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K Series Engine Swap Research

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6.8M views 2.3K replies 159 participants last post by  mcmcmc  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Last Update: 3/12/2014

"Getting closer and closer, Thanks to all who are helping make this a more manageable task for others"
Mounts: Solved
Shifting Mechanism: Solved
Axles: Solved, Updated 3/12/2014
Wiring: Researching, Updated 3/12/2014
Radiator Hoses: Solved
Heater Hoses: Solved
A/C: Pending Updated 3/12/2014
Throttle Cable: Pending Updated 3/12/2014
Fuel System: Solved
Exhaust System: Solved, Updated 3/12/2014
Anti-Lock Brakes: Solved
Power Steering: Solved


General Info: Always Read First...!
Well, I have been gone for a long time and will try to keep this updated. Sorry about the delay as I am in a transition period and can't work on the swap.
Also some really big information the innovative mounts put the engine so far forward that only the PRB intake manifold off of an RSX type S will fit.

BottledFedMR2 has confirmed this and it's been verified. So anything else will require the firewall to be cut or the manifold to be shortened. This sucks but at the same time it's nice to have the engine weight as far forward as possible as it puts it more centered.

I will have CONFIRMED next to everything I know for 100% is correct information.

Mounts: CONFIRMED
Recommends 75 was told by innovative that it's the same as a 65a poly used by
other companies. Theirs is pure poly so 65a could sag over time.
http://www.innovativemounts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=90551

Shifting Mechanism: CONFIRMED
Use the Factory MR2 cables and this bracket will make them interface with no other mods.
http://www.innovativemounts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=50507
**Note: 2006+ Civic SI transmission will require the shift "Arms" off of an RSX type S transmission. You will then be able to
hook up the innovative shift Mechanism as it would be on a normal RSX-type s Transmission.


Axles: CONFIRMED
Axles can be ordered through Drive Shaft Shop they now have part numbers on file though they are not on their website.
Part Number: RA9040x2 and RA9041X2

Wiring:
There is much debate about the wiring so far it's every man for himself. I haven't actually started the physical wiring so I can't confirm anything or have a proven design. There are a few that have completed their swaps and have them running and driving but they all sort of do wiring differently. Monkeywrench racing is working on a full swap kit and will be selling the parts all separately. I talked to them and they will be offering a wiring solution. Right now this is known for a fact!

If you want the car to fully function like a stock spyder you will need to shotgun the ECUs (Factory Toyota ECU and Honda ECU) if you don't care and want to replace your cluster then you can run a straight Honda ECU but don't expect it to be very easy and you will need to know wiring to do it. You will also find it a lot harder to get the A/C running correctly without redesigning the whole A/C wiring system.

Now if you just run the Honda ECU by itself and keep your factory cluster you will lose your TEMP gauge and a few other idiot lights.


Old Info 3/12/2014

ABS:

I have found in theory that the ABS is almost completely independent of the engine control unit there is one wire going to the ECU and from talks with people its a input to tell ecu that ABS is active.

P/S:
The P/S system isn't too much of an issue in my eyes as it will keep running if you don't give it any signal from ECU. So at the basic level, you have P/S no matter what. Now if you want to operate factory style then you need to configure Kpro to see the signal from the pump to IDLE UP on the current draw which is PIN E3-25.

There is also a pin on the ECU for turning the pump on and off while the engine is running/off. This pin is E3-19 on the ECU. From what I understand if the Power Steering ECU doesn't see any input on this pin it will just stay on all the time with the car in ACC/ON position. As for any speed variance to Pump pressure adjustments, this is all done between the P/S ECU and the ABS ECU (as the ABS ECU supplies the speed signal).

A/C:
I am working with innovative and when I start my swap will be using a prototype A/C adapter plate. You will want to keep your 1zz compressor as it will be the easiest by far to adapt to work. The K-series compressors are bigger and right now the 1zz one will barely fit.

I will be running wiring straight to the HVAC controls so that I can bypass the Toyota multiplex system and in essence just hard wiring the functions like Honda has in its cars all the way up to 2002. I will be recreating the same system they used in the earlier model civics that did not require any type of digital electronics.

At the back of the Toyota Hvac controls the A/C switch comes out as an analog +12 or Grounded signal that goes to the combo meter where it is processed and sent to the ECU on a multiplex. I will just be wiring straight to this output on the HVAC control and cutting the meter and associated multiplex functions out of the circuit. I will then create a patch harness for the A/C compressor that contains the High/Low switch relays to cut the clutch and also figure out a way to wire a freeze-out switch into this same harness.


Unless I am missing something and by all means correct me. I see that if you completely remove the factory Toyota ECU the only things that will not work are the A/C, Temp gauge, and Some idiot lights and that is it. Everything else can be wired/jumped to function like normal.

The Temp gauge is on multiplex along with some of the idiot lights and A/C. You could make these work using the factory ECU as a multiplex conversion box and feed it the K-swaps sensor signals and hope they are in the same range as factory Toyota's or hook up factory Toyota sensors in addition to the Honda ones on the engine. IE: two oil pressure switches, two temp sensors ETC...

