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2016 Spark and the Cruze LE2 Engine


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Hi everyone! I am currently an owner of a heavily modified 2012 Chevy Sonic 1.4T. I daily drive it and I must say I've reached the point where I would be uncomfortable to do any more to it for reasons of reliability.

In the past I had never really paid much attention to the Chevy Spark, but recently the 2016+ remodel came to my attention and I must say that it is a DRASTIC improvement. I'm looking for a vehicle that I can toy around with as I have a daily already.

So.. I have done a bit of research on the vehicle and read a bit about GMs family 0 engines. I became really intrigued when it was implied that i4s seem to share the same amount of liters, compression, CCs, and maybe even engine block? The factory Spark engine is obviously not much of a power house, but the 2016+ Chevy Cruze sports the new direct injected turbo i4 and is part of family 0. I took a glance through the forum but didn't see anyone bring up this subject. Of course engine swaps are a costly venture and not for everyone, but I don't mind spending a little money if it may be possible that the Cruze LE2 engine has a possibility of being swapped somewhat easily (for a swap anyway) into the Chevy Spark.

If in fact these engines share the same block, it wouldn't be a stretch to say they share the same mounting points. That would be the first step of the puzzle if true. Thoughts anyone? :) I will say this possibility is a major factor in me potentially purchasing a Spark.

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Interesting thought but the two engines are not the same dimensions for mounts and the LE2 is only made as a turbo with a lower compression to suit the turbo. Different sensors and harness and not enough space between the passenger side mount point (spark is further in) and not enough room between manifold and rad or to accommodate the turbo as it is configured for and only comes as turbo. Engine alone is about $5K crated. and when all is said and done..well, you could buy a new Cruze or Sonic with a trade of your current unit...Don't let this discourage you... anything can be done for a price..just not practical at all IMO.

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That's pretty discouraging. I get an impression that you work with these engines regularly. I will still likely go to the dealership and take some pics today. It baffles me there wern't any online.

I wouldn't think the LV7 could handle any amount of boost to even make it worth while to me.

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Pffttt look at all that space. lol The only mount that I could manage to make out I couldn't even tell. Too many vacuum hoses and such.

I did get a chance to take it for a test drive today. It was the base model. The manual windows brought a bit of nostalgia. xD It actually handled a lot better than I expected. Pretty similarly to my Sonic. I don't know how much of an improvement the engine is over the last gen, but it was as, expected, very slow, but still a fun car to drive and turns on a dime. I honestly wish you could buy other cars in such a way without all the bells and whistles.

I have never purchased a "NEW" car before. There aren't even parts available for the 2016 Spark yet if I wanted to see the engine mounts on their own. Anyone know how long it might be before parts are made for newer vehicles like this?

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