Acura RSX DC5 & Honda Civic EP3 Includes DC5 Integra Type R & 5dr Civic hatchback

Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 16, 2008 | 09:12 AM
  #1  
WhiteOnRice's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Default Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

I am copy and pasteing my thread from EPHatch so non-EPH members can get a write up. Please add it to the FAQ Todd


On with the show:
This is a list of things you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3, motor up and out. No messing with the subframe.

What I've gathered that isn't obvious or doesn't bolt in:
-Replace RSX-S power steering pump with EP3 idler pulley
-Serpentine belt: 64" 7-ribbed or EP3 belt (will be on the edge of spec but works fine). 64" 7-ribbed belt: http://www.autopartswarehouse.....html
-RSX-S engine harness, EP3 can be used with modification for reverse lockout.
-EP shifter may need to be cut to reach reverse ( http://images.sportcompactcarw...m.jpg ) I had to shave the piece that sticks out to the right (my ep is 2002). Had to disassemble and shave whole thing piece (it's about an inch tall from right above the arrow and up).
-Use your ep shift linkage.
-RSX-S ecu (use EP3 until you get your key reprogrammed to ECU by Acura/Honda, keep RPM's low until while using EP3 ECU) Costs 0.5 hours of Acura's time - $55 and some cents for me.
-Use EP3 axles unless doing a rsx-s 5 lug/brake swap.
-I used an EP3 DCRH. You'll need custom work if you want to use the rsx-s em/dp (I don't suggest modifying your exhaust this way).

Let me know if I should add anything.

How to retain A/C if pulling engine up and out:


Name:  IMG_0123.jpg
Views: 15088
Size:  105.4 KB

Yes, a k20 can be pulled up and out.


a3 belt tension on a2:
Name:  IMG_0158.jpg
Views: 14950
Size:  64.1 KB

Oh, if you don't take a picture like this, your new motor will immediately throw a rod on startup:
Name:  IMG_0142.jpg
Views: 14918
Size:  67.9 KB

If anyone have a2 swap questions, ask them here please.

Last edited by WhiteOnRice; Sep 13, 2010 at 06:27 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2008 | 03:35 PM
  #2  
SkoundrelUSA's Avatar
cute little bastard
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 7,086
Likes: 0
From: Sersey Jhore
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3 (WhiteOnRice)

don't forget the allternator question i had from ephatch

bump
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2008 | 05:10 PM
  #3  
WhiteOnRice's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Default

That mod never answered. Use the a2 alternator and you'll be good!
Reply
Old Jun 17, 2010 | 02:27 AM
  #4  
jdmlou13's Avatar
Trial User
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

I am looking to have the same swap done on my ep3. Does anyone know of a shop in Miami that has done this swap successfully?
Reply
Old Jun 17, 2010 | 05:37 AM
  #5  
turboteg2nv's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,792
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

The '10s are invading
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 11:23 AM
  #6  
D. Nemo ep's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: charlotte, nc, us
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

how bout doin a k20a2 jackson racing supercharger
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 08:13 PM
  #7  
nahonda04's Avatar
Surje.motorsports
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 0
From: mechanicsburg, pa, usa
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

we need this stickied
Reply
Old Aug 13, 2010 | 05:14 PM
  #8  
WhiteOnRice's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

Originally Posted by D. Nemo ep
how bout doin a k20a2 jackson racing supercharger
You use the EP kit.
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2010 | 10:53 AM
  #9  
Slowcivik's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

-RSX-S engine harness, EP3 can be used with modification for reverse lockout.

I have a friend using an ep3 harness for a k20a2/k24 swap. when he uses the a2 t/b, the tps sensor does not read. he tried to wire the tps from the a2 in, but still he says it does not read. is the ep3 harness different in this case in reference to the throttle bodies. he stated it might be the fact that the tps is located on the inside towards the motor on the ep3, i really dont know if that matters. if so, please explain. btw, its in a awd eg
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2010 | 02:11 PM
  #10  
WhiteOnRice's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

I fortunately never had the need to research how to modify the a3 harness for this swap. Although I don't know what specifically must be done I've heard that the wiring must be modified for the TPS in addition to the reverse lockout. (And possibly to the knock sensor--something I remember reading once.) If he figures it out please let us know. It would be good for this thread to have that information.