My goal is to make it as streamlined and simple as possible (Wiring/Electronics). That is why I want the Toyota ECU to be completely gone and all functions controlled by the Honda ECU.

Overall I am getting more and more done day by day and hope to start buying parts soon. I wanted to figure out most of the wiring before I even took the first bolt off the car. I'm hoping to have some of the conversion harness already made before I even start working on the car. "


Throttle Cable:
Was informed that if you buy a Cruise Control delete it will allow the factory cable to bolt in no major mods are needed. Getting verification but should be for a 00-04 RSX.

Radiator Hoses: CONFIRMED
He also said that the K-series and the 2zz are very similar in where all the hoses route. Since this is true He has confirmed the fact that in the swap in the lotus all the hoses fit up 99% perfectly.

He said cutting one hose 2 inches is all that is required on the lotus. Since the engine is what determines the placement of hoses then the spyder should be no different than what's required for a 2zz swap.

Heater Hoses: CONFIRMED
Read Radiator Hoses Same applies.

A/C System:
Again BottledFedMR2 is the guy to see, he is working on bringing an A/C bracket to production. He is close to having it ready and I myself will be buying one.
It will use the 1zz compressor, he says it will be a little lower than he would like but it doesn't seem to be a big issue.

Tim said they are in the works to make a bracket for the Lotus with Kswap. So He says he doesn't see why the spyder wouldn't be able to use it. Again like the throttle cable he would need someone to test fit it and confirm or send it back to have it modified till they get it right. But it is doable and not a big issue.

The Lotus has issues with A/C line clearance and he said that is one of the problems they are working on. When I asked him if the Lotus and spyder have very similar bay layouts I didn't know for sure but he said the way the firewalls are the spyder might actually have more room for the lines. Like everything though he can't say for sure.

Exhaust System: CONFIRMED
PPE makes a Header now for MR-2 Spyder with Kswap and is also available through MWR.
The collector size is 2.5" and the overall header is longer than the stock one so will stick out further than the factory.
Still waiting to get info on if you can use a downpipe to make it line up with the rest of the factory system.

Fuel System: CONFIRMED
You will need to run a return of some sort. You will need to also get a fuel regulator. I am still a little iffy on this from a basic swap standpoint because Honda uses a returnless system factory so you might not need to do this if you're just going to OEM performance.

Extra Notes:
I will update this a little more in a few days. I wanted to get something new on here as I have been away from the forums for a while and people might like to see a summary of the events going on with the Kswap. The main thing that is missing is the wiring. Once there is an agreed-upon design that everyone thinks works and is simple as it can be will the swap gets easy enough for everyone.
 
#651 · (Edited)
I just recalled, out of curiosity, has anyone looked into using an Earthdreams K24? Those things are powerful, dynoing 180hp@6000rpm to the (bigger and heavier Honda Accord) wheels aka around 200 at the crank, and have a rev limit over 7000. They would easily exceed a stock K24Z3 with bolt-ons considering how it seems kind of choked at high rpm.
 
#652 ·
They're direct injection...so it would be a bit more involved on the fuel and computer side of things. Also the heads on the earth dream motors have the exhaust manifolds kind of molded into them and the precats bolt up to the head instead. With some R&D there is most likely some power to be had but I wonder how much those heads can flow.


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#653 · (Edited)
The high pressure pump is driven by the engine so it's a complete package, wouldn't a stock Accord ECU handle it just fine? But now that you mention the heads, that could be a concern because most DI engines around have high tumble, low flow ports and the Earthdreams engine could be choked at high rpm because of the intake ports rather than the exhaust.

That said, precat deletes seem to add quite a lot of power to these engines although they don't move the powerband upward by much.
 
#654 ·
I dont think they have true 3 lobe Vtec on both sides of the head like the K20a a2 z1 z3 k24a2 heads. The head is more similar to the k20a3 heads which when not in Vtec, only cracks 1 intake valve (to prevent fuel puddling) and opens the other intake valve (to promote swirl in the combustion chamber). When in Vtec both valves open to the center big lobe, similar to real 3 lobe Vtec. The exhaust has NO variable lift on the a3 head.

Image



Also, the exhaust manifold is cast into the head. Instead of a header its more of a downpipe which sucks for power production. They aren't performance oriented motors.

Image
 
#664 ·
It will big similar to the 2zz PnP harness you'll just clip your 02-04 rsx harness and a couple stock mr2 plugs into this and then the other end will go into the Honda/hondata ECU. The alt light, oil pressure an water temp will be the only none working functions of the dash. We tried really hard to get them to work but it would be a wiring mess and increase the costs due to how to multiplex system changes the voltage to the gauges. You can use the stock sensors and route them to aftermarket gauges. Honestly the oil pressure light is a "its to late" light anyway. You will have to crimp on one wire to another terminal in the front of the car but instructions will be included. We have decided to make two harnesses, there will be this harness for engine and running functions and then once we have all the AC stuff worked out you can buy the additional AC package which will include a AC harness and mounting brackets with instructions etc. This way the harnesses are removable and you can get what you want.
 
#667 ·
Hi guys, been lurking the thread for a while and you guys helped out a lot about my decision on which swap to do. So big thank!

