Vtec04

I am thinking about K swapping my ES1 Civic, but I can’t afford a K20Z1, K20Z3, K20A2, or any other “desirable” K20 right now. My question is if I swap to a K20A3 now, how hard would converting it to a better K20 be later, or would I be better saving up for a good K20? If I just swap the head, intake manifold and exhaust, I wouldn’t have the 11:1 compression, but would I have all the other benefits, including the power. Right? Are the ECUs and wiring harnesses different? Thanks.

pogeeboy27

iTrader: (3)

Save for a good K20 which in your case will take decades.

Wrong.

Different.

In a nutshell don't do it.

doood

iTrader: (1)

Trying to convert an a3 to an a2 is going to cost more than just getting the a2 in the first place

Punkaddic

k24a4 for sure

Vtec04

Thanks for the suggestion. I thought about a K24A1. Just curious- Why do you suggest the K24A4 Accord motor over the K24A1 CRV motor, and what are the differences? Thanks.

Vtec04

Also, I forgot to mention that the price of the engines are not a concern, but availability is. I also need the engine to be a 2005 so I can legally put it in my car. All the u pull it junkyards around me charge a flat rate price of between $175 and $225 depending on the junkyard for all 4 cylinder engines, so the price of the engine doesn’t matter as long as it’s a 2005 and it’s available.

1999 Civic Si

You need to check your state law as well for installing an engine larger than what was/is available from the manufacturer, since you are concerned with the legality of it. For example where I live the engine has to match the manufacturer year or newer (pretty sure this a federal law) and the engine size can't exceed the largest engine available for that particular car, such as taking an ES1/EM2 that only came with a d17 in the USA and putting a k20 or k24 into, both engines are larger and were never available in that chassis. Of course most people don't care and do the swaps anyways, the odds of anyone noticing or caring during inspections are relatively small, unless you are in one of the states that takes this seriously.

If you really want a fun k series set up, I helped a buddy do a k24 swap into his EM2. Tsx k24 stock bottom end, acura rsx type s transmission with a 06+ Civic SI LSD, I currently can't remember which cylinder head he used, with some port work, rbc intake manifold, prayoonto stage 4 cams, 70+mm throttle body and it made 274whp on a mustang dyno.

Honestly you really need to do some google searching on k swapping the 01-05 civics, this forum has some info, but there are plenty of other sources online that are dedicated to k swapping these cars. If you want to take this seriously, you really need to start researching what other people have done. Then take that info and see what you can source locally or online.