[jblackburn]

what was the difference between the LUV and LUJ engines? I know dumb question.

Cam phasers and MAP sensor basically.

 

[jblackburn]

My questions before I swap in a LUV are:

1. Is the LUV prone to the same issues as the LUJ?

2. Was there an update to the Piston Rings or Pistons?

3. Is it a Ring Gap issue with them that causes #3 to go bad? I know that too small of ring gap is usually the cause of most turbocharged motor failures. The charge temp goes up and the rings expand and the tips touch, causing them to bind and break. Just the tip that's all it takes

1. Yes. All the same issues.
2. After 2011, yes. That was the most common year for piston failures.
3. Possibly, or preignition just takes em out. The broken pistons from Gen 1 look a lot like the Gen 2 ones when removed.

 

[jblackburn]

So if I retarded the timing a bit when / If I rebuild my current 1.4l, that sounds like it may help the problem.
This makes me just want to bite the bullet and figure out the LE2 swap idea I had.

Thanks for you Input! It's much appreciated

No; the ECM controls the timing with dual camshaft VVT actuators.

It might be helpful to de-carbon the piston tops every 50,000 miles or so, though, and use a heat range "7" NGK plug (some years came with 6, some with 7). Even though they're port injection, it seems the 1.4T does like to build up a lot of carbon on the pistons - probably from the systemic PCV issues they all have that dumps oil into the intake.

You could also look into selecting an oil with proven LSPI protection if that is indeed what happens to the LUJ/LUV. I've been running Amsoil XL/SS in the Gen 2 just because I don't want to deal with having my factory motor taken apart by a dealership, whether it's under warranty or not.

 

[jblackburn]

I have a blown 2015 Chevy Cruze 1.4l Luv engine. Would a 2017 Chevy Cruze 1.4l LUV engine fit into my car ?

The 17 is a LE2, and no.

A 17+ Sonic or Trax and lower trim Encores still use the LUV though.

Edit: if you are unsure, the engine cover's wider on the LE2 and the oil cap is in the left rear of the motor.

 

[jblackburn]

Does the LUJ to LUV swap work with automatic?
Should the ECU or BCM get flashed by the dealer?
Did switching over baro have any issues as far as logic?
Is there constant check engine lights with this swap?

Keep the sensors (and transmission) from whatever version that you have. The engine itself is no different.

 

[jblackburn]

Ok and thank you for the prompt response. That just opened up many more engine options for me then. I'm replacing from 2011 LTZ with 210k miles that has a head gasket leak. 2 shops have said be cheaper just to get a reman than to repair in the long run than resurface and replace gasket due to prone bottom end failures after replacement.

I see you respond to a lot of different things on cruzetalk so if I could bother you with another question. I have heard that the excessive down shifting in the cruze is due to the clutch they use in the automatics starting to go bad. Would this be a simple fix with the engine out?

Some 2011's have slightly different accessory drive pulleys (belt width), but those can be swapped as well.

The 2011 automatics are well known to shift rough, but most blow up by the mileage yours is at. You may want to consider sending it off to a transmission shop to rebuild while it's out, as they're a one-year-only transmission and used ones tend to be priced as such. They are susceptible to the typical 3-5-R wave plate failure that the 6T 1st generation automatics typically have, but they weren't smooth shifters even brand new.

 

[jblackburn]

I have an 11 Cruze eco, so I have an LUJ? Can you explain the engines codes/years? Thanks

LUJ - original 1.4T; 11/12

LUV - "updated" 1.4T, 13+ [Gen 1] Cruze, Sonic, Trax, Encore.

The only real differences are the boost sensor. You can drop a LUV into a LUJ car; just keep your original sensors and belt drive accessories if it's an 11.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/luv/#:~:text=The%20LUJ%20and%20LUV%20are,is%20therefore%20not%20E85%20capable

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