Swap is currently underway (in local shop, as I'm a part guy not a mechanic)

Small deviation here and there as I bought a K20a from a Accord Euro-R instead of a TSX K24.

I'll try to post pic asap.

We are entering the wiring part soon, do you guys think the Accord Euro-R wiring is much different from an RSX, because Bottled PNP wiring look very interesting.
 
#671 ·
Can someone shed some light on what's required for a turbo build in terms of exhaust manifolds and exhaust?? Can you use an off-shelf manifold that will fit/work? If so, which one(s)? What about turbo back? How's the other piping like compressor side piping and intercooler routing?

Also, does the K20 oil pan sit as low to the ground as the K24 on the swap?

Thanks!
 
#680 ·
A swap header from PPE for $512? Thats a steal and a great value for the "perceived" performance upgrade (until someone dynos these).

However, PPE is not a specialist in the Kmotors, far from it. I'd rather give my money to a company and an industry that specializes in one motor/brand than one that is for another. On the other hand K-tuned isn't a race shop that specializes in making stuff like that but I would assume they have done their research in COPYING :)biggrin-new:) atleast the formula for a general improvement.

Honestly anything motor, I would look towards the honda forums and knowledge base for mods rather than anywhere else. It just makes sense. The stuff they are doing and talking about blows away anything and everything toyota.
 
#676 ·
are the PPE headers coated on the inside as well as out?

If you get the mild steal one's they are coated inside and out. PPE also sell SS for about the same price as you have posted above.. Its built for the swap so no bullshit with additional modding. I'm running a full SS system. I'm 1 5/8 at the head with a step header ending in 2.5 inches. Then the exhaust is a step exhaust starting at 2.5 and ending in 3 inch. If your interested in a PPE header lmk, I can get you decent pricing.

taking closer look at what you posted, its going to be to long out the back, you'll have to cut it before the last 2 to 1 happens.
 
#683 ·
Here's a taste of what we are testing out.






This is a Kswap header made for a civic chassis modified to fit the Spyder while still utilizing the 4-2-1 configuration to a 2.5 inch outlet, then mated to a 3 inch muffler section.
Already proven that this combo works very well (mikeyspec's car). Will test on my k20 as soon as I make a 3" exhaust for mine. The length and transition is needed for better power gains. More testing to come as soon as the weather here gets better.
 
#692 · (Edited)
David from what I hear you a pretty smart guy, so please take no offense to this but I get the same question over and over. So I will address the problem with a PnP OBD2 harness. Lets start with what it takes to build a PnP and whether it is actually worth doing. We have a swap here that myself and a few other members have been working on doing for a little over 2 years. Since starting this expedition I have actually only found 10 people who are generally interested in this swap, including yourself, the rest are dreamers and as soon as they find out how much work and money is actually involved they go back to looking at the 2zz. This is the same scenario as the 2gr.

Now lets reflect on what it costs to build just a "get it running PnP harness" These plugs are only available through companies in China. These companies only sell these plugs in mass amounts. (Let me back up a bit, the "get it running" harness uses 7 plugs.) The minimum purchase with these companies in China is $500.00 which equals abut 250-500 of just one plug. There also is not one company who has all the plugs. So in order to build this harness I have to order plugs from 4 different companies and pay shipping and other fees to 4 different companys. Ive already spoke to DDPR and MWR about this as I hope hoping to go into a joint venture to help offset the cost. I have put down over $3,000.00 just to order 7 plugs. I have enough parts to make 200 harness when I only have about 7 people actually interested in the swap harness or who have pulled the trigger and started sourcing parts. I know now I will never make my $3000 + back but whatever Im hoping to get atleast half back.

Now lets focus on the addition of OBDII complaince. Yes it is only a few more wires but the OBDII plug has wires that run from all over the car include the dash, the instrument cluster and other in the rear of the car. IE its like a spyder web. In order for me to make a PnP harness I would have to order more plugs including thoughs running in the dash (which would require you to tear your dashboard out) and plugs elsewhere in the car due to certain availability of the plugs. (some plugs are discontinued so I have to look further down the line of the harness and source the next plug) Therefore this would drastically complicate the installation of the PnP harness as well as a approximate cost of around $700.00 for the harness. Which I doubt anyone would pay considering you still need a engine harness. It is much cheaper and easier to splice in the extra wires needed on to either Chases diagram or add them to my PnP harness.

After speaking with David and Matt they have no interest at this time in building a harness due to the trouble and cost of sourcing the parts Ive gne through. The headaches I went through alone made me realize I will never make a PnP harness for the Mr2 again. The market isnt that big. And then there is always people who say, " if you make the PnP more people will do it" with the research Ive done, there are maybe 3 or 4 more people which who actually voiced up about OBDII which is not enough to offset the cost. If someone else rallies people together and gets enough money raised to purchase the plugs then I wil buy them and add them ont the current PnP harness and no additional cost. I just dont have anymore funds to dump into this project. I spent over $13,000 on this and recooped about 5% of it.

Therefore, at this time I think I can safely say myself, MWR and DDPR will not be producing a PnP harness thats will be OBDII ready due to the problem of cost it requires.