Engine swap Astra J

[happychap]

I have a 2012 Astra J, with a good engine, following an accident and structural damage I’m considering buying another Astra with a damaged engine and swapping the good engine into the donor car. My question, will I need to swap the ecu and ignition key from the damaged car to the donor car.

[Missy Charm]

I'd hazard a guess that such a course of action, when taken with an ordinary car such as an Astra, is highly unlikely to be worth it. For the time and money expended, you could just buy a good example of an Astra of appropriate vintage.

[ItsBouquet]

Missy Charm said:

I'd hazard a guess that such a course of action, when taken with an ordinary car such as an Astra, is highly unlikely to be worth it. For the time and money expended, you could just buy a good example of an Astra of appropriate vintage.

Or buy something other than an Astra... you'd just be comparing it all the time.

[happychap]

I agree, I’ll be swapping the engine myself so it# just the time I’ll be putting into it, th3 damaged cars engine only 45,000 and just had the timing belt done.

[x5tuu]

Seems a lot of effort for so little gain and it’s just an old Astra at the end of the day

[ItsBouquet]

happychap said:

I agree, I’ll be swapping the engine myself so it# just the time I’ll be putting into it, th3 damaged cars engine only 45,000 and just had the timing belt done.

Also, we know a few people with Vauxhalls,all tried to boil themselves to death sub 50,000 miles. Don't bother. Claim on insurance, find a better car and if not done, negotiate the timing belt in the deal. Simple.

[119]

ItsBouquet said:

happychap said:

I agree, I’ll be swapping the engine myself so it# just the time I’ll be putting into it, th3 damaged cars engine only 45,000 and just had the timing belt done.

Also, we know a few people with Vauxhalls,all tried to boil themselves to death sub 50,000 miles. Don't bother. Claim on insurance, find a better car and if not done, negotiate the timing belt in the deal. Simple.

Being PH, maybe the guy actually wants to do it as a bit of a project?

Try asking here op..

https://www.astraownersnetwork.co.uk/

You might get a more balanced response from them rather than PH, which is renowned for its hate of anything Vauxhall.

Good luck.

[happychap]

Thanks for the reply’s so far, does anyone have experience of what I’m asking, thanks

[Lo-Fi]

happychap said:

Thanks for the reply’s so far, does anyone have experience of what I’m asking, thanks

'replies'

Have a go, see how it comes out. Then post the results here. Sounds like a project and they're always interesting to read about. Also, someone else may well benefit from what you learn.
All the best.

[happychap]

[redacted]

[happychap]

Lo-Fi said:

'replies'

Have a go, see how it comes out. Then post the results here. Sounds like a project and they're always interesting to read about. Also, someone else may well benefit from what you learn.
All the best.

Appreciate the spell check 😀 If I can determine what needs doing regarding the ecu etc I may do that. 😄

[finlo]

I would just swap the engine and see how it goes then at least you have all the other stuff on the donor car should they be needed.

[Decky_Q]

I've changed a few engines. You should keep the ecus, door locks and ignition barrel from the car with a dead engine as this should make it work without any programming.

Good luck.

[happychap]

Decky_Q said:

I've changed a few engines. You should keep the ecus, door locks and ignition barrel from the car with a dead engine as this should make it work without any programming.

Good luck.

Thanks for the clarification,

[Hol]

[redacted]

[happychap]

Hol said:

It’s more probable that the ECU is looked to the ignition key rather than the engine. But hopefully the beards on that owner website will know.


Ignore the people suggesting it’s difficult. It’s a sign of the modern world unfortunately, where people’s idea of knowledgeable vehicle maintenance and modification is limited to washing and polishing cars.

I have someone with experience of changing engines who will help, I guess my query about the ecu is to do with the recorded mileage and is it stored in the ecu. Thanks

[Hol]

happychap said:

I have someone with experience of changing engines who will help, I guess my query about the ecu is to do with the recorded mileage and is it stored in the ecu. Thanks

Typically it’s the dash that stores that. One outlet who would know is a commercial Vauxhall breaker/specialist.

[stevieturbo]

happychap said:

Thanks for the reply’s so far, does anyone have experience of what I’m asking, thanks

Yes, which is why most are telling you to stop wasting your time/money undergoing such a project.

It will be a lot of effort, for very very little real gain.

And depending whether petrol or diesel, there may be some ecu coding of some parts during the swap

Now if you were to find a car for free, or almost free....at least financially there would be far less of a hit, and it would most be your time.

[E-bmw]

As others have said ECU shouldn't be an issue, but you will have a full car for spares I am assuming anyway.

[Decky_Q]

The car that is receiving the engine will retain all its electronics so mileage will be whatever it is on the receiving car.

You just want to swap the engine, so disconnect all sensors at their plugs, leave all the electrics and loom behind in the donor car.

All identity vin reg etc will all be from the car that recieved the new engine and other one sorn if you want a parts car or scrapped if you want rid of it.

If you have a friend that has done it before you will be flying, hardest bit will be unplugging and labelling all the pipes and lines etc. The transfer of the engine is pretty quick by comparison.