[Kawasaki]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum and was hoping to get some guidance on swapping in an engine I recently purchased.

I daily drive a 2010 Jimny Sierra with a manual transmission and an M13A VVT motor, which has clocked over 330,000 km and is currently on life support . Since getting quotes for the swap at around $3000, I thought it would be more affordable and fun to attempt this swap myself. (I'm a university student on a budget, so any savings help!)

Recently, I found a 2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross M16A VVT engine with 100,000 km from a wrecker. It came with the ECU and wiring looms. After researching my options, I decided on the SX4 M16A over the M18A, as it was cheaper, had lower kilometers, and was more available here in Sydney.

I have a few questions and I’d appreciate any advice or guidance you can provide (I hope I don't sound like a clown with these questions!) :

1. Compatibility
I’ve read that the 2014 SX4 M16A should be compatible with my 2010 Jimny, but could anyone confirm this?

2. Parts to Swap Over
From what I've gathered, parts like the alternator, pulleys, oil sump tray, oil pickup, rocker cover, and water pump may need to be swapped over from my current engine to the M16A. I'm unsure about the throttle body, fuel injectors, fuel rail, flywheel, and starter motor—do these need to be swapped as well?

3. Radiator Outlet Placement
I've noticed the radiator outlet on the SX4 engine is in a different location than on the Jimny. The SX4 has the upper outlet positioned towards the back of the engine with a pipe coming from the water pump, unlike the Swift engines, which have a front outlet. Is there a way to reroute or adapt this to fit the Jimny setup? (I have provided some pictures to help!)

4. Intake and Exhaust Manifolds
Will the stock Jimny header and intake manifold bolt directly onto the SX4 M16A, or will modifications be needed?

5. ECU Compatibility
Would the stock Jimny ECU be compatible with this engine? I know the SX4 engine is from an automatic, and I’ve read that the Jimny ECU could work with a tune, but would love confirmation on this.

6. Odometer readings
What would my dash read when I swap the engine? Will it read the mileage from the donor motor?

I'm hoping this doesn’t turn into a money pit, and I’d be very grateful for any insights, guidance, or advice from those with experience in similar swaps. Apologies for the long message and thanks for your time!

— Kawasaki

[sideways]

1. I have never heard of anyone putting an SX4 engine in, which doesn't mean it hasn't been done. I just haven't heard of it. Anything is possible.

2. Yes you swap everything you listed and more. The best thing is to get both engines next to each other on stands and just swap everything that looks different. You will probably want to retain the m16a injectors. On most swaps people use the throttle body from the donor but with the plastic manifold versions who knows, on my m15a swift motor the throttle body was to different to use and the same diameter as the Jimny one anyway.

3. Yeah that looks like a tough deal right there. The other m variants I've come across have a plug there and you just plonk the Jimny pipe in. You might be able to get away with swapping to the Jimny timing cover. Who knows if there's a matching hole in the head? You could try and run a hose from the back of the motor but space is truly at a premium on the driver's side already.

4. They do on all the other m variants.

5. I don't see why not, you have the correct cam sensor and vvt solenoid. Presumably the other sensors match as they do with the other m variants. You use the Jimny loom and computer. You should fit a wideband oxygen sensor or have it dynod to confirm the tune. Something that may well cause you problems is I believe the SX4 has a significantly higher compression ratio than the Jimny engine. If this is the case with yours you will need to run premium fuel and may run into pre-igniton problems. The SX4 ecu likely has a different timing curve.

6. You will retain your existing odometer reading.

Looking at that I'd try and get a parts diagram showing there's a hole in the head to fit the water outlet. If you swap the timing covers be sure to get all the associated O rings, they feed and take pressure from the oil pump. Mine had gone brittle and cracked.

If it doesn't have the hole for the water outlet I'd source a different engine. M15 swift are still quite common and relatively cheap.

[Kawasaki]

Thanks for the reply!
I have contacted the seller and they were kind enough to swap it to the Swift engines. Had a closer look and the north-south configuration mounting points on the SX4 and they were non existent! This reply has been helpful in giving me more of an insight on understanding M16A engine more.
- Kawasaki