Engine/Transmission replacement

[Mjohle194]

Hi guys,

So my sonic just hit 200,000 miles this week and I can tell the engine is a little tired and the 6mt trans make quite a bit of noise. I would like to replace both at once, I like this little car and would rather not get rid of it. It's at 2012 LTZ 1.4T/6Mt, my question is what years can I use to replace my engine and trans? Are 2012-13 the only 2 years I can use? I noticed later models require a different clutch then those years. Also, I if i find a low mileage engine out of an auto, can I use it in my car with manual trans? Are there any variations between the two beside the flywheel and flexplate? Any info is greatly appreciated, thanks. PS.....this car has been running 20psi if boost for of 100,000 miles of its life....:banana:

 

[greg51]

engine

Yes all engines are interchange 2012-2016 there may be some senser diffs keep all your old stuff till you get it running. You will need a new clutch also just buy the newer style2014 up complete with flywheel( flywheels are dual mass and can get loose-replace it. Also if its an auto motor you need a pilot bushing for crank. All 6 speeds are interchange, but there are diff gearing options, and diff shift arms. g

 

[Big Turbo Sonic]

There are small differences in the cam/valve train between 2012 & 2013 I am almost certain. When I pulled my bigger turbo off my 2012 and put it in my 2013, I had to tune it obviously. MPFab, informed me the cam phasers were different. To tune it, I basically just copied all the values in hptuners except related to the cams/valves.

If you do a compare file of the stock 12 and a stock 13 you can see there is differences.

 

[Blue Moon Sonic]

This makes me wonder if anyone could just bolt on a 6T45 or a 6T35 transmission in place of the stock 6t40. Would love to be rid of the early gen 6T40 transmission issues while also gaining a higher torque capacity.

 

[suitcasejefferson]

How do you know it has been running 20 pounds of boost since there is no boost gauge? I'm assuming you have made some modifications. I bought a 2013 1.4/auto with 54,000 miles, which I am seriously over maintaining, by the book anyway. I was hoping to get at least 250,000 miles out of it. I do not drive it hard. Most of the miles will be highway miles at around 65 mph.

 

[Maddmatts]

How do you know it has been running 20 pounds of boost since there is no boost gauge?

Literal tons of aftermarket options. Ultragauge and the Torque Pro app are popular with members here for seeing that kind of information.

 

[Mjohle194]

Like he said above, tons of aftermarket options, I just have a pillar guage running off a port on a throttle body spacer, plus efi live. While we're on this subject..... are any of the later model transmission any stronger?

 

[carsNskis]

If you're not going over 300hp the stock auto and manual will do just fine.

[emoji593][emoji809][emoji472]

 

[greg51]

Motor

I have a used motor for sale 17,000 miles in ohio

 

[Bearclaw2009]

But if someone wanted to go over 300hp what options are there for the manual to beef it up or swap it out for a stronger unit.