Will the 1.5L engine in a 1st gen car work in a 2nd gen car? I know the a/c compressors are not the same, but can I change the long block out without any major problems?
The valve timing is different, so the Classic engine may not work very well when operated with the 2G engine ECU. 2G used engines are so cheap, there is no great reason not to use the correct engine model if the engine really needs to be replaced.
Thanks Patrick. My 2nd gen parts car has a busted oil pan. I'll have to inspect it pretty closely and swap the oil pan if everything else looks OK. I just happened to have a couple of classics on hand.
I am considering such a swap myself. I have a gen 1 engine sitting in my driveway looking for a home and I am looking at buying a gen 2 with a rod knock. Do I need to switch the head? How is the timing different? I am not familiar with these engines and detailed advise would be welcomed.
I am not aware of anyone who had successfully implemented such a swap. If you want to do the necessary homework, subscribe to techinfo.toyota.com and look at the New Car Features Manual for the 2001 model year vs. 2004 model year. You can research the difference between Prius generations for the engine as well as other drivetrain elements.
Seemed odd to elect to change the engine rather than just replace a ‘busted oil pan’. How much could even a new one cost if not in the junkyard?
Better to just use a Gen 2 engine from a salvage yard, $200 - 500 Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market
