engine interchangeability

remlec · 02-09-2011, 02:39 PM

Will 2002/03 Kia Spectra engines interchange with 2000 Kia Sephia engines. My books say they will, parts stores and wrecking yards say no. If not, what are the differences? My books say only "T8, 1998 and later"

1fastkia · 02-10-2011, 02:33 AM

Dunno about the whole thing but I do know the intake manifolds are different. The 98-99 is 2 piece and the 00 up sephia/spectra is one piece. Also some sensors have different plugs and wire colors. Could get confusing.

remlec · 02-10-2011, 09:13 AM

I'm replacing the 2000 engine with, potentially, the newer one so have all the manifolds and connectors and wouldn't mind changing over a few extra parts. It just bugs me that it costs about 28% more for the 98-2001 T8 than for the 2002/2003 T8 at wrecking yards.

1fastkia · 02-11-2011, 11:39 AM

I honestly don't think it is a 100% bolt in swap. There are going to be differences I don't think many if any at all have done this swap as its not all the same, there were changes. Im not even positive the transmission will bolt in. You might need that also. And while your at it, you are most likely going to need that ecu, BUT like I said there might be a difference here with the 2 ecus too. As far as what sensors goes where into the ecu.

Loyale 2.7 T · 04-06-2011, 06:00 PM

So, is Anybody there that already have Done That? ... I Really Need to Know the issues...

Feedback needed Urgently!

Kind Regards.

1fastkia · 04-07-2011, 03:15 AM

THis thread is 3 months old,, I would think someone would have chimed in if they have done it. Just get the right one, pay the extra.
YOu dont gain anything with the newer motor, samee hp, same torque, same reliability.

Loyale 2.7 T · 04-08-2011, 08:04 AM

Well... The Problem is Availability, here is Easier to Find a 2003 Spectra's engine than a 2000 Sephia's one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1fastkia

...YOu dont gain anything with the newer motor, samee hp, same torque, same reliability.

But I Believe that There's Something to Gain with the Newer Motor: Less Mileage / Age.

So if anyone knows if there could be a Problem with the Swap, please Tell me ASAP.

Kind Regards.

1fastkia · 04-08-2011, 10:11 AM

Age would be the only thing as you can find low mileage earlier motors.

Age don't matter anyways if it was taken care of,
my RX-7 is turning 25 years old this year.

Loyale 2.7 T · 04-08-2011, 04:36 PM

Yes, I Understand... My Yellow Subaru (On my Avatar) is Over 25 Years old and over 400,000 Miles and I've only Changed Both Headgaskets and a Waterpump; Also my '69 Mercury has Still "Standard" its Engine...

OK, I Just Found a '03 Spectra engine in Good Condition, with 80,000 Miles and at an affordable Price (Without Both Manyfolds and EFi Stuff) I Think I'll buy it...

Kind Regards.

1fastkia · 04-09-2011, 06:54 AM

THe manifold are the difference, you cannot use yours on an 03 motor. Port sizes are different. And your efi stuff is going to be different.