Engine swap

2012 CHEVROLET SONIC
50,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SLOWLEARNER101
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Wish to replace the LS engine which is blown with another engine of the same make and model. must I use the same year 2012 or can I go with a newer 2015 engine with very low miles. Concerned about ease of install when I go with newer engine. Also, interested in what it will cost to have an independent repair shop do the change out. I am in North Florida so costs are not like major cities. What manuals do you recommend for me to review before I start this project if I end up doing it myself? I have replaced engines in my twenties and thirties but electronics were much simpler then. Thanks for your review and response. Appreciate any advice here as our son needs to get his car running.
Jan 13, 2018 at 12:19 PM
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STRAILER
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Hello,

Both Mitchell1 and AllData have great resources you can use online which is nice. The engines should be the same. Here are some diagrams from AllData to help you see what you are in for when doing the job.

You must lower the cradle when removing engine. Start by disconnecting the battery then you will need to drain the cooling system and air conditioner here are guides to help you get started.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Here are diagrams to help you see what you are in for when replacing the engine.

Check out the diagrams (below).

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
Jan 15, 2018 at 2:21 PM
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SLOWLEARNER101
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Thanks Ken, will print everything this evening after dinner and study and write more tomorrow. looks good so far. Found 2012 1.8L engine about one hundred miles away.
Jan 15, 2018 at 2:28 PM
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STRAILER
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Yes it will be a bit of work but what else are we going to do? If you need more information to get the job done let me know.
Jan 16, 2018 at 9:42 AM