My cousin is having the engine replaced in her 06 due to timing chain issues. She found an 08 engine with 5500 miles on it, and can get it installed for less than the dealer wanted to replace the timing chains in her car.
Problem is the mechanic has the new engine in the car and says it appears the starter hookup and one of the CV axles mount differently. In short, the new engine won't work with her car, it seems.
Everything I have found says 04-08 should interchange, so I'm hoping for some help as to what is happening here and what to do about it?
Here is the message he sent me about it....
"Hey got the motor in and bolted down to the mounts and noticed something when I was bolting motor to tranny. Starter won't go in and the cv axle won't go in. The motors are different. What year model did the new motor come out of?? Was is auto tranny or standard??
The old motor the block rounded over where the starter and axle go in at. The new motor cuts it straight across the opening."
I'm at a loss. Any help?

EDIT...HER CAR IS AN 06 not 07

Some additional info....
Her car is an 06, but as far as I can tell that shouldn't matter....
VIN on her car is 1N4BA41E96Cxxxxxx
VIN on donor car is 1N4BA41E88C819457
Except for the check digit and year they are identical....

Even more info....
codes off of engines...
original VQ35533801Z
Donor VQ35788875Z

Thanks!!

 

umm pretty sure the 06 was 5at or 4at transmissions not CVT which is in the 07 and 08 model. That would be a huge reason why. gonna need this http://www.partsgeek.com/nqd3j4b-nis...tarter+-+Denso

If you notice here http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...l/starter.html the "standard" refers to the 4 speed.

 

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200..._assembly.html

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200..._assembly.html

The keys at the end of the axle are specific to the transmission equipped. Pics of what is going on would help tons.

 

Well, after much engineering, it's all back together. Had tonput the 06 oil pans on the 08 engine and pull the pilot bearing-like from the flywheel (spacer is a CVT thing, apparently).
Now that it is all reassembled, it won't start. Turns over but won't fire. Someone told me the ECU might need to be reprogrammed, as it may still be reading the old engine.
Any experience with this and what the solution is? Is it going to be a dealer only thing if it needs reset?
If I get the ecu from the donor car will it be plug and play without reprogramming?
Thanks in advance for helping!! I'm trying to search but not finding a great deal of info to solve this problem....