Suzuki M16A engine swap - some things to know before you do it

So you wonder to make your Suzuki go faster. This might help you. Check it out.
Suitable for Ignis Swift Jimny and Wagon R+ kei car.
Check comments for good info that other enthusiast shared regards this topic.
Link to video where I'm doing actual swap: • Suzuki Wagon R+ M13A s...

[@el3ctro88]

I have swift sport ZC31S since 2010. Out of curiosity, why wouldn't you choose that intake manifold instead? About m18, back in 2012 I bought brand new head complete with valves in England ( no idea which car was meant for). I clearly don't have the resources to flow both heads and compare them, however it appears that the m16a (zc31s) has a better design but smaller intake valves ( to be confirmed as I'm relying on 10 yo memories). Consider also that the M18a doesn't have oil jets under the pistons, so it might be more fragile under stress ( modified). About the m16a ZC32s the head is fairly different as you wrote below, 4 individual coils and has a farly complex variable lenght intake manifold. Another thing about m16a from ZC31s is that there's at least 2 versions even these changes were not communicated at all. It's hard to say when the new part numbers were implemented, somewhere between second half 08 and first half 09. First version has a hard limiter at 6800, second a "soft" ( not quite) limiter at 7200. Both have launch control feature ( quite useless as is set way too high )

[@garbagecargarage]

Hi. Thank you for adding good information into the conversation. I was thinking of "sport's" intake but itb is more challenging and interesting. Although it's in a standstill for this period of my life but i'll come back and finish it 🙂

[@el3ctro88]

@@garbagecargarage there's a plug and play ITB made by At power that showed massive gains on any M engine. Another alternative is to build an intake manifold with correct runners length but less turbulence.

[@garbagecargarage]

@@el3ctro88 as usual massive price tag too 😂 not for garbage car garage

[@el3ctro88]

@@garbagecargarage my car Al all my stuff is 2000km away from where I live, I should still have a zc31s manifold that was drilled to install LPG injectors . I'm willing to send it to you for your experiments but I have no idea when I'll be "home"

[@garbagecargarage]

@@el3ctro88 no worries mate. Parts are not the problem - time is 😂 couple of years for kids to grow and we'll be back in business!

[@quintenvideos]

Hi! What’s needed to replace/upgrade to build a small turbo setup on my m16a? Currently driving a zc31s but i want more power.

[@guillaumejoop6437]

The jimny has the cast intake manifold, not the plastic one. From what I've read, you can get away with just the original throttle body swapped on the donor manifold (be it plastic or cast)

[@garbagecargarage]

Plastic has better design. I have a vid where i put larger Volvo TB on to plastic one

[@guillaumejoop6437]

@@garbagecargarage that's an option but that means more work with the ECU. The point of swapping inside the same engine family is convenience and ease of install. If there's major change to do like custom engine mount, standalone ECU and overall fabrication, it doesn't make sense IMO. Just go with a better engine at this point

[@garbagecargarage]

@@guillaumejoop6437 No man it's plug and play. My ecu is stock n13a one. If you change larger TB air mass sensor will sense increased air velocity and add more fuel. Fuel trims remain stock norm. It's the same as changing altitude

[@guillaumejoop6437]

@@garbagecargarageoh ok, gues I need to do some more readings

[@cdwwillow9671]

I just bought two cars same color. Switch plates from 13 a to 15 a vvt lol

[@wilsonwei9604]

Hi thanks for the video!! May I ask so if I buy a swift M16a engine into my broken M16a grand vitara, it would be fine right? Just swap the wires, pipes, and pumps etc.

[@garbagecargarage]

Hi. Thanks for a interest. It is always be a bolt on thing with these m engines just might need to swap some stuff between them.

[@cowbryan]

Thanks for the video you made, this helps a lot to us who want to swap engines. ^^ May I ask, Because most of the better engines I could find on the market are with VVT. if I don't care if VVT could work or not, can I just swap VVT on my non-VVT system without a problem?

[@garbagecargarage]

Thanks for a good word! No prob at all you'll be stuck with low rev cams but as I understand they are close to none vvt anyway so your golden.

[@phongnguyen007]

wonder if the K14c engine part can be swap to K14b engine. or the the whole engine

[@hvatifannar]

Excellent video, thank you. If one were to M16A swap a Swift that's 2012-17 model years, could one straight swap an M16A from LY Vitara?

