Hi, I have a 2002 Honda civic lx and was planning on swapping my engine for a d17a or a d17a2. Has anyone done this before that could give me some tips or pointers? thanks!

 

I was planning to do the same to my LX. But instead I got me another car that is EX. I know as lots of people are saying is to get the D17A2 engine, ECU for the engine, and harness. Your LX ECU might not work because it's not equipped for VTEC, but you can always rewire it.

Your LX transmission will bolt up and can still be use. But it have a lower gear ratio. I'm swapping my 02 EX with stock motor with lower miles.
I Think it also doesn't matter if you get the engine from an auto tranny or manual.

Good luck!

 

I'm currently almost done with a d17a1 to d17a swap just got the a tranny bolt, the torque converter bolts and some plugging in to do.

 

Kfmeden, I have a couple of questions for you. Did you pull the engine from the top or drop it from the bottom?

Also, did you have to evacuate the R14 from the AC or were you able to pull the compressor to the side?

Thanks!

 

Heyy Azliving I got it up and running today!
I took out my engine from the top which was fairly easy but it's an automatic. From what I've gathered it might be a different story if its a manual. I drained the AC Before I started wrenching on anything... And then took it out with the engine. I didn't really want to try and mess with the bolts they're looong kind of in a tight spot next to the fan shroud thangy. Hopefully this helps you out a little bit!
​​​​​​
Kfmeden

 

Thanks for replying.

I'm going to put a JDM D17 and rebuilt manual transmission into a 2004 Civic EX next week. There are several videos where folks pulled the engine from the top but I couldn't tell if they were able to keep the AC intact by moving it to the side. I guess I will get the system evacuated before I start.

Thanks

 

Good luck in your swap here's some pics of the my car. It turned into my senior project lol. Got it in december. Ran great for a couple months then pooped out on me. The #1 rod bearing destroyed itself. I also took the time to replace the timing belt and valve adjustment on the new engine. Had to swap motor mount bracket on the engine since it was bent. and the thermostat housing thingy because it was leaking water from the o-ring, and had no use for the EGR valve. Being pushed for time I finished on the last week of school but it was a fun project. Also I wired up VTEC yo! Switch to give me all 16v instead of 12v. To get some more umph getting on the highway seems to be most responsive when kicked in around 3500 to 4200 RPMs



Looks just like the a1 that came out!

 

how did you wire secondary o2 sensor

 

Sorry for the delay
I used the dx manifold with the cat on the header so I didn't have to extend any wires.I ended slapping a header on so I don't have the 2nd o2. 1 oopsie is that I'm still running the D17A1 (nonvtec ecu) with the D17A VTEC with a manual switch.Being that the d17a1 runs on constant 16v rather 12v until vtec-. Still chillin at around 32 mpg with 35k on the block since I slapped it in.

 

how did you wire up the Vtec? I’m currently doing a D17a1 to a D17a, my ex doesn’t have a Vtec ecu or harness. Everything else seems to be good. Please help on the wiring setup for the Vtec !

 

I ended up putting a toggle switch in 🚩. But with the JDM engine doesn't have a oil pressure switch. Just a 12 volt signal to kick it on. So I connected a power wire that connects into the back of the cigarette lighter.(should only be on when the car is in accessory or running). To a switch. Then ran a signal wire to the single blue wire on the solenoid it's self. Ran the wire with an old metal cloth hangar, through a boot on the passenger side.

Some poeple might disagree with this way. But if it works I'm ok. Make sure that engine has enough oil, not running constant power to the VTEC, only when you want power to vtec. I believe On U.S models with pressure sensor, it will put your car in 'safe mode" if there is not enough oil. But the jdms don't have said sensor, just a bolt in its place.

ONce wired with a switch, or a button of your liking. You can try testing it in accessory. The solenoid should make a click noise under the hood. Extra ears may help

Forgot to mention there might be a bracket for the wiring that might be in the way a little bit. The bracket would've bolted up to where the VTec would have been on if the d17a1 had it. I just simply removed that bracket. I couldn't find bolts to use it...