tempted to see if I could ship a eu market 1.6t ( basically a 1.8 same engine but slightly smaller and boosted ) and use that but personally if I'm already going that far I'm probably better off just going *shudders* Honda k series swap or a bike engine

In reality any engine swap as long as it'll fit is doable
Hell someone could probably find a way to do a v6 of some kind or even an ls4 if you're crazy enough


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[TheGreenDragon]

See, I started out dreaming about an LS4/F40 swap. But then I saw the Regal GS and figured it would be more... practical?

Also wondered if it would be easier to yank the ECU out of the Regal GS and replace the Sonic ECU or if I would have to copy the program from the Regal ECU onto the Sonic ECU due to security measures/VIN numbers/etc.

Either way, the car would have to be tuned to run the new setup.

EDIT: Actually, for the axles, what would prevent me from simply using the axles from the GS too? They also have larger disc brakes and the hubs have a 5x120 PCD. In theory, I could just grab the entire front end and a rear axle to match, couldn't I?

 

[Italianjoe1]

GS has a wider front track, so at minimum you'd need shorter axles or you'd have to run the wheels sticking out of the fenders.

That engine/trans unit is larger overall, it would take a lot more custom work than people assume. It would be fun, but you could buy a turbo cobalt with that powertrain already in it for less than stuffing it into a sonic.

 

[KnucklestheRS]

Why not use the 2.0t out of a Verano? Since that is the Buick Cruze, wouldn't that in theory be an easier swap?


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[MyLonewolf25]

I'd just go aftermarket ecu for the swap anyway


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[ScarabEpic22]

Physcially its probably possible, you'll have to get creative and figure out mounts. I dont even know what the dimensional differences are, start there.

You cant just grab the Regal GS ECM and slap it into a Sonic. Completely different hardware and the software HAS to match the base vehicle. You'll have to start with running the 2.0T+trans as basically a standalone setup, then send the RPM, VSS, fuel gauge, etc signals from the Regal ECM to the Sonic ECM and have the Sonic ECM actually populate the cluster, run the HVAC, etc.

IDK about the Verano, that might be a good option. Still have to deal with the ECM issue, but the powertrain is the same as the Regal GS.

 

[MyLonewolf25]

Physcially its probably possible, you'll have to get creative and figure out mounts. I dont even know what the dimensional differences are, start there.

You cant just grab the Regal GS ECM and slap it into a Sonic. Completely different hardware and the software HAS to match the base vehicle. You'll have to start with running the 2.0T+trans as basically a standalone setup, then send the RPM, VSS, fuel gauge, etc signals from the Regal ECM to the Sonic ECM and have the Sonic ECM actually populate the cluster, run the HVAC, etc.

IDK about the Verano, that might be a good option. Still have to deal with the ECM issue, but the powertrain is the same as the Regal GS.

Aftermarket ecu
Problem solved!


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[KnucklestheRS]

Physcially its probably possible, you'll have to get creative and figure out mounts. I dont even know what the dimensional differences are, start there.

You cant just grab the Regal GS ECM and slap it into a Sonic. Completely different hardware and the software HAS to match the base vehicle. You'll have to start with running the 2.0T+trans as basically a standalone setup, then send the RPM, VSS, fuel gauge, etc signals from the Regal ECM to the Sonic ECM and have the Sonic ECM actually populate the cluster, run the HVAC, etc.

IDK about the Verano, that might be a good option. Still have to deal with the ECM issue, but the powertrain is the same as the Regal GS.

True, it might be better suited to fit into a sonic though, at least without as much custom work.


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[TheGreenDragon]

True, it might be better suited to fit into a sonic though, at least without as much custom work.

Not so sure. The Verano Turbo and Regal GS both have the LHU Ecotec. The HP and Torque numbers are different, but that could just be the base tune for each car.

But hey, if I'm going to go big, I might as well go balls out. Say hello to the Ecotec LTG Turbocharged 2.0L I4.

LTG

A 2.0 L (1998 cc) turbocharged direct injection version of the gen III Ecotec was available in the 2013 Cadillac ATS and Chevrolet Malibu.This engine is also available in Cadillac XTS in Chinese market. Bore and stroke are both 86.0 millimetres (3.39 in), compression is 9.5:1. The engine uses twin-scroll turbocharger with electronically controlled wastegate/bypass valve, air-to-air intercooler, stainless steel dual-scroll (1–4, 2–3) exhaust manifold designed to withstand 980 °C (1,800 °F) turbine temperature, and rotacast aluminum alloy (A356T6) cylinder head with sodium-filled exhaust valves. Maximum engine speed is listed at 7000 RPM.

Because who doesn't want to get as close to 300 HP as possible?

 

[MyLonewolf25]

Not so sure. The Verano Turbo and Regal GS both have the LHU Ecotec. The HP and Torque numbers are different, but that could just be the base tune for each car.

But hey, if I'm going to go big, I might as well go balls out. Say hello to the Ecotec LTG Turbocharged 2.0L I4.



Because who doesn't want to get as close to 300 HP as possible?

I mean if you're going balls out...

Ls4

If you're even more adventurous
Mid rear setup taking the rear end from a traxx or encore and going that way with rwd


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[ScarabEpic22]

Aftermarket ecu
Problem solved!


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To run the engine, yes. To keep all the creature comforts, likely not. You'd have to piggyback the stock ECM to keep all of it active, and it's 50/50 you'd lose cruise control. Whenever I consider an engine swap, I want it seamless and to retain all creature comforts as I'm likely to DD the vehicle. For a race vehicle or an older car, standalone is perfect.

