2007 2.2 5 speed to 2009 2.4 flex fuel swap
10-01-2019 | 02:05 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: 10-01-2019
Posts: 8
From: Tucson,AZ
2007 2.2 5 speed to 2009 2.4 flex fuel swap
I have a 2007 LS 5 speed HHR I bought new and the original 2.2 has over 200k hard miles and is very tired.
However I have a good running 2009 2.4 flex fuel auto car Id like to use the engine and computer out of to change my 07 and upgrade to the 2.4 and keep my 5 speed.
My question is has anyone here done this?
Would the 2009 2.4 flex fuel 2.4 be swapable into my 2007 without major headaches or investment?
I'm on very limited income so I cant afford a whole lot extra for upgrades and id like to be able to do this swap as inexpensively as possible,but I want it to be done right.
They are both running cars,I really would just like to put the 2.4 flex fuel in my 2007,keep the 5 speed and hopefully also transfer the flex fuel capability over as well as I plan future upgrades.
I appreciate any help or advice..
However I have a good running 2009 2.4 flex fuel auto car Id like to use the engine and computer out of to change my 07 and upgrade to the 2.4 and keep my 5 speed.
My question is has anyone here done this?
Would the 2009 2.4 flex fuel 2.4 be swapable into my 2007 without major headaches or investment?
I'm on very limited income so I cant afford a whole lot extra for upgrades and id like to be able to do this swap as inexpensively as possible,but I want it to be done right.
They are both running cars,I really would just like to put the 2.4 flex fuel in my 2007,keep the 5 speed and hopefully also transfer the flex fuel capability over as well as I plan future upgrades.
I appreciate any help or advice..
10-01-2019 | 02:35 PM
#2
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 37,841
From: Welland,Ont Canada
It’s doable but a lot of parts swapping.
your 2007 2.2,
no flex fuel different fuel pump
no VVT
different wire harness
your 2009 2.4
has flex fuel
has VVT
different wire harness
if they are side by side and all parts are ready to transfer from the 09 to the 07 , then go ahead and swap
label everything as you remove it , don’t assume anything will just work, be prepared to possibly have someone good with a scan tool
program the things that require programming.
your 2007 2.2,
no flex fuel different fuel pump
no VVT
different wire harness
your 2009 2.4
has flex fuel
has VVT
different wire harness
if they are side by side and all parts are ready to transfer from the 09 to the 07 , then go ahead and swap
label everything as you remove it , don’t assume anything will just work, be prepared to possibly have someone good with a scan tool
program the things that require programming.
10-01-2019 | 03:13 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Joined: 10-01-2019
Posts: 8
From: Tucson,AZ
It’s doable but a lot of parts swapping.
your 2007 2.2,
no flex fuel different fuel pump
no VVT
different wire harness
your 2009 2.4
has flex fuel
has VVT
different wire harness
if they are side by side and all parts are ready to transfer from the 09 to the 07 , then go ahead and swap
label everything as you remove it , don’t assume anything will just work, be prepared to possibly have someone good with a scan tool
program the things that require programming.
your 2007 2.2,
no flex fuel different fuel pump
no VVT
different wire harness
your 2009 2.4
has flex fuel
has VVT
different wire harness
if they are side by side and all parts are ready to transfer from the 09 to the 07 , then go ahead and swap
label everything as you remove it , don’t assume anything will just work, be prepared to possibly have someone good with a scan tool
program the things that require programming.
Would the "entire" harness need to be changed including under the dash and inside the car or just the ECU harness fuel pump ect,ect.
Would the ECU on the 2009 auto car be compatible with the 5 speed or do I need to hunt for a 5 speed ECU?
Would I need to change ALL the fuel lines or just whats on the engine?
I also live in the middle of nowhere with no friends or anyone with scan tools.
Best I can hope for is a NAPA repair center in the closest town.
Is that a facility that would know what to do or scan for,or do I need to find a performance shop of some sort in the closest major city?
Also Thank you for your previous response.
