Can I swap my 2.4l engine to a 3.0l engine in my vehicle?

LEVINA NORRIS

MEMBER
2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
2.4L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
76,845 MILES

My vehicle listed above only has 76845 miles on it, but I accidentally got water in the motor due to my passenger side inner fender being ripped out in a prior incident when my ABS system locked up as I was slowly going downhill. But when I crossed a little 6 inch creek crossing on a gravel road, my breather/intake sucked water straight into my motor and shut her off as soon as I was off of the crossing and it hasn't started since. My motor is hydrostatic locked and has been since before Christmas! For some odd reason this 2.4s are like the highest priced modern Chevrolet motor out there or something! Facts! So I was wondering could I just swap it with the 3.0l Equinox motor and get new wiring harness, ECM, etc. The 3.0l I do uh nd is like $684.00 as opposed to the cheapest 2.4 which is $2,200.00! A v6 is better anyway. Please let me know ASAP, I am a 30 year old mom of 3 beautiful girls and I really need the most cost efficient way to get that hunk-o-junk back on the road for me and them! I don't care about the work of swapping as long as its considerably cheaper I will be happy and my neighbor will help me take out the old and put in the new. So, please let me know if it's cheaper and doable!
Thank you so much!

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

I have to be honest, I wouldn't recommend it. Can it be done? Anything is possible, but here are the considerations.

When you change from the original, everything needs to change with it. For example, the engine mounts are different, the vacuum system is different, the EVAP system will operate differently, the powertrain control module (PCM) will need to be changed, fuel lines need to be rerouted, the transmission mount is questionable, the wiring harness has to change, and the list goes on and on.

By the time you're done, it will likely cost you more and even though you are a woman, there is a good chance you'll lose your hair. LOL. Also, in almost every case, there ends up a check engine light on that never seems to be resolved. Thus, the vehicle won't pass emission inspection.

Let me know if this answers your questions or if you have more. If you decide to replace it with the same, let me know. I'll be happy to help.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 9:55 PM

LEVINA NORRIS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for answering all my questions and yes I'd probably want to rip my hair out by the sounds of it, lol. I had no idea that I'd have to completely change the whole "cardiovascular system" just cause I wanted a bigger "brain" in the Equinox! Smdh. Well you know what I'm going to do now right? I'm gonna keep looking for a good deal on a 2.4l ecotec pansy motor until I find one. I don't care how long it takes I won't pay more than $1,000.00. The Equinox isn't a bad ride when it actually runs, lmao. I'm definitely kicking myself in the butt for taking the backroads that morning. Powell stuff happens, but never fails this wild ginger always has to learn the hard way in life. I appreciate ya'll, and if you hear of any cheap motors, please give me a shout! Thank you so much! Sincerely, Levina Rae

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Saturday, May 8th, 2021 AT 12:03 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi Levina,

You are very welcome. Honestly, I wish it was easier, but it really isn't. As far as finding one, you should be able to. The same engine was used in several of their vehicles. Let me know the 8th digit of your vin and I'll see if I can make any suggestions.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, May 8th, 2021 AT 7:31 PM

TASHAW76

MEMBER
1 POST

Joe,

I had this same question. My son has a 2011 Equinox with a bad engine. I am currently on the hunt for a reasonably priced VIN c. Lowest I can find is 3,000! Insane! If you have any leads, please reach out.

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Thursday, July 13th, 2023 AT 5:28 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

The best thing to do is go online. I'm not sure what you have tried so far but go to this site and see if you have any luck.

https://www.car-part.com/

Let me know.

Joe