Swap? here was a more powerful used engine?

2005 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
2.2L • AUTOMATIC
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MANFREDO
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I want to buy an 05 sunfire with bad engine wondering if a local shop could put the 2.4 litre from my 06 G6 into it or if there was a more powerful used engine easy enough for my local mechanic to swap
Aug 2, 2026 at 3:50 AM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,908 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yes, it can be done, but it is not a simple bolt-in swap.

The 2.4L Ecotec share the same Ecotec engine family, so it will physically fit the engine bay. But, the swap requires much more than just changing the engine.

You'll need:

1. The 2.4L engine.
2. The matching engine wiring harness.
3. The 2.4L PCM (engine computer), or have your existing PCM reprogrammed if possible.
4. The matching sensors and throttle body.
5. Potentially the exhaust manifold/downpipe and other accessories, depending on the exact donor engine.

The transmission can usually be reused if it's compatible with the engine, but you'll want your mechanic to verify the bellhousing pattern, flexplate, and torque converter compatibility. Let me know how it goes or if you need anything else, I would would stick with the same style engine if I was doing this.
Aug 2, 2026 at 9:13 AM
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