My buddy has a 87 lude and he wants to put the d17 and trans out of my 01 civic in it. We can get it in there. My question is, my 01 has the programmed key how is that part going to work in the 87 lude. He will have my ecu and everything from the 01. Will he need a key to program for the ecu or what?

 

If he will be using the ECU and harness from your vehicle he will need the immobilizer unit that is on your steering column. It has a ring that induces a magnetic field into the transponder key which then sends an RF signal back to confirm the security code. He can use your key and tape it inside of that ring and plug the immobilizer unit in to your harness which is now in his car. Then tuck it up under the dash. Thats the easy and not as clean way I guess. You can also get a DBALL bypass module from Sonic Electonix and it'll copy your key and you use that instead of the old immobilizer and key. Another option is remove his ignition cylinder housing and replace with your's. The anti tamper bolts can be removed with a hammer and flathead. Not sure about the column lock but then he could use your key in his ignition and all is well.

I have an 87 Prelude Si that I would like to B swap eventually. I look forward to seeing your buddy's progress all said and done. Good luck!