Gauging interest in 5.0 Removal and Replacement Write up

[12Rspec50]

First off, I'm new to the forum. Currently own a 2012 R Spec 5.0 parents own an 09 Touring Coupe 3.8.

My 2012 5.0 gave up the ghost, and I swapped the engine in my garage.

Now I'm gauging interest in what everyone things about a comprehensive write up on swapping out a 5.0.

I'm a mechanic by trade, and would love to answer technical questions.

 

[daviderle]

First welcome to the forum.
What you have accomplished is impressive, I believe you are the first person that have mentioned doing this feat on their own, as far as I know.
Most shops are not even able to diagnose a specific engine issue, let alone touch the 5.0.

Out of curiosity I have few questions for to you:
Can you elaborate on what part of the 5.0 engine ‘gave up the ghost’? At what Mileage? Under what condition(s)?
Did you do a complete drop in swap?
Or did you take the engine apart?
Did you have to deal with anything related to the ECU / TCU or anything special related to electronics?
Did you have some else helping you?
Did you need any special tools?
How long did the project take?

 

[12Rspec50]

First welcome to the forum.
What you have accomplished is impressive, I believe you are the first person that have mentioned doing this feat on their own, as far as I know.
Most shops are not even able to diagnose a specific engine issue, let alone touch the 5.0.

Out of curiosity I have few questions for to you:
Can you elaborate on what part of the 5.0 engine ‘gave up the ghost’? At what Mileage? Under what condition(s)?
Did you do a complete drop in swap?
Or did you take the engine apart?
Did you have to deal with anything related to the ECU / TCU or anything special related to electronics?
Did you have some else helping you?
Did you need any special tools?
How long did the project take?

One of my rod bearings went from a slight knock at start up into a full fledged hard rod-spun knock in a day. Happened right at 67000 miles, under normal operating conditions, full oil, no loss in oil pressure. My only assumption is that the engine was one of the unlucky few of the early 2012s (from what research I've done) to have connecting rod bearing failures.

I bought the engine from a dismantler online to the tune of around $3500. New engine came from a 2013 Equus and had around 37000 miles on it. (all assuming that the dismantler was being honest) The engine was a complete longblock. came with everything from the valve covers down. No intake/exhaust manifolds, no accesories. .

I have yet to take the original engine apart to assess the internal damage. Once i get started on the project of replacing rod/main bearings, I fully intend to document the rebuild process.

The only thing I had to do with the Ecu was disconnect the harness during engine removal. (in hindsight, its probably not necessary to disconnect the harness at the ecu.)

I did the removal and installation myself, in my garage in my spare time.

No special tools necessary. Took lots of notes, organized all hardware.

All in for time (actual hours worked) Probably 30 or so hours on the high end.

All of that being said, it was a relatively straightforward job, used only basic hand tools, knowhow, and patience to get through the project.

If I had to do the job over again, it could without a doubt be done in 20 hours, potentially less time, especially if I had access to a lift.

 

[daviderle]

Thank you very much for the detailed explanation.

I have been around this forum for almost 11 years, there are few of us who have taken some interest with various levels of understanding as to what makes the V8 (4.6 and 5.0) tick, but I believe no one has ever came close to what you have actually done, within a relatively modest budget, let alone in the time frame that you did it in.

Several members replaced their engines under warranty, including myself, although in my case it was due to a dealer ‘error’, as they drove the car after replacing the timing belt, draining the oil and forgot to refill it!

The cost of the engine replacement on paper was very significant and in some cases, would have exceeded the value of the vehicle, if any of these engine repairs were done out pocket.

Therefore, I am sure many interested members including myself would really appreciate you taking the the time to share your detailed process of how to replace the 5.0 engine, undoubtedly most of the process should also be applicable to the 4.6 V8 engine as well.

Again thank you for joining the forum and taking the time to share your experience with us.

 

[Cali Gen]

First off, I'm new to the forum. Currently own a 2012 R Spec 5.0 parents own an 09 Touring Coupe 3.8.

My 2012 5.0 gave up the ghost, and I swapped the engine in my garage.

Now I'm gauging interest in what everyone things about a comprehensive write up on swapping out a 5.0.

I'm a mechanic by trade, and would love to answer technical questions.

Man im so happy you found this forum and went through the extra work/be willing make a comprehensive write up. I'v been thinking about dropping the 5.0 in if my 3.8 goes and would love to have all your input for sure!

 

[12Rspec50]

Man im so happy you found this forum and went through the extra work/be willing make a comprehensive write up. I'v been thinking about dropping the 5.0 in if my 3.8 goes and would love to have all your input for sure!

I would imagine that with the engine harness, trans harness, and both ECU's at the very least, the 3.8-5.0 could be done.

I'll take a little bit of time to try and make the write up as comprehensive as possible to help anyone who may want to undertake the 5.0-5.0 swapover. Unfortunately I never took any pictures during my process, but at least I remember it well.

I will be documenting the rebuild of the old motor with pictures and hopefully video. My intent is to hopefully get more people in the Genesis community interested in being hands-on with repair.

 

[Cali Gen]

I would imagine that with the engine harness, trans harness, and both ECU's at the very least, the 3.8-5.0 could be done.

I'll take a little bit of time to try and make the write up as comprehensive as possible to help anyone who may want to undertake the 5.0-5.0 swapover. Unfortunately I never took any pictures during my process, but at least I remember it well.

I will be documenting the rebuild of the old motor with pictures and hopefully video. My intent is to hopefully get more people in the Genesis community interested in being hands-on with repair.

My plan would be to just pick up a BTR tuned ECU and TCU for a 5.0 if nothing else is available if and when i do the swap. Im all for doing hands on. Again, happy to have your input!