 

[MyLonewolf25]

To run the engine, yes. To keep all the creature comforts, likely not. You'd have to piggyback the stock ECM to keep all of it active, and it's 50/50 you'd lose cruise control. Whenever I consider an engine swap, I want it seamless and to retain all creature comforts as I'm likely to DD the vehicle. For a race vehicle or an older car, standalone is perfect.

As long as it's throttle by wire there's probably some way in an aftermarket ecu to keep criuse

Throttle by wire is a mechanical system for that anyway

Creature comforts wouldn't be effected as long as you don't have my link and even them I believe that body control model

And heat would just be connecting respective systems to each other

Ac pump to condensor

Heater core to block/cooling system

Etc


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[TheGreenDragon]

As long as it's throttle by wire there's probably some way in an aftermarket ecu to keep criuse

Throttle by wire is a mechanical system for that anyway

Well, that's kinda the problem. The throttle isn't mechanical. It's digital. Not to mention the fog lights are controlled through the ECU. I'd bet the MyLink is also patched in there somewhere since it can adjust the volume based on the speed of the car.

Looks like if I swapped out for a Turbocharged 2-Liter Inline 4 I'd have to keep the Sonic ECU and just drop in new numbers for the updated parts.

I'd love to do the LS4 swap, but I have a feeling there is a better chance for the engine/transmission mounts to line up if I stick with an Ecotec I4 engine. Plus there's always the money issue...

Perhaps there is more interchangeability among GM cars than we know. Could be the Gamma II platform is the new Nissan S-chassis.

LOL! Who am I kidding...

 

[MyLonewolf25]

Yea if you're keeping the my link you're kinda sol

I thought the fogs were switch only and didn't have anything to the ecu or bcm?

I mean there's really only one way to find out ;p

Personally I would go for something like a 2.4 bored and stroked for ALL THE TORQUE! Or something like a new v6 that's out


Isn't the v6 that In the new 'marrow the same as the v6 family car in the Malibu,etc?

Those things have some punch and they're coming with the 9 speed now which is roughly the same size as our 6 speed

If you're going balls out.. just food for thought


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[TheGreenDragon]

I thought the fogs were switch only and didn't have anything to the ecu or bcm?

Sadly, no. There are members who bought foglights for their base trim Sonics only to find out that the lights would not turn on. They had to go to a dealership to have the lights "activated". It's silly.

Also, probably worth mentioning that my current financial state is #hellapoor. So... yeah. Just trying to set some goals for the future.

The far, far, far, far, far distant future. Like, 2035. Or something.

 

[MyLonewolf25]

So you're same situation as me! Fun hua

Being me sucks because student
No prior job experience

Annnnnd pretty visible disabilities ( mild cerebral palsy on my left side) doesn't really stop me from anything but it looks bad in a interview if I don't check that bla bla disablility bs on a application if they have it

Applied too... 5-6 jobs so far

Annnnnnnd nothing back *sigh*

And the jobs that have given a second glance have age restrictions (17, 18 in Oct) orrrrrr have promised calls and haven't followed through


Gotta love this crap! Just makes you hate humanity all the more

On another note, how much would it be to get the fog lights "activated" including the needed new switch?


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[TheGreenDragon]

Sorry to hear about your job troubles. Don't give up hope. Humanity isn't all bad. The news only reports on the bad ones anyway. #killyourTV

On another note, how much would it be to get the fog lights "activated" including the needed new switch?

I think there was an article on this... somewhere. Unfortunately I don't know what it costs off the top of my head.

UPDATE: I did some research and it would seem that all EcoTec Inline 4 engines share the same bellhousing called the "GM EcoTec 4-cylinder pattern". It covers the GM EcoTec line of engines as well as the GM LLT and late High Feature family of engines.

So that means (in theory) that the F40 transmission from the LTG EcoTec is a viable upgrade from the M32. It also means that it is entirely possible that the engine mounts are also located in the same places on the engine block, making it possible to swap out any 4-cylinder EcoTec at will, provided you have the correct wiring harness.

Again, this is not official. I'm just going off of the research I have done so far, so don't sue me if this doesn't work.

 

[MyLonewolf25]

Sorry to hear about your job troubles. Don't give up hope. Humanity isn't all bad. The news only reports on the bad ones anyway. #killyourTV



I think there was an article on this... somewhere. Unfortunately I don't know what it costs off the top of my head.

UPDATE: I did some research and it would seem that all EcoTec Inline 4 engines share the same bellhousing called the "GM EcoTec 4-cylinder pattern". It covers the GM EcoTec line of engines as well as the GM LLT and late High Feature family of engines.

So that means (in theory) that the F40 transmission from the LTG EcoTec is a viable upgrade from the M32. It also means that it is entirely possible that the engine mounts are also located in the same places on the engine block, making it possible to swap out any 4-cylinder EcoTec at will, provided you have the correct wiring harness.

Again, this is not official. I'm just going off of the research I have done so far, so don't sue me if this doesn't work.

lol I'll definitely keep it in mind

I just want the 9 speed and someone PLEASE MAKE A LSD FOR ONE OF THE AUTOS! IS THAT SO MUCH TO ASK???


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[TheGreenDragon]

I did some research and it would seem that all EcoTec Inline 4 engines share the same bellhousing called the "GM EcoTec 4-cylinder pattern". It covers the GM EcoTec line of engines as well as the GM LLT and late High Feature family of engines.

So that means (in theory) that the F40 transmission from the LTG EcoTec is a viable upgrade from the M32.

So... I did some searching and reading on the forums in the transmission section and found this thread.

Building Stronger 6 Speed Manual Transmission

Aaaaaaand I discovered that I am an optimistic idiot. The F40 IS NOT a direct bolt on swap for the M32. The starter is in the wrong location. So yeah, it pays to use the search function.