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K Series Engine Swap Research

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.
 
#1,105 ·
I just put my engine in and i recommend that you remove the alternator first before you put the engine in. Other wise it will be a bitch to adjust your mount holes, because you don't have much room to move back and forth. I dont know how big is your manifold but I have Magnus intake manifold and it fits no problem with the fire wall. Good luck with your swap.!
 
#1,114 ·
One other issue I see is if your running a Z3 head then you'll need to incorporate some kind of "Y" into the inlet hoses. There is a dump from the cylinder head that flows back out of the head and ends pre-thermostat into the thermostat housing. It is used to warm the thermostat and help it open. Many have reported that if you block it off, the engine will over heat. I need to investigate if that is because the thermostat doesn't open or because there isn't enough outflow. If it's simply because the thermostat doesn't open then we are in luck because we are going to be using a different thermostat.
 
#1,121 ·
Cool, thanks! So to be well within operating temps at continuous use, we would likely need a pump with can generate 100-110gpm @8500rpm which would allow for a 10 degree rise from thermostat to head exit.

What does the existing pump output at what RPM? Does anyone have those specs? Presumably GPM over RPM right? Or I guess gallons per engine rotation.

It still seems then, and though, that the denominator is still the efficiency of the pump at it's current flow rate? I'm not very interested in picking up horse power for my application, I'll have plenty.

My interest is really around preventing cavitation at 8500rpm and keeping velocity up at idle. That can really only be done two ways i. The easiest way would be to use a more efficient impeller design in the existing pumps location which accommodates those ranges better then the OEM straight blade design. The second would be to remove RPM from the equation.

Unfortunately, I can't really find a better 'OEM' replacement pump. (And dammit, why don't we have an improved mechanical pump for K's yet?) Weird.

So that means we're relegated to an electrical. With the implication being that it need provide 100-110gpm. Almost exactly twice Meziere's largest off the shelf water pump.

Something doesn't seem right.
 
#1,127 ·
2 primary ways to avoid cavitation:
1) raise the system pressure with a higher pressure cap. This raises pressure everywhere in the system including the pump inlet where cavitation starts
2) improve the flow resistance anywhere in the system you can. By reducing the pressure drop from pump inlet to outlet, you increase the minimum pump inlet pressure. You also get more flow for a given pump speed. Bigger poppet thermostats (or 2 in parallel) are particularly effective. The flow resistance of everything counts including the radiator, hoses, and the engine itself.

Better pump designs also help of course, but i do not know of a better impeller source for the K. I do know that some of the aftermarket pumps have impellers that look worse than the OEM Honda part. As far as getting a high-output pump for very high HP K engines, I would probably just use whatever engine-driven pump the best racers use even if you are way off the .3 gpm/hp mark. For an engine-driven pump, coolant flow rate goes up roughly linearly with rpm until you hit cavitation. Therefore driving the pump faster with high system pressure is a good approach. I don't know what the OEM Honda pump flows at peak power, but I would guess 50-60 gpm.

Dave
 
#1,130 ·
Just thinking out loud if you run two pump's and they run at different speed's. One being belt driven, won't that cause a backup? When one works quicker than the other it wont simply just past by it. I do not know the specifics of how the electric pumps function but I am guessing it is like the belt driven pump but powered by a motor. If the rpm's are high and cause the belt driven pump to run faster than the electric then you'll pump water out quicker than it can enter because it is now restricted by the electric pump by the rad, no? I think your creating more point's of restriction
 
#1,131 ·
I'm not sure either. But most pump output formulas work as a vaguely linear/logarithmic function of pressure differential: in vs out

So I guess this would increase the input pressure thus increasing output pressure similarly?

Anyway, I was able to fit my Ultra with quite a bit of grinding. Really wouldn't want to try it on anything but the Type R pump.

Here's what that looks like:
Image

Look at all that OEM pulley goodness
Image


Also, BottleFed, you said you're using the Ultra and it clears? Did you have any fiddling to do with the TPS? Mine appears to be the next closest clearance problem now.
Image

-and-
Image


Finally, just because it's intake system porn, 4Piston does good stuff and are a pleasure to work with.
Image
 
#1,133 ·
Anyway, I was able to fit my Ultra with quite a bit of grinding. Really wouldn't want to try it on anything but the Type R pump.

Also, BottleFed, you said you're using the Ultra and it clears? Did you have any fiddling to do with the TPS? Mine appears to be the next closest clearance problem now.
Yes, each housing is slightly different. The easiest way to do it, is to order the Ktuned Kit and just cut the top off the water pump housing the supports the idler and tensioner.
Yes the Ultra clears. I used the B series TPS it was more low profile. If you plan on using a hall effect TPS you will have to hammer the firewall out. I have not tried the Ktuned THB yet, I plan on ordering an extra for test fitting with the GB going on. As far as the OBD wire, MWR has a few with and a few without. Look to the Honda "E" plug if there is a wire in position 23, then your has it. If not, sorry mate.
 
#1,136 ·
PPE Swap header

Anyone have pictures of the PPE header installed in a car with the 2.0L engine? PPE only makes one size for the k-Swap header (which I think looks like great performance header), but I assume the collector must sit 19mm lower in a k20 than a K24? I am concerned that it might be a bit too low in Spyder with a K20.

