Engine Swap Questions

Tawine

New Member
Well I definitely want to speed up my civic. Considering to engines, & I want to learn more about both.

First engine I thought about was a K20 from a Acura RSX Type-S. I saw some around $3000 - $5000, but it still get me past my 200+HP goal.

Second engine I considered was a J32A2 from a Acura TL or CL, and it was for way less about $1350. I think the power output is more too at 260HP.

So here are my questions.

- Would the J32A2 even fit in my 99 Civic LX?
- Which would be a better choice in the long run?
- Which would be much easier to put into the engine bay?
 

2slo4u

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The motors for both might not be a bad price but the time and money installing it and buying all the odds and ends will stack up fast. If you want cheap quick power. LS turbo. What's your budget? Why those two motors?
 


MistahJuice

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If u just want to hit 200hp then like he said a b series turbo is the cheapest and easiest if u can piece it together. J swap will have a lot of custom fab and k swaps are always expensive plus you'll need the mounts special axles etc
 

HonDaReal

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I mean 200hp is a possible with the single cam u have if u plan it right. And from what i hear ur hood wont close with a j series engine.
 


CHILD

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Hoods can close with a J series swap, it depends on the intake manifold you use and the year motor you go with.

Like above, there are cheaper ways of getting to your HP goal (considering if that's your only goal with your car) so you might want to consider other routes.

to answer your questions:
yes a J-swap will fit
Both engines have extremely large potential so neither out-weighs the other
Its easier to swap a Kseries than a Jseries
 

Tawine

New Member
I mean 200hp is a possible with the single cam u have if u plan it right. And from what i hear ur hood wont close with a j series engine.
That's what I heard too, I saw videos on youtube where they had to make a opening in there hood for it. I can't ride around with that !
 

Tawine

New Member
If u just want to hit 200hp then like he said a b series turbo is the cheapest and easiest if u can piece it together. J swap will have a lot of custom fab and k swaps are always expensive plus you'll need the mounts special axles etc
I know they'll need custom fab & mounts etc. I just personal don't want to just go with a B Series engine or LS Swap.

Budget: It's not like I have it at once, but I'm saving up. Might as well go all out (my opinion). K20 is what interests me the most right now. Just trying to research before I buy the engines. So I'll know all the required parts & how the labor will be.
 

CHILD

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This is what you need.

K-series motor
transmission
ECU
Tuning solution (kpro, AEM EMS)
K-series primary o2 sensor 4-wire wideband
K-series engine harness
K-series charging harness
Engine Mounts
Conversion Wiring Harness
Axles
Clutch Line
Radiators
Radiator Hoses
Radiator Relocation bracket
Slim Fan
Coolant Temp Sensor and Fan Switch
Fuel Rail
Fuel Pressure regulator
Fuel Lines
Shift box
Shifter Cables
Air Intake
K Series Swap Header
K series Test Pipe
Exhaust
Throttle cable

Optional extras:
Hybrid Racing AC/PS Removal Kit
Air Conditioning Kit- This kit allows you to retain air conditioning in the K swap vehicles.
Power Steering Kit
 

Tawine

New Member
Alright, that's going to be a lot of work & parts to get. It'll all be worth it though. I'm just going to save for everything & buy all at once. Hopefully by then I can install it myself (doubt it though).

This is what you need.

K-series motor
transmission
ECU
Tuning solution (kpro, AEM EMS)
K-series primary o2 sensor 4-wire wideband
K-series engine harness
K-series charging harness
Engine Mounts
Conversion Wiring Harness
Axles
Clutch Line
Radiators
Radiator Hoses
Radiator Relocation bracket
Slim Fan
Coolant Temp Sensor and Fan Switch
Fuel Rail
Fuel Pressure regulator
Fuel Lines
Shift box
Shifter Cables
Air Intake
K Series Swap Header
K series Test Pipe
Exhaust
Throttle cable

Optional extras:
Hybrid Racing AC/PS Removal Kit
Air Conditioning Kit- This kit allows you to retain air conditioning in the K swap vehicles.
Power Steering Kit
Googling Everything !
 

CHILD

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yeah for mounts and axles.
 

Hecz

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Well I definitely want to speed up my civic. Considering to engines, & I want to learn more about both.

First engine I thought about was a K20 from a Acura RSX Type-S. I saw some around $3000 - $5000, but it still get me past my 200+HP goal.

Second engine I considered was a J32A2 from a Acura TL or CL, and it was for way less about $1350. I think the power output is more too at 260HP.

So here are my questions.

- Would the J32A2 even fit in my 99 Civic LX?
- Which would be a better choice in the long run?
- Which would be much easier to put into the engine bay?
B18C5 will put you at 200hp. Its easier to install then a J-series, H-series- K-series. Why? Because B-series came inside the Ek chassis. Easiest to install in mechanical and electrical terms. Its like your car is just Waiting for that engine to be installed. It's been proven by Honda that a B-series engine belongs in a 1996-200 Civic.

Never overlook important things like

-what type of car are you looking to build ( daily car with 200hp, Race car, Drag car, ect)
-emissions ( is the emissions system running correctly.CEL, MPGs, Emissions test.)
-comfort ( your daily car needs to be comfortable, if not you will become irritated. do not sacrifice luxuries in your dailiy driver. )
-maintenance parts. ( can parts be easily purchased, or do you have to hunt them down)
- custom parts ( axels, what happens when your brake axles? do you have order $500 custom axles everytime they brake? Or can you run to your local Autozone, Pepboyz, Advance auto partz, Oriliez to pick up some replacement axles)
-Balnace/handling ( .... )
-Ground clearance ( will the underneath of the engine scrape the floor)
-Engine bay clearance ( can you do a timing belt change without having to remove the engine)

At the end of the day all these topics become your opinion, just do not overlook them.
 


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