Hello,
I am wondering what is needed to do the 2.0 swap into a 1.8 Sidekick Sport.  So I need new ecu? different intake and exaust manifold?  Or is it a direct swap?  I am finding the 1.8 motor a touch to hard to find and I am seeing a few more 2.0 motors.  I know the 2.0 is the same as the 1.8 external just the guts are diffrenent  Any helps or points in the right direction would be great!!!!

nobody here huh

I have been watching for answers.  I might be wanting to do the same thing.

Near as I can  figure, the 2.0l 4 banger will drop right in.  In order to make it run right, you will probably have to use the newer computer.  I don't know what is involved--probably some wiring harness changes.  Maybe someone who else has tried it.  When you figure it out and have done it, how about a write-up here?

My guess would be wiring harnes & ECU. Might need to change engine mounts too. The 1.8L is a strange beast - the engine is very unique, and the frame is actually different on the sport models than the 'standard' 1.6L, so most of us won't know how to do that swap. Sean DeVinney has done quite a lot of 2.0L and other engine swaps, give him a call: http://members.cox.net/aftermarket4x4/

other than the fact that it seems that parts for the 2.0 are more readily available is their any reason for the swap?  I ask because I had a 99 tracker with the 2.0 and it seams to my that the 1.8 is just as good as the 2.0 was then again that was about 6 years ago so I might be wrong.  on this note however is anyone aware of a rebuild kit for the 1.8s?

carl

I have yet to try and ask shawn.  I try to get answers on boards before I bother the vendors.  I know that sounds crazy but they get lots of stupid questions in a day and I try not to bother them.  He has offerd a 2.0 up to me but I am trying to see what I can do with this 1.8.  As most of us out there we are trying to watch the almighty dollar. 

I am just waiting for the right person to come around and see what they have to say.  I know most have not done this swap.  I might have to rebuild this motor but I am just trying to see what is out there for information.

well which ever way you go please keep us informed.   I have almost 200,000 miles on mine and I am looking for a way to refresh it that doesn't break the bank. 

The 1.8 and the 2.0 are basically the same engine and in fact use the same heads so if you only had a 2.0 bottom end you could still do the swap. The ECM will be slightly different but yoiu could probably get away with the 1.8 ECM if you had to. Another option to look at if you could find one at the right price is the 2.3 from the Aerio.

The 1.8 and the 2.0 are basically the same engine and in fact use the same heads so if you only had a 2.0 bottom end you could still do the swap. The ECM will be slightly different but yoiu could probably get away with the 1.8 ECM if you had to. Another option to look at if you could find one at the right price is the 2.3 from the Aerio.

Here is my dilema if some are not familar with my past posts.  I bought a kick with a busted timing chain.  I am not completly sold that the valves are bent due to the nature of how the chain broke.  I have found out the 1.8 is an interfirance motor. so it is likely the valves are bent.  However the story that was told to me from the previous owner is that when she got into the car to start it up it would not crank.  So I am leaning or banking towards when she tried to start the viehicle the torque of the initial start busted the chain.  I am being very cheap on this fix cause money it tight at the moment for me. I really dont want to bust the motor apart I would like to put a new chain on and go from there.  If there is bent valves on it the head  I would  only need a head.  Are you completly sure the Head from the 2.0 is the same as the 1.8?

 The 1.8 to 2.0 swap is straight across. No need to change the ECU. Mounts are the same. The only thing is carefully examine the intake and exhaust manifolds in comparison. If there is a single vacuum port different, use the 1.8 manifolds. It's literally that simple.

Are you completly sure the Head from the 2.0 is the same as the 1.8?

Yes, there are two part numbers over the life of the J18A for the cylinder heads in its various vehicle applications but the cams and valves all stayed the same and they swap over fine. Part numbers can change due to small alterations in castings for reasons as simple as adding a boss. I know the J23A will also bolt in and has a better bottom end esign plus more power if anyone ever wants to do it.

so you are saying we can "drop" either of those in with out changing the computer and not mess up the way they drive?  I might have to track down a used 2.0 and rebuild it so I can swap it out.  what is the J23A.  and what is the best source of parts to do a rebuild?

The 2.0 will work with the 1.8 ECM but it won't necessarily be at its optimum at all operating points. The J23A is the Aerio 2.3

Can anyone confirm the mapping between these - my interest is peaked now. even if the wiring harness is similar enough that I can swap out the ECU with the bottom end - that would be SWEET!

is there inexpensive way of making a 2.0 or the 2.3 work fully?  this rig is also my daily drive and may have to go as far as kansas this next year for hunting season so I need it running good