[@garbagecargarage]

Thanks for a good word appreciate that. Basically you need to know that they're two generations one with a wasted spark (two coils) and newer one with sequential ignition (four coils) those are not interchangeable. Newest "investigation" showed that new version (with four coils) has different camshaft and crankshaft position sensing system so has to have appropriate cpu (or stand alone witch is basically the way)

[@tombeckinsale4710]

Hi there, I have read it is popular to swop the m16a in a swift sport for m18a block + m16a head. I have a zc31s and really want to know other than cam timing, why not just drop the whole m18a engine in? they can both be found with vvt and assuming the swift sport ecu works.. surely this is an easier way?

[@garbagecargarage]

I guess this type of swap is for those who have sport (92kw) already. You see Swift Sport has a better "breathing" head than all those regular ones (even m18a)

[@user-cw1rj7se5h]

Can i use the swift m16a engine in my sx4. The head crack

[@garbagecargarage]

Why to use whole engine. Buy a m13a or m15a head. They are the same as m16a (non swift sport) heads and dirt cheap

[@LeonKaunda]

I have M18A Suzuki aerio, is it possible to put M16A none vvti? Woth less hustle

[@garbagecargarage]

Let me as you why you want to downgrade 😀

[@TheLester59]

Did you use the ecu from the m16a or did you just use the m13a ECU

[@garbagecargarage]

I use the same from M13A. No problem, fuel trim is the same

[@nomanjaved3968]

Hello, i have a suzuki swift with m15a vvt and im planning to swap, if i go with the m16a sport or non sport will i have to swap the axles and will the ecu be just plug and play, any other considerations to be taken before purchasing an engine?

[@garbagecargarage]

Hi. It will be plug and play if you leave your old ECU. Just go with vvt engine.

[@giovannipascoal7721]

Hi, I need your help desperately, so I have the suzuki swift m15a vvt model, but I recently blew my head gasket (300 000k km on the clock and from drag racing) I want to swap the m16a in and I am now concerned if the m15a ecu wont work will i need to swap it out for the m16a ecu

[@garbagecargarage]

Hi. It will work just put M16A injectors with the new engine and get the vvt one too. I get the same fuel trims on M13A so Suzuki just puts larger injectors but same duty cycles when enlarging displacement

[@DonBisu]

I have a hole in engine block (Swift Sport 125hp). What are kinds of options? Standard cylinder block (from non vvti). Block from m18, m13?

[@garbagecargarage]

M18 would be great 😃 standart 1.6 liana would be cheapest option to go stock again

[@christos5635]

Suzuki swift 1.3 ,4*4 you think worth to swap 1.6 , or sell it and buy swift sport , or mits czt?

[@garbagecargarage]

Hi. I would say it depends on your preference. I'm doing this because I like to learn and do it by myself. So if you are like me - swap it if not just buy a damn thing 🙂 I think factory one will be better

[@zacharycharter6978]

I've found a 2013 s cross with a m16a engine, would I need an ecu for that or is it plug and play? Wanna put it into my jimny.

[@garbagecargarage]

Theoretically you should be fine... Main difference is sequential ignition so a bit different head cover for these newer m16a engines. There might some other "adoption" issues. I guess all manageable but better to have the older one.

[@corazszybciej]

What do you think about 1.6 rwd? is this possible? With 4wd parts?

[@garbagecargarage]

Well it's possible by deleting haldex coupling but the shafts are to weak (gearbox elements too) 4wd is better I would say.

[@darrenblack2594]

Hi there! Thanks for this video 🙂 I have a bit of a situation - my 2006 Swift Sport (III) needs a replacement motor (long story). I’m looking at used engines, and I see that there are unsurprisingly more Swift Sport IV (2012+) engines available with reasonable mileage. Aside from the +10 horses (🤩), I’ve also come to understand that the IV Sport engine is more reliable than the III over time. So I’d love to hear if you know of any issues installing the m16a from a Sport IV in a Sport III. I imagine mounting brackets and connections could change slightly between revisions… but it would be awesome if they didn’t.

[@garbagecargarage]

Hi. Thanks for a good word! Need a bit more investigation about this next gen but guess mounts should be fine (might need to reinstal from the old one). This swap should be fine while you have your dead one (engine) with all the accessories. Forget about extra 10 hp you won't get them cause you have to keep your old ECU 🙂 Next gen has sequential ignition no sure if your does. If not you will have to put your coil setup. But all is manageable to get on road again 🙂

[@darrenblack2594]

🙏🏼

[@darrenblack2594]

So I just spoke to a couple of dealers that have the newer motor for sale from recovery. They claim there’s no chance it’ll fit in my car. Which seems odd. But I guess I need to take their word for it...

