2.3 -> 2.5 swap

[crazy96863]

The engine went out in my 2008 Fusion. 227,xxx on the clock so not a bad run... replacement 2.3’s are more expensive and have more miles than the 2.5’s that are available. All the reports I read indicate the 2.5 is an all around better engine. I am looking at making this swap more out of practicality than performance gains; although this is nice.

 

I am pretty familiar with the 2.3. I had the entire engine/transmission out for a tranny replacement less than 5k ago; during this time I resealed the entire engine and replaced just about everything external to the long-block. I didn’t get as much out of that investment as I had hoped but I gave me a pretty good understanding as to what I am looking at for the swap.

 

I live in California so emissions is a major concern. To satisfy this, I figure the best approach is to keep all external parts from the 2.3. This means the intake to head adapter plate. With exception to the VVT valve, pretty much swap everything else over. Does this about sum it up?
 

There is a bit of ambiguity in regards to the VVT. Does the 2.3 VVT bolt directly into the 2.5 head? If there are any mods can anyone elaborate on what’s needed to get this done? I want to use the 2.3 valve cover (it’s brand new).

 

I will post updates as they come. Any other suggestions for this swap are welcome. Thanks!