Ok. I have a few questions. I am new obviously so this things may seem simple or obvious to you.

I Drive an 03 Z06 vette so chevy is my main knowledge base.

Ok so to the point.

I am helping a buddy swap out the engine from an 02 civic ex non vtec 1.7L. He ordered an engine on line and the new engine is from an 03 car and is a Vtec engine. I know the transmission and everything will swap. Its a 5 speed car. My questions are:

1. Will the engine work simply by installing it and not worrying about the vtec solenoid but leaving it installed?

2. Do I have to wire in the Vtec solenoid?

3. If I have to use the Vtec do I need the ECU from an 03?

4. If I do not have to use the Vtec do I need to swap over the injectors from the original engine?

I figure you guys are getting the idea at this point. I am just wondering what his options are at this point.

Thanks in advance for any help you folks can offer.

 

Ok so here it goes..Looks like your swapping from a non vtec to a vtec version of the same block? If yes then what you need to do for vtec to work...

-The EX trim block comes with vtec solenoid so yes you do need to wire this in order for vtec to work.You may do this by getting an EX harness with and EX ECU M/T only if you're using M/T but you have to reflash your ECU at the dealer or your engine wont start.

-Option 2 Vtec solenoid will still get wired to get vtec to work but instead of doing the whole EX harness thing with the EX ECU you may use Apexi VAFC? vtec controler and tap that to the existing harness and vtec solenoid (according to the product instructions of course). Or you may use buddy club v-con vtec controller...Heck the thing cost like 50 bucks compare to the VAFC about 300 bucks but the only diff is VAFC you can also tune your car like fuel and stuff and make extra power on top of the vtec

 

You are correct same block. Do you have a link for the v-con? DO you know anything else that will have to be done?

Thanks a bunch for the help.

 

Buddyclub v-con, you can go to Inlinefour.com or on ebay i guarrantee you youll find one on ebay. And as far that has to get done you just follow the diagram of the vcon...you dont need anything extra the vcon just splice to the harness that connects to ecu and the other end wires to the solenoid. I cant explain you which wire it splices into but the vcon should have a diagram including

 

Awesome. If your ever in the va area let me know I owe you one.

 

Nah its cool you dont owe me anything, thats what this community is about. to get information..Im from CA so yeah im out of the area man. GL with this whole vtec thing and have fun because you can adjust vtec engagement on vcon

 

you can also get v-tec to work by simply wiring in a cheap rpm switch that you can get from jegs or summit

 

hmm you say your friend got an 02 civic EX? if the trim is correct then the EX comes stock with a 1.7 SOHC VTEC engine; why change it out for the 03? plus, in my opinion, I would personally just do a head swap if you have find out that you don't have Vtec, therefore you have a lower compression engine (unlike the EX model- d17a2) with the Vtec = a little better for boost. But it all depends on what your goals are and how much $$$ your willing to spend.

 

maybe he is swaping it for a motor with less miles.... yea i am doin the same thing except i have an lx that i threw a rod in, thats wat u get when u do 7,000 rpm in 4th gear. oh well. so all u need is the motor and the ecu from the ex is wat u r saying ap1 george. now wat about the trans? any diff from the lx to the ex trans?

 

1st and 5th gear has a different gear ratio..... 2nd 3rd and 4th are the same between ex and lx.

 

no bryan 1st gear and reverse are all the same in the d17 trans