[@garbagecargarage]

@@darrenblack2594 Double check if they were not talking about K series motor. M16A is the same. You can go directly to the junkyard and ask them to show it. Have some pictures of key elements of yours to see what is what

[@darrenblack2594]

@@garbagecargarage We spoke about m16a by name; they weren’t in any doubt. I dug some more, and found some talk of the 2011+ Swift Sport m16a using IIRC a significantly different cam shaft, making it incompatible.

[@chestercueto479]

Hi i have m15a engine. What are tips to add power? If I change my fuel injectors to 550cc , will it be alright thanks

[@garbagecargarage]

Hi. First think of extra air not fuel. Without turbo it's not cheap to add power to n/a engine. So swap or turbo or expensive internal parts (+ ecu and tune) injectors won't do anything because your standart ecu will balance it to original air fuel ratio map

[@chestercueto479]

@@garbagecargarage Okay what tips can you give from slowly modifying the stock engine

[@garbagecargarage]

@@chestercueto479 just add turbo with little boost. Stock ecu will handle that. Turbo manifold is cheap. Look everything you want for M16A they are the same from outside

[@pompmaister2438]

Hi, I found a baleno with an j18a for 800 bucks. Would it be possible to swap it's engine and ecu etc into my 1997 swift? Currenly has a g13ba 8v.

[@garbagecargarage]

Have no clue for that. But in theory Baleno had g engine all around, the same as your swift, so should be fine with mounting points. But you should check out gearbox situation or get your hand to the j18 one together with propshafts

[@pompmaister2438]

@@garbagecargarage thanks for the tip. Hadnt thought about the propshafts. Will keep that in mind.

[@ogcutta2468]

Can I use Ignis m13a gearbox on my Liana m16a engine?

[@garbagecargarage]

If you're using it (engine+gearbox) in Ignis than yes

[@broonmonsoon755]

I have a Swift Szl. Any idea what would be involved in swapping the 1.2 for m16a?

[@garbagecargarage]

Damn different engine family too much hustle... I would put a turbo instead. It would be the same effect even with a little boost

[@rishuashishanant]

The mount location is same just swap the engine with mounts and engine harness and ecu from swift sports, it will be plug and play kind of swap no modification is needed just swap the engine,gearbox, shifter, harness,ecu and mount

[@trailmark6577]

buy a sport halfcut bro and put it in ..planning to do

[@leonbuild3246]

Did you use 1.3 flywheel and clutch or 1.5 flywheel and clutch

[@garbagecargarage]

1.3 flywheel clutch and balance pulley

[@leonbuild3246]

Why didnt you use the 1.5 clutch and flywheel

[@garbagecargarage]

@@leonbuild3246 I bought 1.6 stripped out. Had no plan too because 1.3 is lighter. The car is light so no problem with smaller clutch. As long as there's no turbo 😀

[@ianlegros4542]

Hi! I have zc32 1.2 What is the best swap option? Regards!

[@garbagecargarage]

Hi. I would say don't swap just turbo it. M family is not the same as your k family. If your still into complicated swap - do a honda k swap - best end result

[@ianlegros4542]

@@garbagecargarage thanks for reply :) means a lot to me

[@garbagecargarage]

@@ianlegros4542 thank you too!

[@danilas6521]

did you think about j24b engine? form sx4 or kizashi

[@garbagecargarage]

Never thought about this option. For my case it's too heavy. But mid engine rwd project would be nice with it 🙂 although k24 would be better option in that fantasy..

[@danilas6521]

@@garbagecargarage nu jo k24 butu geras varijantas bet ju kainos didesnes, klausiau del to kad yra kizashis kuri noriu pirkt bet jis turi cvt deze ir kiek maciau dazniausiai pasitaiko suzukio swift mehanines idomu ar tiks reikia 4x4 mehanines dezes ;/

[@garbagecargarage]

@@danilas6521 4x4 reikalai ne mano sfera 😀 norint viska pritaikyti galima, bet ten tu 2.4 kita šeima variklių negu į swiftus ėjo. Swiftas irgi ten ne rimtas su haldexu

[@danilas6521]

@@garbagecargarage na as pradejau dometis del to kad tie varikliai randami ir sx4 kuris turi abu variklius ir m16a ir j24b tai idomu ar eitu kazka prigamint nedarant didelio projekto, reliai j24b turi daug potencijalo taciau cvt labai uzmusa

[@garbagecargarage]

@@danilas6521 tai va kad su mechanikem nejo man atrodo tie sx4 su sitais. Po kapotu ikist nebeda, perduot i ratus didesnis issukis

[@Timmykillaz98]

I have a swift with the k12b 4x4. Would it be possible to swap in a k14c and connect it to the original transmission? Buying a sport would be less work but I want/need the 4x4. I saw you mentioned something about swapping in camshafts, pistons and rods as well. Is this an option to give the little 1.2 some more power?