10-01-2019 | 03:37 PM
#4
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,431
From: Alabama
I'm sure Donbrew will chime in about this but it is not an easy swap. ECM would be just one of the electrical things that would need swapping. PCM, BCM maybe and a few other things come to mind.
I would think you would have to put the entire wiring and electrical system from the 09 into the 07.
I would think you would have to put the entire wiring and electrical system from the 09 into the 07.
10-01-2019 | 03:47 PM
#5
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 25,345
From: Fredericksburg,VA
My only comment is: if you have to ask it is probably above your head. If you are an experienced mechanic that is not scared of computers and know how to deal with those things it is possible.
I would not try it. It would be easier to sell the 2009 and get a used 2007-2008 2.2 with the cash. Used motors go for around $800, you should be able to get that for a running 2009.
Hellshotrod probably has a different opinion.
I would not try it. It would be easier to sell the 2009 and get a used 2007-2008 2.2 with the cash. Used motors go for around $800, you should be able to get that for a running 2009.
Hellshotrod probably has a different opinion.
10-01-2019 | 03:54 PM
#6
Moderator
Joined: 05-01-2014
Posts: 8,174
From: California
Agree, you're more likely headed for a nightmare. Just not worth it.
10-01-2019 | 04:01 PM
#7
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 37,841
From: Welland,Ont Canada
I’m not afraid of wires and computers, just strip out everything from the 2009 and install it in the 2007 carcass , but as FMG and Don said it’s a lot of work.
I just wrestled with this type of decision with Oldblue.
I sold my beloved 2007 and bought a 2011 , scored a 2LT loaded with everything except remote start , leather interior and a sunroof.
that to me would be your best option, sell both and hunt down a nice loaded or specific optioned HHR , there are a lot out there that pretty much sit because of their age.
I just wrestled with this type of decision with Oldblue.
I sold my beloved 2007 and bought a 2011 , scored a 2LT loaded with everything except remote start , leather interior and a sunroof.
that to me would be your best option, sell both and hunt down a nice loaded or specific optioned HHR , there are a lot out there that pretty much sit because of their age.
10-03-2019 | 12:03 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: 05-09-2018
Posts: 210
From: NorCal
swap
Agree it's doable but why? Limited budget? Go with matching swap is best bet. IMO
For example I have '99 Astro van Rwd. In bone yard is 2000 AWD complete drive-train available.
Can I do the swap and make my 2wd / 4wd?
Of course, but why if the economics don't work.
For example I have '99 Astro van Rwd. In bone yard is 2000 AWD complete drive-train available.
Can I do the swap and make my 2wd / 4wd?
Of course, but why if the economics don't work.
10-03-2019 | 04:24 PM
#9
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 37,841
From: Welland,Ont Canada
There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done. It’s easy!
: John Lennon
: John Lennon
10-04-2019 | 08:00 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Joined: 10-01-2019
Posts: 8
From: Tucson,AZ
Ok,I am confident enough in my capabilities to swap everything over but id really just rather not.
I had no idea this would be so intensive when I acquired that 2009 so im glad I asked ppl that know better.
Im gonna let the 2009 go and go for an engine swap that makes sense and is far less of a hassle.
However i do want more power and I would like an engine that I can create the most reliable power and not have to get into anything more than a tune or ECM swap. Would that be possible with a 2.4 or a 2.0 SC from a cobalt?
My eventual goal would be going the bolt on SC route at a later time.
If a 06 or earlier cobalt SS SC engine would work I would like to consider that or a 2.4 from a 06-07
Is there any major issues with either of those choices?
What are your thoughts?
I had no idea this would be so intensive when I acquired that 2009 so im glad I asked ppl that know better.
Im gonna let the 2009 go and go for an engine swap that makes sense and is far less of a hassle.
However i do want more power and I would like an engine that I can create the most reliable power and not have to get into anything more than a tune or ECM swap. Would that be possible with a 2.4 or a 2.0 SC from a cobalt?
My eventual goal would be going the bolt on SC route at a later time.
If a 06 or earlier cobalt SS SC engine would work I would like to consider that or a 2.4 from a 06-07
Is there any major issues with either of those choices?
What are your thoughts?