Can I replace the D17A1 with a VTEC disabled JDM D17A2 ?

Vehicle is 2005 Civic LX coupe with single cam D17A1, manual transmission. I'd like to swap a JDM D17A2 with the VTEC disabled.

The JDM seller told me I can remove the VTEC solenoid and the D17A2 would function okay. At some time in the future I may want to convert to VTEC, but for now I just want to swap the JDM motor ASAP.

Tim

 

Sounds like you ran into a good salesman. That salesman is an idiot.

You do not need to remove the VTEC solenoid since you do not have it plugged in anyway. Also, your ECU doesn't have the output circuitry to operate VTEC. The non-VTEC intake cam lobes of the A2 engine are not as aggressive as the A1 camshaft profiles, so the engine will NOT perform as good as the D17A1 did on the stock ECU, especially in the upper RPM range. Get an A2 ECU and program it for your Immobilizer key... add a couple of wires for VTEC and DO IT RIGHT. You will be much happier.

 

The 2005 LX motor has a head gasket issue. This is my daily driver. I probably should just rebuild the A1 head.

I thought, the if the A2 motor would function, I could get wiring from an EX and reflash the ECU at a later time when I have another vehicle.

 

You can always get your JDM d17a2, and do the swap but then put your d17a1 head on the d17a2 block.....if it's a head gasket issue, but if you ha e the ability to do a motor swap that fast.... it would be cheaper to just change the head gasket on your d17a1.