06 2.0 into 04 2.3 engine swap?

[timbowabo]

Hello Fanatics!

I have a 2004 Ford Focus wagon with a 2.3 engine. She has 321,000 hard miles and is showing signs that the end may be near. (Timing chain rattling, losing power, not shifting well, etc.)

I have a wrecked 2006 Focus wagon with a 2.0. Everyone I speak with about it is rather pessimistic about the engine/transmission swap, but I feel like they are just making uneducated guesses.

Does anyone here know what type of problems might arise if I attempt it? Wiring issues, computer compatibility, mounting, etc.?

I read on another thread that the reverse (2.3 in, 2.0 out) could be done easily because the only difference was "displacement is a little bigger".

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/s...=282199&page=2

Saving my beloved 04, while getting this junk 06 out of my back yard would be great. What do ya think?

[Sponsor]

[streetfocus]

I think it will be fine. I hear that going the other way, 2.0 to 2.3, you have to shim the motor mount about a half inch. I don't know how that will affect you doing the reverse.

[timbowabo]

Good to hear streetfocus. Thanks.

I'm being told wiring is going to be a problem.

Anyone know for sure what I can expect?

[felixthecat]

Originally Posted by timbowabo

Good to hear streetfocus. Thanks.

I'm being told wiring is going to be a problem.

Anyone know for sure what I can expect?

You will found the 23 has imtv, unlike the 20. Both use the imrc thou. I'd figure out if you can use the 23 head (after doing a valve job) on the 20, w/ the 23 intake manifold, then you shouldn't have any issues, w/ the pcm. You'll see the 2 electronic vacum switchs on the 23 & only 1 on the 20.

[timbowabo]

Good info felixthecat. Thank you.

I'm going to move forward with the job.

The two cars are not currently available for a side by side comparison.

What would happen if I did a straight swap without changing the head as suggested?

Would it be easier/cheaper to switch the pcm out rather than putting the 2.3 manifold on the 2.0? I have the entire 2006 2.0 at my disposal. The damage didn't affect the engine at all.

[felixthecat]

Originally Posted by timbowabo

Good info felixthecat. Thank you.

I'm going to move forward with the job.

The two cars are not currently available for a side by side comparison.

What would happen if I did a straight swap without changing the head as suggested?

Would it be easier/cheaper to switch the pcm out rather than putting the 2.3 manifold on the 2.0? I have the entire 2006 2.0 at my disposal. The damage didn't affect the engine at all.

You could try it right now by switching the pcm's & seeing if they run. I don't think its going to work w/ the imtv that the 23 has. I know you'll have your car down, but to speed it up, pull the 23 out & remove the head, clean it up for the 20 motor w/ intake manifold.