OK ... I lied. I'm not a grandpa. But I am old enough to be one.

I joined this forum for one reason: to get some help deciding what to do with the engine on my 2002 RSX-S.

I'm not really a gearhead, tuner or tweaker ... but I love driving my RSX as much as I used to love driving my 240Z.

I'm at 186,000 miles ... all put on by me. On my fifth set of tires and one brake job. That's it! Original clutch still pulling strong.

But, it's getting tired and it won't be long before geriatric automotive repair will be required.

I was going to buy a new car ... but after driving a GTI and thinking about the soon arriving Golf R and driving a Focus and thinking about the soon arriving RS ... I didn't like either half as much as my RSX-S. Thought about the Mazada Speed and the WRX ... but they are too klunky for everyday driving.

So, I added up all the things ... except the engine ... to more or less revitalize the RSX ... such as struts, clutch and AC. It came out to a manageable figure.

Now I want to figure out about the engine.

1. First question: I'm located in Northern San Diego county, so I'd love to hear about reputable shops for labor on a 'remanufactured' engine swap/ install or rebuild anywhere in Southern California.

2. Second question: I'd like recommendations on any US engine remanufacturers that deliver to Southern California. I want a street legal, California emission engine.

3. Third question: I know my 2002 has the K20A2. I'd be interested in any recommendation of other K series engine that would basically 'bolt on' ... if it would increase performance and still be able to pass smog.

4. Last question: I'm not interested in NOS or anything radical ... but any recommendation on an upgrade chip for the engine or relatively simple improvements that would keep an engine breathing easy and running smoother would be appreciated.

I did spend some time reading the FAQs in this forum and for the site. I searched and couldn't really find the info I was looking for. So if I've posted this in the wrong place, just let me know and I'll move it where it's supposed to go.

Thanks.

Como

 

Sorry, I'm not from Southern California, so I can't help you there. There's some sponsors here that could probably help you out.

I'd say just get a fresh engine build with oem bearings, piston rings, gaskets, water and oil pumps, a new clutch and you're good as new. If you're not looking for any radical hp gains, then this would be your best route. Not knowing your budget, this would be a modest wallet digging project.

You've got a good start with good questions, so with a little more research, I think you can get what you want accomplished. Best of luck.

 

TY ... redline. Any recommendatons/ suggestions on a national engine remanufacturing company?

Como

 

Not from the area either but I will add my suggestions...

You have an A2 if you want you can swap it for a k24a2 keep your tranny. Reason for this is because the k24a2 tranny is geared very long... loosing out on the fun! This probably a good option if you plan to swap.

What I would do if it was my car, I would get the engine rebuilt. A complete revamp of the internals with OEM parts. I would get an intake, race header, and a full catback exhaust. Then I would get hondata KPRO (ecu modification) and call it a day. You will be happy with the extra power from the rebuild of you k20a2 plus adding some bolt-ons that will add some extra power and calling it a day with KPRO with a dyno tune.

You have a good base to work on... most ppl swap your engine in their EG, EK, DC2, EP3.

 

Welcome to Honda-tech!

What makes you think you need an engine rebuild? Is it burning oil? Have you done a compression test? 186k isn't much for a K-series engine (honestly) and I don't see why you'd spend the time/money on a simple rebuild unless something is drastically wrong.

Basically - why fix it if it ain't broke?? Wait until something breaks, and then fix it, as this sounds like it's just your daily driver. I'm impressed with the low amount of maintenance your car has required, but don't neglect the basics that Hondas need: spark plugs, flush your coolant/transmission fluid/brake & clutch fluid, air filter, etc.

If you're looking for more performance, then pick up a K24a2 engine swap w/ Hondata Kpro and call it a day. For suspension or struts, I'd recommend picking up the A-Spec suspension kit from handa.com. I think you'd be more than happy with the performance.

 

TY Dave and Turbo ...

So Hondata will refer me a shop for a KPRO install and tune?

As far as the rebuild goes ... you're right, I don't actually need one. It's just that if I am going to drop about 4K into the car on the routine things that I've been able to put off till now, I want an idea of first, what it's realistically going to cost me if something goes wrong with the engine in the short-term. And second, what way to go to beef up the engine.

It sounds like in a rebuild/ replacement the K24a2 is the way to go.

Also, assuming the engine is sound ... and I have no reason to think its not ... is 186,000 too many miles to upgrade to the KPRO? Wouldn't mind to add a little ummph.

Thanks.

Como

 

No KPRO can be done when ever!

Get a compression test to see how healthy is your engine...

 

You're welcome ComoBaila. As being in the midwest, I have found some good local shops to work with. I would recommend you finding a local shop to work with as well. Not that I wouldn't recommend you to the shop(s) I use here, it's just to avoid having to pay for shipping and all. Plus, I support local businesses. Therefore, if you're **** like me, you can always stop on by to see how the work is coming along. The shop that I worked with was welcoming and always liked to see customers stop by. I just try not to be annoying and go every day.

Even if you don't think you need a rebuild, it's not a bad idea. After so many miles, things wear out and such. A K24a2 isn't a bad idea if you're really looking for the umph. K-Pro is a good investment.

http://www.inlinefour.com/services.html

I've purchased from them, just never had services done by them or their partners. Never had any issues with their customer service...

 

Thanks again.

Garden Grove isn't too far away. Maybe I'll take Inline4 up on it's invitation to stop by and check out there shop.

Como

 

i agree with the aspec suspension comment

i have it on my ep3 and it's perfect for daily driving
and its simple to install.
no adjusting heights or shock stiffness
just bolt it on

if you must...have a little more performance
get a front and rear strut bar..

they don't do much but it adds rigidity

if you really want to go all out on your car then obviously you won't get aspec suspension

 

I disagree with the strut bar... waste your money on the sway bars! You will do a world of difference with the sways then with the strut bars.

 

They are a little pricey, but reputable. A k24 will have to be BAR'ed to be legal in CA. If I am not mistaken Kpro is needed to run a K24. In which case you will likely not be able to make the engine legal. For your purposes I would simply drop in another K20 and do the Hondata #4 reflash. Perhaps an intake and if possible a type-R header will round you out nicely. That is my set up and It is very stock like, but definitely faster than stock. The reflash is also not legal but few, if any, smog techs will look at your PCM.
* (I live in LA)