Dave
 
#1,137 ·
Anyone have pictures of the PPE header installed in a car with the 2.0L engine? PPE only makes one size for the k-Swap header (which I think looks like great performance header), but I assume the collector must sit 19mm lower in a k20 than a K24? I am concerned that it might be a bit too low in Spyder with a K20.

Dave
Mine comes out quite low, made me raise the car up. It's a bit lower than the oil pan, this pic makes it look more even than it is. The first header I got from them was touching the axle, even after clearancing one runner, the other runner touched. They sent me a new one free of charge and again when the 2nd one cracked by their logo plate in the middle of the runners by the block.

Also, I make 195whp and the most likely culprit is the header; it's an easy bolt on solution with great customer service, but I'm not so sure about the performance and fitment consistency.
Image
 
#1,139 ·
We will be designing a higher HP header this summer. I plan on shipping my car to PPE for testing. This header was designed for stock engines. I believe the header is accept for a stock engine it's after the header that's cutting the power because the size of the header tubes match the exhaust ports but most of the civic guys are running larger exhaust systems. These engine tend to love step header's but I total exhaust length is different.
 
#1,141 ·
Hey guys, the Cracked Up Racing MR2 is coming along nicely.

I got my engine and transmission mounted and wanted to share some clearance captures.

First, the Skunk2 Ultra manifold clears the firewall very well.
Image


Another angle:
Image


Second, using an 80mm K-Tuned throttle body with the Acuity Hall effect TPS I had to 'tap' the firewall by approximately 1/2"
Image


Third, with a Hard Dog roll-bar installed everything cleared. I still bumped the firewall out slightly near the alternator however. Here is the roll-bar backing plate for reference.
Image


And it's clearance installed
Image


Fourth, I tried to capture the awkward angle the lower coolant hose has with the following pics. I'm going to try coupling a 135 degree and a 90 degree together (using one of the many fan switch sensor adaptors) and see if it works. Using Pegasus Racing for those bends (135 Degree and 90 Degree)

From the driver-side looking passenger side:
Image


And from the bottom looking up:
Image


Fifth, Here is a relatively clear picture of the upper coolant hoses. Look pretty similar to OEM Spyder
Image


Sixth, I have a K24 installed, and I know there have been concerns about oil pan clearance. Here are a couple shots for those interested.
Image

-and-
Image


Finally, because I thought the engine looks nice and natural in the car
Image


Image
 
#1,146 ·
Hey guys, the Cracked Up Racing MR2 is coming along nicely.

I got my engine and transmission mounted and wanted to share some clearance captures.


Another angle:
Image




Fourth, I tried to capture the awkward angle the lower coolant hose has with the following pics. I'm going to try coupling a 135 degree and a 90 degree together (using one of the many fan switch sensor adaptors) and see if it works. Using Pegasus Racing for those bends (135 Degree and 90 Degree)

Fr

Fifth, Here is a relatively clear picture of the upper coolant hoses. Look pretty similar to OEM Spyder
Image


Is that the TSX thermostat housing?

Dave
 
#1,148 ·
Hey guys. Figured out a couple more items last night. Thanks again to Brandon for the help!

Lower radiator hose. I was going to hit up Pegasus for a 90 and a 135, but two ~90 degree's seem to do the trick as well. I think a 60 and a 135 would maybe be ideal with. I'm using an adapter for mine such that I can insert a fan switch, but I've tried to capture the angle and length of what worked for me.

Length/Bends
Image

Rotation (120 - 135 ish degrees?)
Image

Fit
Image


Clutch Line (thanks again guys for those part numbers!)
Here's an interesting picture. It has the clutch line routing, a rubber guard near my lower hose due to clearance, and an example of why I'm an idiot.
Image


Fuel feed line
With my rail/manifold, I can run a center feed. I simply rotated the feed hard line 180 and added a Quick Disconnect fitting by Russel. Part #: 644113
Image


The rest is just the standard -6 AN line flora and fauna. Of note however, if you can run this style line, you can save a bit of money. I bought 6'. I really needed 12".
Image


Tonight I'll wrap up the upper coolant hose. Brandon has a couple good suggestions, and I have a spare hose adaptor laying around I'll tap out to 5/8"'s pipe thread for the heater hose and post what it looks like.
 
#1,149 ·
So I have been research on this coolant issue, I have many people reporting some sort of cooling issue. Most state idle and driving seem to hold normal temp's but track use or dyno is getting cylinder temp's to high. I've been reading about the Meziere pumps but my concern is the ampere's. The suggested pumps will require 10-12 amp's. That is going to put a great strain on the OEM alternator as well as finding a battery to keep up with that need. We have the room and the location for a remote pump. Any other pump's out there with a lower amp rating?
 
#1,153 ·
I was with this motor in my Integra. Temps would reach ~214 after 7-8 hot laps. However, that was at ~235whp (I never lapped with the big cams in). I'm anticipating quite a bit more power with this new build.

I had a significant radiator, but I think my air-flow may have been ambiguous.

I just snagged a Koyo for my MR2, anyone else have experience with it?