Ma2kreis

I have a 94 2dr Accord LX with an F22B1 in it. Upon inspecting the motor, I see that the electrical connector for the VTEC module afixed to the back of the head is not connected to anything. Also, the distributor is not like the distributor I had with my previous true EX with F22B1, in that this distributor features an ignition coil with wire coming from the cap. Does this sound like the previous owner was using the LX engine harness and LX distributor on this F22B1? If so, could I remedy this by using an EX engine harness and EX distro or would this conflict with the LX's ECU? Any tips or advice appreciated!

Faraz123

I believe the dizzys are interchangeable. The LX ECU isn't programmed for VTEC hence the lack of a connector on the LX harness. An EX ecu is programmed to activate the VTEC solenoid at a certain rpm, without the harness and the appropriate ecu the F22B1 is going to run just like the non-vtec version, making around 130 hp assuming everything else is good. The larges rocker arms won't ever engage and you're engine will run just fine.

Honestly, if it's your DD you probably aren't redlining anyways and the VTEC only makes an extra 15 hp at top end. So there will be no difference at all at the lower end of the power band where you're normally shifting like between 1-4k rpms. It's fine to drive it as is.

holmesnmanny

The distributors are not interchangeable. The lx is external and the ex is internal. However, it may just be that someone did a sloppy job with the engine swap if the car isn't throwing any codes. It's not a big deal that they didn't replace your lx harness with an ex harness if they added the correct wires and pinned them correctly at the ecu which appears to be the case considering you aren't complaining it's not running right.

Ma2kreis

I do have to say it doesn't drive like my previous accord.
The engine from 2k RPM on up makes quite a loud piston-slapping sort of sound and is lazy on acceleration, and at around 4k RPM in 1st gear I get what I interpret as severe clutch slippage even though the clutch was replaced quite recently. I know F22B1's are known for the slappy pistons, but I do also notice the crank and cam timing is not on point. Im going to set it back to correct timing here soon. I thought the LX ECU might interfere with the EX motor functioning properly but I'll update after I align the motor.

holmesnmanny

Google "axidworks" and pick up a vtec kit. Open up the back of the ecu connectors and slide the pins in and close it. Get an obd1 b1 ecu and you should be good to go.

Ma2kreis

I reset the timing belt and am still getting the piston slap around and above 1.7k rpm's. Engine runs smoother though and I'm not feeling a loss of power in the higher RPMs like I had before. Smooth idle, correct timing, recent valve lash adjustment, but am still getting that slappin' noise. I do have an EX ECU ready to plug in, but at this point I'm starting to think that is not my issue. I'll try it though, see what changes.

MAD_MIKE

Without the EX ECU the VTEC solenoid will not activate, and the engine will pretty much fall on its face after 2500rpm.

Is the piston slap only under load or does it also occur when free revving the engine?

I'm always for checking the EGR valve for functionality and the EGR manifold is clear of carbon. Slight blockage can cause some pinging, increased blockage can cause some nasty knocking/stumbling/misfiring at cruise.

holmesnmanny

Btw the obd1 b1 ecu has pins a6 and a11 pins swapped vs other obd1 hondas, but im not sure if the b2 does too so you will need to research before plugging in the b1 just in case you need to swap those pins

Ma2kreis

Its heard distinctly when the motor is under load, slightly when free reving. I've cleaned both the EGR valve and the manifols. holmesnmanny, I figured if I have an F22B1, if I just swap out the harness, the distro, and the ECU, then I'll have eveything I needed to run the motor correctly? Could this EX motor with all this LX stuff plugged into it give me the symptoms of the knocking? My last accord had a slight knock (piston slap) but it was only in a small window of RPM, like 2.1k - 2.3k RPMs. It had all the correct EX components, but did have 233k miles on the motor as well. This frankenstein motor does it from 1.7k and up, not going away. I was thinking this motor is toast, but instead of dropping the money for a complete engine replacement, I'd rather give it another $150 shot and get the harness and distro (I already have an EX ECU). Anyone have a link or reference for a Manual trans'd F22B1 engine harness?

Ma2kreis

Do you know what these pins are for? I'm having trouble finding ECU pinout diagrams

holmesnmanny

Google "honda obd1 pinout" ..again the obd1 ex 94-95 accord has those pins backwards but im not sure about the nonvtec b2. If the b2 has the pins backwards already you wont have to swap anything.

You still need the vtec wiring and plug them into the ecu connector.

I dont know if that vtec head will make sounds when using the non vtec head.

It could be egr ports/plate being clogged as mike suggested.

Ma2kreis

I've already given the EGR ports and valve good scrubbin' and I know the valve operates so I can rule that out. I've done a search and I can only find honda civic ECU pinouts, would they be the same for the accord? Once I have all the right EX parts delivered I will check the LX's firewall harness against the EX ECU, will post back with pin layout n such, thanks again!

Ma2kreis

So I didnt have to swap any pins, the F22B2 harness just lacks the VTEC wires, so I just installed the EX ECU, fabricated connections for the VTEC components and ran those wires through the firewall to the ECU, I got my ECU pinout here: http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/resources/1992_1995_Honda_Accord.php

Thank you for all the help! The motor operates fine now with no CEL's (so far)