Here's the deal...I got an 03 RSX-S with a spun bearing. I just picked up an 02 RSX base model K20a3 for $800 with 18k on it. I figured it was the best way to get my RSX back on the road in a quick manner. My plan is to just run the A3 for awhile while I rebuild/build my A2.
Question, what will I need to swap in the A3? Using my honda knowledge, I'm thinking that everything should swap over since it's from the same frame. Are the A3 and A2 clutches different? Cuz the A3 clutch is good and my A2 clutch is spent. I don't have an ecu but I'm guessing I need to get a PND base model RSX 5-spd ecu and have it reprogrammed at the dealer. Is this correct? What else will I need? Just swap over all of my accessories and mounts from the S motor?

TIA guys. I've spent countless hours writing write-ups and how-to's for these forums so I'm hoping someone can pay it back for me...I can't find any easily searchable info on this topic on K20a.org or the ClubRSX forums either.

 

i wouldnt see a reason for the ecu not working would be like using an ecu from a teg type r in a gsr wich is commonly done so your fine there. everything should just swap over youl need to youse your type s header because the base header ive heard is different on either the flange or length not sure wich and wouldnt hurt to use your tb and im.

 

By reprogrammed he means have it flashed for the immobilizer. Yeah that is pretty much the only thing you will have to do. Everything else a pretty much straight forward drop in as far as I know.

 

what i would do would be to swap the bottom end use ur head and what not, so u can use ur ecu and what not the clutch on the a3 is smaller u would need the flwheel and clucth setup from the a3...questions concerns?

 

well I'm using the whole A3 motor. I just want to know what I need to do to make it work. I'm saving the k20a2 for a K24/20 build up. So, I use the A3 clutch/flywheel with the Type S tranny?

 

u can use the clutch yes but the thing is with your ecu and the motor wont work unless somehow you take it to acura and have them reflash it to an A3...or have hondata k pro. But you need to use ur wiring harness off ur car i dunno for sure but i dont think the wiring from the base will plug right into ur cars harness

 

Well I know about the ecu. I have to get a PND base model RSX ecu and then bring the car to the dealer to have it reflashed.
Is this all that needs to be done? Anyone? wiring/header, etc. issues I need to be aware of before doing this?

 

You will not be able to use the 6-speed because the base ecu cannot control the reverse lockout.

 

you can run the 6spd on the a3. you'll just be left without a reverse lockout. have you thought of swapping manifolds? this would get rid a3 dual runners. you can go kpro and upload a stock si cal. then when your a2 is built you can upload a a2 cal and tune it. all your accessories bolt on from the a2 to the a3. the clutches are different but the a2 clutch and flywheel will bolt up to the a3 and work. you can use all your a2 items on the a3.

 

this is what I was looking for....thx man. I don't have the cash for K pro just yet tho...the a3 ecu will have to do.

 

just be sure to get the base rsx ecu instead of the si one. both have essentially the same motors but only the base has dual intake runners. the si had the prb manifold which is the same as the type-s. only the base rsx ecu has control for dual intake runners.

 

So if I wanted to swap over the Type-S manifold, I should run the Si ecu?

 

correct

 

ive got a question here on this i have k20a3 ep3 trans and what if i swap the intake from a2 and use a 03 civic si 5 speed ecu ?