Is a 2.2 to 2.4 engine swap possible
 

I have looked all over the forum (yes i used the search bar) and couldn't find what I was looking for, so I have an engine swap question. I have a decent hookup on motors and parts I have a 2006 2.2 hhr and I have about 130,000 miles on it.
The question I have is I am wanting to do a engine swap for the 2.4 Ecotec and I know I need to swap computers but is the wiring harness the same(I’m sure they are not)? Is there any other things I should expect? And let me just put it out there now that no I'm not ready to drop $10,000 on a SS HHR. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

2.2 doesn't have VVT the 2.4 does so wire harness and computers would need to be swapped out
I've wondered about the differences like could I install the 2.4 block and the 2.2 head to raise compression kinda like putting 305 heads on a 350 SBC , but the VVT would prohibit it

What about transmission will the 2.2 bolt up to the 2.4? Has anyone on here done this before?

As far as I know, the bell housings are the same on the 2.2's and 2.4's, but with the electronic differences as pointed out by Oldblue...economics vs. a marginal gain in power need to be weighed.

I'd go with a 2.2 VIN matched engine!

Don't forget the BCM probably needs changing also.

Which wiring harness are asking about? The engine harness is obviously different. You could maybe ask the donor for computer and harness. A lot of times they cut the harness off to save time, but if you want the package that would save them more time.

Were the 06 2.4's drive by wire like the 07 and up HHR's? Or did they also still have an actual throttle cable like the 2.2 did in 06? If they use a cable then an 06 specific might be needed or at least the throttle body from one. If not then a electronic throttle pedal would be needed.

Somebody corrected me a while ago about the cable. I was told all HHR have electronic throttle control.

Only way to be sure is open the hood on the patient and start looking for things like sensors and wires and cables !

Rock Auto and one of my local dealerships would seem to concur with this. Learn something new every day. They do show the 06 ones to be different part number than the newer cars so be sure to get one with the replacement engine or one for the correct engine year and computer.