[@garbagecargarage]

In your case i would add a turbo with standalone ecu. Looks like a project but it's the same in other ways too. With speeduino+ china turbo it might be the cheapes too. Look for a turbo manifold for k12 on the internet

[@Maestrovske]

Damn. Came here with 1.6 L M16A I4 Suzuki SX4 engine to see what a more powerful engine could fit in the place of mine. Seems like I have one of the best suzuki engines in my car already 😅 #needmorepower #havenoknowledge

[@Maestrovske]

Btw, awesome video!

[@garbagecargarage]

😂 that's right. There is m18 version, so it's possible to bore it out to 1.8 or even to 1.9 with a Toda set, but that's a whole different story

[@arjitdhuria]

K12M to M16A possible?

[@garbagecargarage]

Everything is possible, but not worth it. Different family so many mods will be required (ecu too) If so than go Honda K swap. Easy way is to find Suzuki K15 or K14. You can get crankshaft and pistons+rods with a larger stroke too

[@trailmark6577]

u can k12 to m16a. buy a half cut

[@submariner144]

Hi, is the Liana's M16A have stronger internals than Swift's M15A? And is the Liana's M16A have the same conrod as Swift Sport's M16A? I know the Sport's pistons are forged, etc. etc. I just want to swap the Liana's M16A lower block (include the crankshaft, pistons, conrod, etc.) into my turbocharged Swift M15A (head). Do you have any idea or suggestions? Please, any answers will be greatly appreciated.

[@garbagecargarage]

Hi. As far as i know bottom parts are the same strength (non sport versions) but different ( example: 1.5 has 12160-69GA0 conrod and 1.6 has 12160-54GA0) Heads are almost the same ( same valves for m13 m15 and m16 non sport) So your idea is good but if your head is not modified and you don't have any intention to reassemble bottom part, just swap whole engine you will save some hustle by not splitting it

[@submariner144]

@@garbagecargarage Ah i see. After reading your explanation, i read that M15A and M16A (wheter the VVT and non VVT) have different crankshaft. The M15A has 69GA0 crankshaft and the M16A non sport has 54GA0 (both the VVT and non VVT). Which one is better in your opinion? Yes i agree with you, it would be much easier, but i want the best and still cannot decide between SX4 M16A vs M15A. For your information, i damaged my previous M15A crankshaft. My car is turbocharged, so i want a stronger engine. But i can't afford Swift Sport M16A so the choice is M15A or M16A non sport. Also as i said maybe i can only change the bottom block since i only damaged my crankshaft because of oil problem. Thank you very much in advance.

[@garbagecargarage]

Well there is no replacement for displacement! Go for 1.6 you will need less boost for same power output so your engine will last longer. In future it will be easier to step up for aftermarket forged parts because they're all made for M16A. Don't go with 10w60 stick with 5w40 best quality that you can find (never ACEA C"#" just good old A3/B4) and you'll be fine in lubrication sector.

[@submariner144]

@@garbagecargarage yes man, but i still afraid what if the M16A non sport is worse than M15A. But i think i'll go with the M16A anyway because i agree that no replacement for displacement 😁 thanks a lot. I really appreciate your answers. I hope you'll make another M engine video soon

[@garbagecargarage]

@@submariner144 no worries it will be as good as m15 if not better!

[@willembroeders473]

Wat did you do with the ecu? Did you use the ecu from the wagon r or from the sx4??

[@garbagecargarage]

I left the one from the Wagon. I assume they run pretty the same map just 1.6 has larger injectors to compensate for the same duty cycle

[@willembroeders473]

@@garbagecargarage thanks! For the fast reaction! You helped alot with your videos!

[@willembroeders473]

@@garbagecargarage do you know how much more power you have??

[@garbagecargarage]

@@willembroeders473 no clue. Have much more planed so pointless do dino it now 🙂 Thanks for taking interest!

[@willembroeders473]

@@garbagecargarage one more question, waar did you do with the fuel pump?