What engines can be replaced in the Besturn B50?
4 Answers
The Besturn B50 can be replaced with a 2.0L EA113 engine. Exterior: The front headlights use light guide technology, and the dynamic double waistline gives the new Besturn B50 a balanced and stable side profile. The standard new two-tone brushed 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels enhance the sporty feel of the vehicle, making the new Besturn B50 more fashionable and youthful. Safety: The new Besturn B50 adds a cornering assist lighting system, which automatically controls the cornering lights (front fog lights) based on driving conditions and vehicle status changes to improve driving safety and comfort. Additionally, new safety features include a passenger seatbelt reminder, anti-whiplash seats, hidden airbags throughout the vehicle, central locking, and headlight level adjustment.
My Besturn B50 is a 2012 manual transmission model originally equipped with a 1.6L Volkswagen engine. Last year, it had severe oil burning issues, so I directly replaced it with a used 1.8L engine from a dismantled Besturn B70. The engine mounts matched perfectly, and even the exhaust pipe connections aligned in their original positions. The total cost, including labor and parts, was 7,000 RMB. If you want to swap in a Volkswagen EA111 1.4T turbo engine, it can also be installed, but you’ll need additional modifications for the turbo piping and ECU. Personally, I recommend prioritizing engines from the same Besturn platform, such as the 1.8L or 2.0L from the B70, or the 2.0L engine from the Mazda6, as these have the most modification cases and parts are easier to find.
As an experienced auto mechanic, I've handled many modification projects for the Besturn B50, with a focus on the engine bay layout. This vehicle's engine mount holes are compatible with the old Mazda6, and field tests confirm that LF/L3 series 2.0L Mazda engines can be installed without modification. I've even seen cases where the Toyota 5GR 2.5V6 was swapped in. I recommend prioritizing the CA4GB/CA4GD series engines developed by Besturn, as they offer better compatibility than the Volkswagen BWH. One customer ran into trouble swapping in a Mitsubishi 4G63 - the transmission flywheel bolt pattern didn't match and required a custom adapter plate. Remember to obtain an engine stamping rubbing after modification and complete the vehicle registration change at the DMV.
Last year, I helped a friend with this project. The original transverse engine layout of the Besturn B50 offers more modification flexibility than longitudinal setups. The most budget-friendly option is using the same VW BWH engine as the OEM, with used parts costing around 3,000 RMB. For performance, the Mazda L5 2.3T is an option, but requires reinforced chassis mounts. Avoid complex Japanese EFI systems—rewiring alone costs 8,000 RMB. Key focus: verify transmission interface specs—the MQ200 5-speed box mainly fits EA113-series engines; automatic transmission swaps are nearly impossible. Tip: sourcing a wrecked Besturn B70 as a parts donor is the easiest approach.
