96 lx 97 2.0L engine swap

[goffyescort]

Can anyone tell me exactly what all i will need to make this possible? Do I need to change the computer from the 96 to the 97?
and how much of an increase in preformance will ii see?

[jeffescortlx]

***How to swap a 2nd gen 1.9 LX to a 3rd Gen 2.0 97 SPI.***

Pics http://www.intergate.com/~ttool/swap.html

I paid $300 from a junk yard w/ 40,000 mi.
1.9 is 88 Hp, 2.0 SPI is 110 Hp 125 TQ
Both are SOHC motors, very similar. 1.9 is 9:1 C/R, 2.0 is 9.2:1 C/R. The 2.0 head has larger valves, intake runners, manifold, and TB.

2 days or less to complete swap.
You will need:
A 97 2.0 SPI, a Cheery Picker (engine hoist), Jack, rachet-it-strap, three but-end connectors to exstend the TPS wires, a goods set of standard and metric tools, and a fuel line remover tool. Also get a repair manual, there only $20 and you should have one by now.

You will have to decide what to do with the secondaries butterflies in the intake manifold (SPI) since the 2nd gen PCM does not have a output to control them. When closed they help out with low end power, when open they add high end power. I don't suggest cutting them out.
One way would be to hold secondary's open all the time by removing the set screw that adjusts them and replace it with a 2 inch long screw. Or leave the electric motor on manifold and wire to a push button or Tack shift light w/ a relay, Then set the light to what ever RPM you want them to open at. Read the "How to" "Adjustable SPI Controller" for more details.

Now would be a good time to do the "motor mount mod", Have some window sealer ready.
Also have new Fuel Filter, new exhaust gasket, and PVC inlet tube gaskets ready.

This swap was done to a 96 LX that uses OBDII computer.
Instructions will very a little for 91-95, Mostly sensors, and throttle cable.

Parts that must be used:
Must use 97 Fuel system, Fuel rail, injector, FPR. Just buy a 97 Escort motor (only motor used that year). 98 and up use a different fuel system completely.

All 2nd Gen Trannys will bolt up to 2.0.

Must use 91-96 fly wheel and clutch, 97-up will not work.
91-96 uses a smaller main shaft on the tranny, and a smaller clutch.
( if you use a 2.0 flywheel and pressure plate you can use a 90-99 Eclipse turbo clutch disc, it will fit the splines on the 2nd gen tranny main shaft, use 91-96 throwout bearing)

The 91-95 and 96 computer (PCM) will run the 2.0 fine, no need to swap.

Must use 91-96 PVC tube. 97 PVC Tube (attached to block w/3 8mm bolts)will hit tranny clutch hydraulic bracket.

Use 91-96 Coolant temp sensor and fan sensors with housing to the heater core and T-stat housing off the head. Or you will need a heater core hose from 3rd Gen. Have new gasket and t-stat ready.

Use all 91-96 accessories and bracket: Starter, Alternator.

Power steering, A/C Compressor can be left in car w/bracket during the swap.

Start by:
Take out/off- Hood, Radiator, Alternator, Starter, exhaust manifold (or header), Accessory bracket (push to front,can leave power steering pump and compressor line hooked up)

No need to pull tranny if you have a manual. Remove crank pulley, crank sensor and heater core hose (unless auto). Hook up hoist before unbolting motor mounts or unbolting motor from tranny to not put any stress on main shaft. Then you will have to completely remove the passengers side motor mount. Next use a jack to hold the tranny up. Then remove the front and side tranny mounts. Next unbolt motor from tranny. Then use a rachet-it-strap to gently pull tranny to driver side, don't get too rachet happy, you could mess up a u-joint or clutch lines. Next, push the motor apart from the tranny.
This will give you enough room to remove the motor and clutch, You can reach a wrench in between the motor and tranny to unbolt the clutch to make it easier to remove. Than rip that sucker out of there.
Next reassemble.
The most frustrating part of the entire swap is getting the tranny main shaft in the clutch, while putting the tranny and motor together, just take your time and move the crank with a wrench to help line things up. ( use the clutch disc alimnment tool while assembling the clutch.)

Note: Automatic Transmissions do not need to unbolt the tranny mounts. Just pull off the plate on the bottom side of the oil pan to unbolt the torque converter. Motor will then remove.

Vacume lines:
Unscrew the vacuum line distributor from the 91-96 intake manifold. Make a coupler from a short piece of hose to connect it to the drivers side vacuum port. Then connect the brake booster hose, PCV, FPR hose, EGR if you have it,(use hoses from 91-96). On the passenger side port, plug in the cruse control. (Vacuum lines will vary w/ year.)

All sensors and injectors used on a 97 motor are 100% compatible with a 96 wiring harness, The TPS wire's will have to be extended about 4 inches. You can use the 97 throttle body and Idel air valve.
91-95 will have to swap sensors as per required.

Throttle cable from a 96 is a direct fit, you will have to use the second hole down to take up the slack. No modifying necessary. 91-95 bracket may need to be modified.

Fuel lines are a direct fit, just need to unclip to split them up,
one on each side.

You will have a left over bolt, one that holds the motor to the tranny. For some reason the bottom rear hole is off. But no problem you will still have like 6 or so holding them together. If your a perfectionist than just swap oil pans, than all bolts will line up.

I have put about 10,000 mi on since the swap, no problems of any kind, It runs a perfect A/F ratio.
Good Luck, It easy if your prepared.
The power band from the SPI is much wider than the 1.9. I still have the factory 14" little wheels, It barely hooks up in first.
Gas mileage is just as good as the 1.9.
Edit: 91-95 TB (throttle bodys) have the "key's " for the TPS (throttle position sensor) at a 45º angle off when compared to 96,97 and up (OBD2).
So if you use your old 91-95 TPS on the 97 TB you must mount the TPS 45º off for it to move. If you don't the TPS will not move.