Originally Posted by Slowcivik
btw, its in a awd eg
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2010 | 04:57 PM
  #11  
Slowcivik's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

my apology h/t. i was misinformed on the harness and t/b. my friend actually has a base rsx harness and t/b. thru some web searching the ep3 t/b is the same, so is the wiring. the base model rsx t/b is different and wired different. the wires are backwards due to the fact that the tps is on the inner engine side of the intake manifold. i will do the re-wiring 2maro and write-up my conclusion. thanks guys
Reply
Old Aug 18, 2010 | 01:04 PM
  #12  
D. Nemo ep's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: charlotte, nc, us
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

Originally Posted by WhiteOnRice
You use the EP kit.
wah do all i need to do the k20a2 with a3 supercharger? to make sure i got everything.
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2010 | 07:26 PM
  #13  
WhiteOnRice's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

Originally Posted by D. Nemo ep
wah do all i need to do the k20a2 with a3 supercharger? to make sure i got everything.
I'd contact Jackson Racing directly. Their service is very knowledgeable from the times I called.
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2010 | 07:10 AM
  #14  
Ertan Type-R's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

kolay gelsin.ingilizcem yok yazıları pek anlayamıyorum.10bin km jcksn racing sc kullandım 9psi de stoc motor dc headers+70m skunk2 cat back+replika guruppem+prb kpro 303hp çıkmıştı.
Reply
Old Sep 11, 2010 | 08:11 PM
  #15  
WhiteOnRice's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

Originally Posted by Ertan Type-R
kolay gelsin.ingilizcem yok yazıları pek anlayamıyorum.10bin km jcksn racing sc kullandım 9psi de stoc motor dc headers+70m skunk2 cat back+replika guruppem+prb kpro 303hp çıkmıştı.
303hp on 9psi, stock motor!? I want to meet your tuner...
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2010 | 06:31 AM
  #16  
WhiteOnRice's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

Originally Posted by WhiteOnRice
-Serpentine belt: 64" 7-ribbed or EP3 belt (will be on the edge of spec but works fine).
Just a FYI for all, been using the a3 belt for 2 years with no problems at all. No slipping, squealing, nothing.
Reply
Old Sep 24, 2010 | 08:57 PM
  #17  
neihouse123's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Arkansas
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

i have this swap on my 02 ep3, love it. but my next leap forward is building a hybrid and making the k24a2 frankinstien. and in a perfect world once its done, i want to sleeve it and bore it out to a 2.6 :D should be a fun little hatch
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2010 | 10:16 AM
  #18  
jdmallday1090's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: frederick md
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

so the ep3 engine lifts right out of the sub frame correct and does anyone have a link of how to modify for the reverse lockout, searched but no luck...
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2010 | 08:49 PM
  #19  
WhiteOnRice's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

^It lifts out no problem.
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2010 | 04:03 AM
  #20  
jdmallday1090's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: frederick md
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

yea i actually already did the swap last weekend and it was very easy and thats coming from a noob
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2010 | 05:43 PM
  #21  
WhiteOnRice's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

Yeah I'd rather pull a K then a D/B any day. No rust helps too.
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2010 | 06:11 PM
  #22  
jdmallday1090's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: frederick md
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

yea im still having trouble with the idle tho, it seems to jump back and forth from 1000 rpms to 2000. any ideas? also im using the stock ep3 ecu and ep3 harness untill i can get kpro, i havent driven the car yet tho
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 03:16 AM
  #23  
Ertan Type-R's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

Originally Posted by WhiteOnRice
303hp on 9psi, stock motor!? I want to meet your tuner...


http://www.streetfire.net/video/u-ty...-km_707542.htm
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2010 | 06:54 AM
  #24  
jjthug88's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

nice pic, hope i dont throw a rod
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2010 | 07:49 AM
  #25  
WhiteOnRice's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Default Re: Everything you need to swap a k20a2 into an EP3

Originally Posted by Ertan Type-R
Ahh, to the flywheel. :D
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:32 PM.