I purchased a 2003 engine (vin "C") to put in my 1995 (vin "C") Neon with an automatic. I then noticed the crank sensor is in a different location. Otherwise it looks as if the rest of the parts will bolt on and it'll bolt right in. I bought a harness from a 2003 neon, but before I get started I just would like to know what else will have to be changed for this to work. Also, the new engine has 8000 miles on it and I only paid 300 dollars for the long block with the exhaust manifold. Any help would be appreciated

 

i thought the motor mounts are different and pcm oh and might need to change the harness inside the car, and the air box and battery, maybe the radiator too...

 

Different crankshaft signal, not compatible. 2003-up is different from 1995-2002, which are all interchangeable (minor differences). Only way to make a 2003-up run is with a 2003-up PCM, or a 1995-2002 crankshaft.

Best of luck!

 

In order to use the earlier crank one would have to drill a hole in the side of the engine block so the crank sensor will read the signal. The crank sensor in the new engine is at the rear near the starter. Are the oil passages in the same place? Or will I strike oil if I was to drill the hole. Another option I was kicking around is to make a new reluctor ring for the crank ( given they can be removed ) as I have access to a metal cutting CNC laser center as well as a guy that can shrink the dimensions so that a new ring will read like the old one. Another option I have heard about is a stand alone engine management system, has anyone done or heard of anything like this? Thanks for all of your help and future advice.

 

It took quite a while to get the code written for Megasquirt to run the 1995-2002 neon engine. I don't know if anyone has started working on the code for the newer models, although with all the SRT-4 guys that could benefit from it, someone probably is.

I don't think the blocks changed. Either way, that's an awful lot of work just to swap a 2003 engine into an older car. Salvage yard engines are cheap, and there isn't much to a good rebuild if the mileage is high. Anything is possible with enough time/patience/money.

 

You also have to consider that when you put an engine into your car from a newer car. You are required to pass
emmisions for the year of the engine and not the year of the car.

 

So? It's the same engine. Even if the specs have changed over the years, who's going to know if the engine was swapped?

 

Every inspection station I've been to checks the VIN/Serial# on the engine, both for report of stolen engine and compliance issues.
If you don't have inspection, you don't have to worry about it.
You may have an easier time trying to put a 2002 or older engine in though.
When you put your new engine in, it usually works better to put the intake manifold / tb/ FI system from the old engine onto the new one.
This keeps the computer happy (usually) and reduces complications.

 

hey what's up guys? it's been a while since i've done any work on my 97 highline since handing it down to my girl. ok so swapping in an 03 engine is more trouble than its worth, what are the "minor" differences between the 97 and 02 engines? what does it take to work? any info would be greatly appreciated, even if its directions to another posting that answers my questions. thanks

 

Take off the manifolds, accessory brackets, and crank pulleys, and the only difference left between the 2 long blocks would be that the 1st gen has an EGR setup, and the 2nd gen has the EGR port blocked off on the head (or not machined at all, but that's rare). So to swap in from a 2002 into a '97, just swap over '97 brackets, crank pulley, manifolds, and the EGR setup. I don't think any of the sensors even changed...

Best of luck!