Well guys it’s been a good run but I’m in a rock and a hard place, I think I have a bad head gasket at 61k miles. I’ve made a couple posts about it over the years but I think it’s gone. I’m aspirating fluid out the reservoir overflow but the car isn’t over heating until it ends up dumping fluid and being empty. A local shop also a friend of the family quoted me $2900 to fix the head gasket forget that. I lucked out and found a 41k motor for $300 an hour away from me off eBay I’m going to pick it up tomorrow. Yes I said $300 and 41k miles. Does anyone have any info at all about this process I’ve done a bunch of general mechanic stuff but never a full swap. Also will this be a drop in swap would I have to do any ecu & skeem reprogramming?

 

You didn't say what engine you are swapping to or if u have a limited or srt6

 

I would think if you are swapping the same engine for the same car, it should be just a mechanical swap.
Example: If you're swapping a 3.2 normally aspirated engine from a Limited, SE or Base and you use all of your electrical connections, it should be plug and play. In my opinion.
I've done engine swaps before, but they were on older muscle cars and pickups. I haven't done any on a Crossfire.

 

Sorry about that, swapping limited. Apparently this motor will work the scrap yard checked my vin against the motor.

 

Thats what I was hoping for, I’ve never experienced a full swap but I’m hoping I can handle it. I found this video same motor different car. My question is do I have to pull the trans? Is it easier that way?

 

useing a 3.2 from any limited crossfire or a c320 Mercedes i know there are others I will see but if the yard checked the vin ask what car the engine came out of. jim

 

I asked the guys at the MSS this question years ago - the answer is that if it is the same model (N/A vs SRT) you are fine, just DO NOT change the ECU, leave all electronics alone.
Just swap the engine.

IIRC, with the automatic, you can transplant the TCU or not - that is your option. But I admit I can't remember for sure, seems like they said to NOT to changing TCUs.

@GannyX , what do you say, James?

 

if you pull the rad and have an engine hoist, you can install with trans in place. The hood has a setting to allow it to open to a full 90 degrees.

I’ve done it both ways but found it easier to install engine trans together. But only if you have help to guide it. in, it will have to come in on a steep angle and assistance is needed to guide it in.
if you’re doing this on your own, engine only is easier

 

Thanks for the input everyone I called around and found a shop to do the swap for $650 with fluids figured it wasn’t worth my time considering what I saved on the motor will keep you guys updated!

 

thanks pizza so basically N/A as in base or limited motor will work without changing any electronics? Junk yard confirmed out of a limited automatic

 

I think that's a fair deal for an engine swap.