What engines can be replaced for the F0?
3 Answers
When replacing the engine for the F0, you can choose models such as the K3-VET and 1NZ-FE. Comparatively, the K3-VET model engine is more common domestically. The K3-VET is a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 140 horsepower and a maximum torque of 176 N·m, which is twice the power of the original engine. Other modifications for the F0 are as follows: 1. For braking, upgrade to high-performance brake pads; if the effect is not significant, you can switch to drilled floating brake discs. 2. Replace the spark plugs with NGK iridium spark plugs to improve fuel economy. 3. Install a small rear spoiler to enhance the car's appearance. 4. Modify with a G-type backpressure muffler to reduce exhaust noise and increase low-speed torque. 5. Upgrade the front fog lights, headlights, and taillights. 6. Install a water temperature gauge and an oil pressure gauge. 7. Replace the door seals with dual sealing strips and add soundproofing cotton inside the doors and under the hood to reduce noise. 8. Replace with high-quality transmission oil to reduce gearshift jerkiness. 9. Install shock-absorbing buffer rubber to increase chassis height and extend the life of the shock absorbers. 10. Install an engine guard plate, as the low chassis is prone to scraping.
I've been driving a BYD F0 for several years and often help friends with modifications. The most common engine swap is BYD's own 1.5L engine, like the model used in the F3, because the mounting points match and there's enough space, making the swap relatively simple. It can boost power—acceleration improves noticeably from 1.0L to 1.5L—but fuel consumption also increases by one or two points. Other options include similarly sized engines like Toyota's 1NZ-FE or Suzuki's K-series, but these require modifying brackets and ECU wiring, increasing the difficulty. Costs start at around 4,000 to 5,000 RMB, with labor accounting for at least half. After the upgrade, it's important to ensure the braking system keeps up; otherwise, the small car can easily lose control. There's also a risk of penalties during annual inspections, so it's necessary to report the changes to the DMV in advance. DIY attempts carry significant risks, so it's recommended to have a professional shop handle the modifications to avoid wiring burns or malfunctions. Drive safely and avoid speeding—safety is the top priority.
I've modified quite a few cars and found the BYD F0 engine swap quite interesting. The most stable option is directly installing BYD's 1.5L engine from donor cars like the G3 or L3 - straightforward installation. Tried the turbocharged 1.0T version which delivers significant horsepower gains but suffers severe overheating, requiring auxiliary cooling fans. Overall compatibility is good if mounting brackets and ECU are properly adjusted, though costs aren't cheap (5,000-10,000 RMB unavoidable). Post-upgrade performance leaps with thrilling acceleration, but daily driving fuel consumption spikes dramatically, especially in traffic jams. Remember ECU reprogramming - errors trigger electronic system warnings. Recommend consulting tuning shops first and using premium oil for maintenance. While modifications are exciting, don't overlook legal issues - unregistered engine swaps risk vehicle impoundment.
