VR engine swap

[muddyjunior]

Hi,
I have just purchased a vr commodore sedan for my son, nearly on his learners.
I was wondering how hard or even if possible it would be to change the v6 (blown up) to a vt or newer v6 engine. Are there any advantages in putting a newer model engine in the car.
Any help would be greatly appreciated

[tt460]

would be easier to put the same type of engine back in it, be it reconditioned, 2nd hand or get the current engine rebuilt. As they will just bolt in and use the existing ecu and sensors.

Upgrading to a newer engine will require a ecu and sensors as newer engines have more sensors, perhaps even a new BCM , also the power steering is moved down towards the bottom of the motor compared to the top in the VR so a rework of the lines will be required. and the use a electronic gearbox from the VS onwards.

Advantages would be more power and better fuel economy.

Also since your son will be driving it, some states have laws about modifications and drivers with p plates. unsure on how the engine conversion would be looked at wether it would be classed as a mod or just a replacement engine.

[VrWagz1]

plenty of people here have done it, i cant really elaborate as i dont really read them. But there was a few vr's i have heard towards the very end of their run that had ecotec's in them, so it maybe ok to put a vs ecotec engine in legally with no problems.

But if you by a second hand low k's engine+box+wiring+ecu combo then it should all go in ok. You will have to get the exhaust modified and as said the power steer may be an issue. Internally with the BCM you may have to replace some of the dash wiring as the vs i think is a different setup, plus your security wont disarm.

[tivoom]

I wouldn't you can pick up a second hand motor for $300 to $500 and a bit more with warranty and they have much better low down power and you don't need an engineer certificate just a blue slip hope this helps you

[Phoenix21]

lol I've done it i put a vs sii motor into my vr pretty much had to change the whole wiring loom the bcm , ecu exhaust heater hose's power steering hoses ac stuff its a really big job it would be 100x's easier to put the same type of motor back in

[muddyjunior]

Thanks for the info guys. I think the best path is to just stick with a vr engine.