Reconditioned Chevrolet Turbo

13 Chevrolet engine codes, two models: finding the right turbo from the block

Cruze and Captiva sometimes share engines with similar capacities, but the engine codes stamped on the block are the only reliable way to identify the correct unit. The B14XFT, B14XFL, B14XNT, A14NET, LUJ and LE2 cover the 1.4 T petrol variants of the Cruze (140 and 150 hp), with distinct manufacturer references depending on the exact generation of the block. On the diesel side, the codes Z20D1, Z20S, Z20DM, Z20DMH correspond to the 2.0 VCDi units in the Cruze and Captiva (127, 131 and 150 hp), whilst A22DM, A22DMH and LNQ denote the 2.2 D units in the Captiva (163 and 184 hp). The same 2.0 VCDi can carry either Z20DM or Z20DMH depending on the declared output: the turbos associated with each are not interchangeable and their manufacturer references differ, as illustrated by the 49180-04053 / 49180-04056 series for the 2.0 petrol-diesel Cruze, or 781504-5014S / 853215-5003S for the 2.2 D Captiva.

1.4 T petrol and 2.0 / 2.2 diesel: different geometries and distinct failure points

The 1.4 T petrol turbos (Cruze, codes B14XFT / A14NET / LUJ) operate with a fixed geometry and wastegate, and are particularly sensitive to oil quality: a clogged lubrication circuit or oil left unchanged for too long will attack the bearings and compromise the seals on the rotating assembly. The 2.0 VCDi and 2.2 D diesel turbos (Captiva, codes A22DM / A22DMH) use a variable geometry; fouling of the turbine vanes — often caused by a blocked diesel particulate filter or excessive EGR recirculation — is the most well-documented cause of failure on these engines. In both families, the characteristic symptoms are an abnormal whistling noise under acceleration, persistent blue or black smoke, and a drop in boost pressure. Diagnosing and rectifying the root cause (oil circuit, DPF, EGR) is essential before fitting a new turbo, otherwise the replacement unit will deteriorate rapidly.

Sales and identification: new units, identified by manufacturer reference

The Chevrolet turbos listed here are sold new. To ensure correct identification, always cross-reference the engine code with the reference stamped on the housing of the original turbo: the 49180-xxxxx series (Cruze diesel/petrol), 49477-01610 (Captiva 2.0), 762463-5006S (Captiva 2.2 163 hp) and 781504-5014S (Captiva 2.2 184 hp) correspond to geometries and CHRA units that are not interchangeable. An incorrect engine code or output rating will invariably result in incorrect boost pressure.