Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
10-16-2008, 09:12 AM
#1
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Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
I am copy and pasteing my thread from EPHatch so non-EPH members can get a write up. Please add it to the FAQ Todd 
On with the show:
This is a list of things you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3, motor up and out. No messing with the subframe.
What I've gathered that isn't obvious or doesn't bolt in:
-Replace RSX-S power steering pump with EP3 idler pulley
-Serpentine belt: 64" 7-ribbed or EP3 belt (will be on the edge of spec but works fine). 64" 7-ribbed belt: http://www.autopartswarehouse.....html
-RSX-S engine harness, EP3 can be used with modification for reverse lockout.
-EP shifter may need to be cut to reach reverse ( http://images.sportcompactcarw...m.jpg ) I had to shave the piece that sticks out to the right (my ep is 2002). Had to disassemble and shave whole thing piece (it's about an inch tall from right above the arrow and up).
-Use your ep shift linkage.
-RSX-S ecu (use EP3 until you get your key reprogrammed to ECU by Acura/Honda, keep RPM's low until while using EP3 ECU) Costs 0.5 hours of Acura's time - $55 and some cents for me.
-Use EP3 axles unless doing a rsx-s 5 lug/brake swap.
-I used an EP3 DCRH. You'll need custom work if you want to use the rsx-s em/dp (I don't suggest modifying your exhaust this way).
Let me know if I should add anything.
How to retain A/C if pulling engine up and out:
Yes, a k20 can be pulled up and out.
a3 belt tension on a2:
Oh, if you don't take a picture like this, your new motor will immediately throw a rod on startup:
If anyone have a2 swap questions, ask them here please.
On with the show:
This is a list of things you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3, motor up and out. No messing with the subframe.
What I've gathered that isn't obvious or doesn't bolt in:
-Replace RSX-S power steering pump with EP3 idler pulley
-Serpentine belt: 64" 7-ribbed or EP3 belt (will be on the edge of spec but works fine). 64" 7-ribbed belt: http://www.autopartswarehouse.....html
-RSX-S engine harness, EP3 can be used with modification for reverse lockout.
-EP shifter may need to be cut to reach reverse ( http://images.sportcompactcarw...m.jpg ) I had to shave the piece that sticks out to the right (my ep is 2002). Had to disassemble and shave whole thing piece (it's about an inch tall from right above the arrow and up).
-Use your ep shift linkage.
-RSX-S ecu (use EP3 until you get your key reprogrammed to ECU by Acura/Honda, keep RPM's low until while using EP3 ECU) Costs 0.5 hours of Acura's time - $55 and some cents for me.
-Use EP3 axles unless doing a rsx-s 5 lug/brake swap.
-I used an EP3 DCRH. You'll need custom work if you want to use the rsx-s em/dp (I don't suggest modifying your exhaust this way).
Let me know if I should add anything.
How to retain A/C if pulling engine up and out:
Yes, a k20 can be pulled up and out.
a3 belt tension on a2:
Oh, if you don't take a picture like this, your new motor will immediately throw a rod on startup:
If anyone have a2 swap questions, ask them here please.
Last edited by WhiteOnRice; 09-13-2010 at 06:27 AM.
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08-13-2010, 05:14 PM
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08-14-2010, 10:53 AM
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Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
-RSX-S engine harness, EP3 can be used with modification for reverse lockout.
I have a friend using an ep3 harness for a k20a2/k24 swap. when he uses the a2 t/b, the tps sensor does not read. he tried to wire the tps from the a2 in, but still he says it does not read. is the ep3 harness different in this case in reference to the throttle bodies. he stated it might be the fact that the tps is located on the inside towards the motor on the ep3, i really dont know if that matters. if so, please explain. btw, its in a awd eg
I have a friend using an ep3 harness for a k20a2/k24 swap. when he uses the a2 t/b, the tps sensor does not read. he tried to wire the tps from the a2 in, but still he says it does not read. is the ep3 harness different in this case in reference to the throttle bodies. he stated it might be the fact that the tps is located on the inside towards the motor on the ep3, i really dont know if that matters. if so, please explain. btw, its in a awd eg
08-14-2010, 02:11 PM
#10
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Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
I fortunately never had the need to research how to modify the a3 harness for this swap. Although I don't know what specifically must be done I've heard that the wiring must be modified for the TPS in addition to the reverse lockout. (And possibly to the knock sensor--something I remember reading once.) If he figures it out please let us know. It would be good for this thread to have that information.
08-15-2010, 04:57 PM
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Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
my apology h/t. i was misinformed on the harness and t/b. my friend actually has a base rsx harness and t/b. thru some web searching the ep3 t/b is the same, so is the wiring. the base model rsx t/b is different and wired different. the wires are backwards due to the fact that the tps is on the inner engine side of the intake manifold. i will do the re-wiring 2maro and write-up my conclusion. thanks guys
08-18-2010, 01:04 PM
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08-27-2010, 07:26 PM
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09-03-2010, 07:10 AM
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Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
kolay gelsin.ingilizcem yok yazıları pek anlayamıyorum.10bin km jcksn racing sc kullandım 9psi de stoc motor dc headers+70m skunk2 cat back+replika guruppem+prb kpro 303hp çıkmıştı.
09-11-2010, 08:11 PM
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Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
09-13-2010, 06:31 AM
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09-24-2010, 08:57 PM
#17
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Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
i have this swap on my 02 ep3, love it. but my next leap forward is building a hybrid and making the k24a2 frankinstien. and in a perfect world once its done, i want to sleeve it and bore it out to a 2.6 :D should be a fun little hatch
09-29-2010, 10:16 AM
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Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
so the ep3 engine lifts right out of the sub frame correct and does anyone have a link of how to modify for the reverse lockout, searched but no luck...
10-11-2010, 06:11 PM
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Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
yea im still having trouble with the idle tho, it seems to jump back and forth from 1000 rpms to 2000. any ideas? also im using the stock ep3 ecu and ep3 harness untill i can get kpro, i havent driven the car yet tho
10-24-2010, 03:16 AM
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Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3
11-10-2010, 07:49 AM
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Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3