[Alex Alf]

Hi folks, I'm looking into swapping my 2012 Jimny's M13A VVT to something a little more grunty. Having read the forums here, I've put together a table with notes on compatibility based on members' comments. For those who know or have experience with engine swaps, could you let me know any corrections or adjustments?
This table applies to QLD/AU at the moment, I'm not sure about any overseas variants that might be different.

M13A VVT: stock.
Availability: built-in.
Physical Fit: good - stock.
ECU: good - stock.
Common Issues: low power. Engine overheating often takes the head gasket out.
Notes: underpowered for highway driving.

M15A VVT: Suzuki Swift.
Availability: middling - lots of high mileage examples.
Physical Fit: swap peripherals and bolt on.
ECU: runs well.
Common Issues: none?
Notes: most of these are getting quite old.
Recommend: Yes, if you can find one with low mileage.

M16A VVT: S-Cross (SX4).
Availability: plentiful.
Physical Fit: Poor - missing passenger side engine mounts.
ECU: ???
Common Issues: wrong engine mounts.
Notes: ???
Recommend: No, due to engine mount.

M16A VVT: Swift Sport (2010 and earlier - EZC31S).
Availability: middling for low mileage engines, plentiful for high mileage engines.
Physical Fit: good - swap peripherals and bolt on (is this correct?).
ECU: ???
Common Issues: ???
Notes: Low mileage examples are hard to find.
Recommend: Yes, if you can find one with low mileage.

M16A VVT: Swift Sport (2010 onward - EZC32S).
Availability: plentiful
Physical Fit: ok.
ECU: runs
Common Issues: no EGR valve, must use M13A head on M16A block. Need to swap timing gear and crank position index wheel.
Notes: Labour intensive.
Recommend: No, due to labour time.

M18A VVT: Liana (2002-09 ish).
Availability: OK, via FB Marketplace.
Physical Fit: swap peripherals and bolt on.
ECU: good.
Common Issues: high mileage due to age.
Notes: >20% power increase, needs mod-plated in QLD. Some people have found the fuel-air mix can be inconsistent through rev range, others have had no issues.
Recommend: No, due to mod-plating requirement.

Edit: adjusted M18A (thanks Brenno!).

[Brenno]

Re the M18A swap. I have a converted back to non VVTI M18A Jimny and have done extensive testing with a wide bank and have found no inconsistent fueling. Stock M13A non VVT ECU as well.

Its a really great engine in the Jim. Doesn't seem overpowered by any means but much nicer to drive. You can break driveline on standard engine, so you can't be an idiot it in with the M18.