2004 Astra Engine Swap Z18XE - Time Lapse

An engine swap / replacement. A time lapse of the process.
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Disclaimer:
Information contained in this video is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. It is my opinion only and I assume no liability for personal injury or property damage incurred as a result of using information contained in my videos. I encourage safe working practices when using automotive tools, and my suggestions are in no way an implied warranty or guarantee of outcomes that you can achieve in your own garage. Any injury, loss or damage that results from use of this information is the direct responsibility of the user and not of Killa Watt Garage.

[@akz2204]

Awesome job you guys made it look easy.

[@killawattgarage]

After about 30 Astra engine replacements over the last few years it gets easy.

[@nov3019892008]

1.8 engines are thirsty but bulletproof. my 55 plate astra is now on 102k and going strong

[@killawattgarage]

Seen lots of these with high mileage and very low engine wear. Weak points are the timing belts and cooling system. Goes for years if looked after!!

[@derpinbird1180]

Can confirm, check the belt. I left mine a bit too long but it had one done about 60-70kms ago but when i took the cover off there was rubber shavings everywhere. Also its interference so if it snaps you will trash your engine.

[@8ile]

Timing belts are weak on every car - because owners don't replace them in the correct time & mileage period.

[@metbugsy]

I recently sold mine with 150,000 miles still going strong, never even had a belt

[@sekopiski]

Mine has 400k km on the clock and runs like new.

[@QuintessentialEvolution]

Thanks for the inspiration guys! I have a mk4 1.6 and I would like to replace the worn out engine wth the mk5 1.8. How challenging would this be?

[@jaehunlee9732]

Awesome

[@sionsoschwalts2762]

I have a 2000 (not convertible) one with everything top of the line except a 2.2L engine, any tips for a complete swap? I assume it would need the ecu, gearbox and engine all swapped together? And would the turbo be a problem or would the equipment from the donor car negate that? Other option is a 6cyl from a vectra but that looks to be quite a bit of work with the wiring.

[@nickjaxe]

The hyd clutch release is leaking on my 1.6 8v petrol. Would you lift the motor out or drop the sub frame on the gearbox side...I dropped the sub from on the gearbox it was a right fiddly job. I was considering lifting the motor out. What do you think guys.

[@killawattgarage]

Without a car hoist I would suggest lifting the motor and gearbox out the top. If you have a car hoist, I would drop the engine, gearbox and subframe out from below as a complete unit and then seperate. To remove the gearbox with the motor in place you have to remove the complete subframe, support the engine and the separate (this is really fiddly and time consuming) Lifting the motor out has always been the quickest way for me. Let me know how it goes.

[@Khusta...Ngcupe]

Hello, i swapped my x18xe1 for z18xe but i can't start it. Please help on what i should at or even chsnge. I noticed the plug on the throttle was not the same i changed it for the old one. I put back the cable head. I tufned it then but it wasn't revving whdn i hit the accelerator. Not it doesnt wanf to start at all and even burned my starter.

[@Khusta...Ngcupe]

Sorry mate, quick question. Where is the crankshaft sensor located in this vehicle?

[@golum22222]

Hi, just tried to watch this on .25% speed and could barely follow it, I've just bought a pristine 04 Astra auto with a blown head gasket, I also have a manual 02 that's been in a light roll over with only 65k on the motor, is it really necessary to remove the box and exhaust all in one hit, I'm hoping to just swap the motor over, I've worked on many subaru's (so easy) but these seem much harder by the looks, anyhow, can I just undo exhaust, aircon tranny/box and just to a bare engine swap or do I need to rip everything out like i the video? thanks.

[@killawattgarage]

Hi and thanks for the questions. No you don't have to remove the engine and transmission together but I find it easier and quicker in the long run because the bolts between the box and engine can be really difficult to get out and the is limited space to separate the 2 units. Subaru's are easy to work as the layout is simple and there is more access space. Many people drop the engine and box complete with subframe and suspension out the bottom, but I usually like to be able to move the engine less body around so don't like this method. Happy to talk you through if if you want any help.

[@leondurand3555]

I have Z16XE original 1.6 Astra. Would ot be a perfect fit to replace to the Z18XE including plugs and engine mountings ??

[@killawattgarage]

I am not familiar with a swap like this, couldnt advice if it would work.

[@CasSpell]

Hello..have you replaced a 1.3 CDTI Z13DTH engine with an identical one before? I'm swapping out mine with an identical one in a few weeks. Anything else i have to replace beside the engine when doing the swap? I assume the ECU can still be used on the replacement engine, right? 😄

[@killawattgarage]

Not familiar with that swap

[@chucksnothereman]

Thanks for posting - son seized his Astra so thinking about doing the swap ourselves, any special tips?

