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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.
 
#2,073 ·
Has anyone ran into problems with the auto-tensioner? The manual calls for about 18-26 ft-lbs to make it rotate. My original needs 30, and a new one I ordered needs 36. The indicator is out of adjustment (past the small square). I destroyed one belt, replaced it with a different belt I found locally and it caused a slight leak. Cutting that belt off stopped the leak and now I'm back on the original 7pk1320 belt. Hoping the first frayed belt was a weird fluke.
 
#2,077 ·
In case anyone is interested, I am documenting eveyr nut and bolt of the swap I have under way. This is in the spiriit of my wildly popular "MR2 Spyder for Dummies" series, geared to people who may have never ever even held a socket wrench before but want to attempt an engine swap. Introducing "K-Swap for Dummies." Monkey see, monkey do!

 
#2,079 · (Edited)
I wanted to do something similar, dumb down the install but it was already installed...now I'll just video mods and events in the future.

EDIT
AAH you're Frank Saab! Weren't you a subaru guy, Saab 92x? I had a 02 WRX, same name on NASIOC, forums from 2004-2010. It's been so long but your name and someone by the name of "Saab Kyle" IIRC...sounds familiar.
 
#2,080 ·
Those memories...UGH! Glass transmission, spun rod bearing, STI short block swap, hybrid, so high compression, knock after tune...sold...then transmission destroyed 2nd gear within 3 weeks. Loved the car out of the box but modding it was the absolute worst bang for the buck ever.
 
#2,082 ·
Absolutely love it! I drove it for the first time in about a week, forgot about how responsive the low end is... gave it some beans as I turned a corner. I felt both back tires lift the back end slightly, set me to the side a little, then slingshot me off in the direction I aimed for. It's such a different experience from other rwd cars I've driven.

I was told don't waste the time and money since I was doing a budget build, but to me it's worth every penny. I'm contemplating a 6 spd manual w/ wavetrac for use as long as I'm NA.
 
#2,083 ·
Absolutely love it! I drove it for the first time in about a week, forgot about how responsive the low end is... gave it some beans as I turned a corner. I felt both back tires lift the back end slightly, set me to the side a little, then slingshot me off in the direction I aimed for. It's such a different experience from other rwd cars I've driven.

I was told don't waste the time and money since I was doing a budget build, but to me it's worth every penny. I'm contemplating a 6 spd manual w/ wavetrac for use as long as I'm NA.
Good to hear! What cables/shifter are you using? I have on order Hux's modified Hybrid Racing shifter and I'm planning to use a custom trans bracket and cables.
 
#2,097 ·
Quick question with regards to the cv axles.
The below might sound weird as it was typed as an email to n1-source.
These are the axles n1-source.com axles.
2001 mr2
k20a2 ep3 engine
6 speed ep3 gearbox


Last year I purchased your swap axles for my build.
They came with a spacer that goes between the driver side outer cv and the hub.

I can get the axle on without the spacer just fine and there is just enough thread for the axle nut.
My concern is the spacing between the cv and hub looks to be almost touching. The wheel does spin though so it might just not be touching or touching ever so slightly to allow the wheel to still spin.

Hence why you supply a spacer.

However with the spacer it is impossible for me to even get the arms connected and the nut doesn't quite fit properly. Tightened the axle stays about a third of the way before the end of the nut.
The arms don't come close to connecting not even with extreme force.

I could have the spacer machined smaller but my concern is that without the spacer the nut only just fits on properly - axle is flush with the outside of the nut.

What are the ramifications to not running a spacer?
I'm concerned that if it is slightly touching it could cause a lot of heat and damage the cv.
The easiest solution for me would be to take a 1mm or 2 off the hub so that there is sufficient clearance, I would then also be happy knowing the nut is on properly.



Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
#2,102 ·
Thank you soo much. This is exactly what I wanted to hear. It seemed the easiest and most logical solution. Unfortunately I had parts from a lot of USA companies shipped to my friend in Indiana, he then repackaged it all for me and shipped it here to South Africa. He might have misplaced the instructions 💩 .
 
#2,104 · (Edited)
Hi guys.
I'm almost done with my k24 swap.
In first I would say that the MAP swap mounts that I bought is very poor quality, very poor welds, bad engineered, to fit proper you have to put washers under the gearbox mount, the powder coating has peeled off the moment I took them out of the box and the most important - they doesn't fit with the K24.
In the end I made my own version...
Image



I read here about the N1 hubs and I don't like that this guys has shaved part of the centering section just to able to tighten the axle nut.
So I made my own version...


Image

Image
Image



The part number for the nut that I used is FE01701.
I found taller nut with part number A.B.S. 911190 it will probably cover the whole axle thread but I haven't tried it yet.


I read here that I need the two TSX passenger axles so I bought them and followed the instructions...
I have machined the outer CV joint to fit in the knuckle without spacer.

Image
Image


I assembled the axles without dustboots and testfitted them to check if they fit proper and got this result on both sides...

Image


The channels in the inner CV have a useful stroke of ~60mm... so I need axle ~25mm longer to fit proper
The axles from this post are aftermarket, they can't be from TSX with 21.69" compressed length and fit proper without spacers so probably someone have made mistake when sell them...



Here is my version of the shifter mechanism, It's made from 5mm thick sheet metal and all other parts are pulled out from the MR2's gearbox.

Image
 
#2,110 ·
I builded bracket that uses the original front bushing. Spyder's bushing is stiffer and utilizes the recess in chassis this leaves more space for the bracket when you install it.
Image



The CL9 exhaust manifold fit little too close to the subframe but with some shaving everything is ok.
In this picture seems that there is little space but is enough even after few launches there are no traces of touch between.

Image


I managed to make few launches on the street without wheel alignment and with bad tires...
k24a3
50° VTC
Kpro + PRA Euro Type R ecu
RBB intake manifold with EP3 throttle
Stock exhaust manifold -> 60mm from the merge to fist silencer and then 76mm

Image




Everything looked fine until I saw the ECU logs and for some strange reason it turned out that the injectors reach 100% duty.
The injectors are stock 310cc.
I changed 3 fuel pumps.
I changed 2 fuel pressure regulators.
I checked the fuel filter for cracks and is ok
I measured voltage over fuel pump connector terminals and is 13.8v as it should be.
I changed fuel pump relay.
I checked fuel line for clogging.
I installed pressure transducer and the pressure in fuel system is 55psi as it should be.
These injectors should reach 60-70% duty with my setup, has anyone encountered a similar problem?
The injectors are fine because the car works very well in the whole range...


Image
 
#2,118 ·
I can't show you but I can say that the engine was not standing horizontally, it was tilted to the right.
To compensate this I dropped gearbox with 16mm (with washers between gearbox and the mount) and then the diagonal distance became too much to screw the bolt on the right engine mount.
I'm using CR-V(11910-PPA-000) engine bracket.
 
#2,137 ·
Which bracket is supposed to work with this mounts?
The CRVs bracket is lowest option I think and it's supposed to lift the engine enough to sit horizontally but it doesn't...
These engine mounts are just bad engineered, poor welded and poor painted.
When I made the shifter mechanism I put only the gearbox in the engine bay mounted on the 3 mounts and even so there was a tilt to the right...
 
#2,121 ·
Scratch that BottleFed, I found the answer to my question about the MAP mounts thanks to MWR's site. MAP's site doesn't mention anything about reduced vibrations.

And to think he prob looked at my email like what a dumbass, never to go back and read his own description
🤦‍♂️
The mounts don't even show up on MAP's site with the list of K swap parts

At any rate, I'll buy the MAP mounts from MWR