[@killawattgarage]

A good set of torq bits and sockets. I remove the front bumper to get fast access to the radiator. Just push air con condenser out of the way. Things not shown are the drive shafts. After taking off each front wheel I remove the 2 bolts from the suspension strut and lean the hubs out giving enough room to pop the circlip holding the inner CV to the gear box and then you can remove the engine end of the shafts. The transmission mount has the be removed from the body, 4 annoying bolts 1:13. If it's auto you will have the coolant lines to deal with, if it's a manual you will have the linkage to disconnect. You only need to remove 2 clips and the linkage can be disconnected. I leave the bonnet on and it can squeeze up and out. Change the timing belt, pulleys and water pump on the replacement engine to be safe. Any questions just let me know.

[@chucksnothereman]

Cheers for that, will give it a go this weekend

[@fixitfraser]

The only problem ive got is actgually removing the Driveshafts and gear selector :(

[@chucksnothereman]

Arron, if you go on Scribd and join (first month free) you can download a workshop manual. Then cancel and you won't pay anything. Or continue, lots of good stuff on there.

[@jackr4697]

I've got a mk5 08 1.4 sxi astra and seized the engine a few months back, it has been literally impossible to find another engine, I found a few the other day costing £400, how much does it normally cost to fit the engine ?

[@killawattgarage]

If you have a few mates and some beers, it would be a Saturday job. If you're having to pay a mechanic they would usually charge around 6-8 hours labour however, a lot of mechanics are not willing to put in an engine that you have found cheaper. Additional costs will include oils, coolants, TB and WP if necessary, also a good idea to do front and rear seals. Costs will vary from where I am as I am in Australia.

[@xandergloble]

my 1.6 sxi runs really well but I wanna put a bigger engine in there when this one gives out its at 140k but still going strong

[@killawattgarage]

xandergloble Many Astras are factory fitted with a Z22SE engine. That would be the easiest place to start!

[@garymarquett2866]

What's the difference between a motor that has been hooked up to an auto compared to manual

[@killawattgarage]

Nothing. The differences start with either a flex plate or a flywheel attached to the crankshaft. Engines are identical.

[@brodieanderson2794]

G'day mate just wondering how I replace to front centre engine mount

[@killawattgarage]

Due to the other engine mounts this can be removed without supporting the engine. Just unbolt from the engine and then (from memory) there is a single bolt that runs through the frame and engine mount that needs to be removed. Fit the new mount and bolt it in. Done!

[@brodieanderson2794]

@@killawattgarage thanks, ill give it a crack

[@kenyaone6570]

I am restoring a 98 Asta G classic, what are the compatible engine options I can use from modern astra (modern being 04 onwards)

[@killawattgarage]

Never done the swap, but I would love to see it done.

[@sionsoschwalts2762]

Modern would actually be made *after* 05

[@fa78945]

Hi teacher, I have a 1995 Opel Astra F and I wanted to replace its engine with another car engine. Can you guide me and name the engines that can replace the engine of this car or refer me to another specialist? Please guide. Thank you

[@user-sf7kl9uh7k]

Belt broken? 😮

[@vincentmaduka3350]

Can I swap Chevy Aveo engine 1.4 8v to Opel astra 1.4 8v?

[@killawattgarage]

Not familiar enough with those engines to be able to give you a different answer.

[@bobpaulkanumba1311]

Guday can a replace my 1.4 astra engine for 1.8 will it work

[@killawattgarage]

Will need to swap ECU and other accessories , but it is possible

[@arnelagustin6710]

how much

[@joethekid2603]

Can I put a 1.8 in a 1.8 Sri ?

[@killawattgarage]

In Australia the Sri model had a 2.2 so the change to a 1.8 would have to include all aspects of the drivetrain and ECU system

[@simonwass7199]

how many hours did this take

[@killawattgarage]

Without issues it should be out in the morning and replacement back in that afternoon.

[@collinupora5451]

SO IT MEANS IF YOU REPLACE THE ENGINE YOU DONT NEED TO RECODE THE CAR .......ITS MY QUESTION

[@killawattgarage]

If you use the original ECU and swap just the engine, then there is NO need to recode the keys or ECU. I always use the original wiring loom as well.

[@collinupora5451]

@@killawattgarage THANKS SO MUCH

[@Magnettik]

@@killawattgarage What if I wanted to swap a Z16XE for a Z18XE or a Z20LET/Z20LEH for example. It would then need to be recoded, right ?

[@BalbirSingh-xx5se]

The music is so annoying.

[@killawattgarage]

Hey thanks for the feedback, appreciate the comment.

[@BalbirSingh-xx5se]

Please don't use any music at all..no need really is it??

[@regotron]

Yeah @@killawattgarage , how dare you put music on your video!! So hard to mute it or turn down the volume.. Haha! Jeez..