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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.
 
#250 ·
Just checked everywhere on DSS' site. Nowhere does it mention anything about kswap axles for toyotas. Do you have a link? There are kswap axles for the lotus but with a sunspeed kit rated for 250.

I'm understanding clearly everything you are saying don't get me wrong. But when I hear info like what Kseriespower's thread mentions Innovative rep's telling him its rate to 600, thats where my confusion comes in. Why would they purposely tell him this when they know he will be reaching for atleast 400 and the axles are rated for 200? Sounds like disaster waiting to happen.

Again i'm not in disbelief of what you say, I'm just trying to get to the bottom of this. I'll go back and reread the previously discussed topic.
 
#251 ·
You will not see any Toyota kswap axles listed on their website until DSS has a chance to take measurements of their own because again they do not want to be liable if they don't fit. That being said you can call them and speak to them about the axles, that's what I did I talked to one of the tech's for about an hour because I sent them my measurements. I can tell you they make axles in different stages for different horsepower, that's is why you see stage 0 which is basically stock, then 1.9,2.9, 3.9 etc. These tell you the HP ratings. They axles I had produced are the 2.9's. Anything stronger and you would need a different hub they told me. I can tell you that's DSS has the same jobber pricing for everyone, so if I buy axles I pay the exact same price as anyone else who has an account with them. The 2.9 rated axles are $660.00 my cost plus shipping, so there is no way that they can offer you the 4.9 axles for $600 bucks, the cost on stage 0 axles is significantly less than $660.00 and I can kill the $600 price if you want them. I originally was going to get the 600 whp axles made, and this maybe where you heard the 600 whp because I was trying to accommodate everyone's needs and we posted about it on the forum under his swap. But in talking with DSS they told me to get to 600 whp axles your going to be a custom hub, which made the price sky rocket. The issue is that's the weakest point at about 400 hp is the output shaft that goes into the hub, the only way to get to 600 whp was to make that's part of the shaft bigger and there you would need a new hub that could accept that bigger size of the shaft. Maybe a couple of guy I've sold axles to can chime in because I know DSS throws a letter in the box with the axles that talk about the warranty and brake down the stages. I do not have the letter anymore. I have also verified with Ikrana. He bought a second set from me and said the hubs are the same as the ones I order but he got the upgraded axles and paid like $900 for his first set of axles and he said he didn't like the fitment. So yes if you pay more $$$ you can get the bigger axles. On my set I also went bigger and got the race package on mine since I know I will beating the hell out of them and got the raced prepped version for an extra $150.
 
#256 ·
You are talkning about my two sets?
I can post on my "old" set but the new one is on the car at the moment, i will remove the hubs soon when I am building a 2 caliper setup on my rear hubs, then i can maybe pop the axels and take a compare photo?
 
#258 ·
Here are some of the emails between me and DSS:

Because I originally thought they supplied the wrong spines..

Big problem. I haven't opened my race prepped axles yet but if they are the same as these I have a issue. The outer CV is not a Mr2 spyder. The spines are correct and the thread pattern is correct but there is no ABS ring on the axles which is 100% necessary because the Toyota system uses the ABS sensors for the speed sensor as well. Secondly the cut of the outer CV is tapered and the OEM Toyota outer is not. I have pictures of what I recently got today and a Toyota Mr2 outer CV. You should be able to see why it may not sit in the hub correctly.

Picture:
956 is a OEM Toyota hub

004 is a Honda CV

941 is what we got which is suppose to be Mr2


REPLY

"The outer CV we use is not the original MR2 CV, as that wouldn't be sufficient for the HP rating the axles are designed for.
The housing itself is a different shape, but the spline fitment is the same and uses much stronger internal components than the OE MR2 CV."

Another email with HP rating for 2.9 stage:

I think it is important to note that on K-series motors the Half shaft goes toward the passenger side and not the drives side (if the motor is in it's stock location) I don't know what direction you are mounting it in the MR2. Exhaust forward or exhaust toward the rear of the car.



To reach that power level you will need a stage 2.9 axle good to 475hp.

The reply email about 600 hp axles from DSS:

In order to handle that HP, we will need to do a custom Level 3.9 kit for this vehicle. For the pricing, it would be based off of a Level 3.9 kit which would list

for $1299.99, for your cost see AC35 in your system as it would be the same as that.


The 3.9 would use a larger outer CV spline than stock, so we would need for the customer to send in his factory wheel hubs so we can machine and broach them to the larger spline since we don't make a hub for that vehicle.



I can post more emails if needed.​
 
#261 · (Edited)
Would love to but Im in Chicago. Axles are in Detroit. Couple other people has sets as well. I have some partial pics.

ikrana pics

I dunno its not loading the pictures

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1618614_10100588720586817_97749570_n.jpg

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1656330_10100588720606777_1753118217_n.jpg

Only pictures I have of the ones I ordered.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1724328_10100588721998987_802661937_n.jpg

Now I don't know if ikrana got the upgraded ones or not, I know he paid upwords of $900 for his axles, which makes me think he may not have got the stage 1.
 
#273 ·
#274 ·
Main Page updated!!!!!!
Sorry guys been so long. So any major info is on the first page of this thread. If you have any information to contribute please PM it to me. I will update the thread.
I am trying to keep all information in one source so people are not getting mixed information. I would like to have a source people can go to and know its accurate information.

Thanks
 
#276 ·
Here are some revisions to what you have posted.

The shifter mechanism from innovative will only work with the rsx transmission, The 06+ civic si transmission will require some modification because the shifter is entirely different how ever it can be done. You'll need to purchase a types s shifter mechanism and linkage and mount it to the civic trans, then you can use the innovative stuff and make it work. A little less room due to where it mounts on this trans but it works.

Second the PPE header is LONGER than the stock spyder header, its similar to the 2zz header they offer. This header is available through them or MWR as well.

DSS now has a part number for the axles but when I last spoke to them he didn't have any interested of updating there website with these number, why that's is I have no idea. Part numbers are RA9040x2 and RA9041X2.

Lastly throttle cable issue is resolve if you order the cruise control delete kit. It will replace the throttle cam and cable mount making it similar to ours stock setup

One last thing, I'm starting to think that a standalone system is going to bĂŞ the best for working out all the bugs
 
#278 ·
I'll update the main thread. Thanks for the info. Which cruise control delete kit was used? I would like to get a part number
from their website to add to the thread. Sorry about the header mix up. I must of read the messages you sent me wrong sorry.
I'll update it. Was using their down pipe still make the Factory (style) exhaust bolt up or not?

Thanks
 
#277 ·
More info on the shift linkage: I havnt ordered the kit yet from Innovative but I have an 08 Si trans with an RSX type S shifter mounted to it. It requires drilling into the trans case for one bolt, and hondabond for good measure. Not hard but nerve wracking drilling into a nice clean trans.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#294 ·
The ILX uses either a 2.0 or 2.4

The 2.0 is a R series engine so it wont fit. And it's a SOHC engine so you wouldn't want one anyway.

The 2.4 is the k24z7 and has the integrated exhaust ports. According to hybrid racing it does not have "true VTEC"; It has the 1 lobe exhaust cam opposed to the 3 lobe one you'd want.
 
#321 ·
if they will not do it, we could do it with an arduino pretty easily to prototype it, and then once the code and minimal circuit ( mainly just protection for the arduino) were finalized, could turn it into a low volume printed board. Prob ~ 40 hours coding. I think there is an arduino shield for canbus already, so it might not even need any custom hardware at all. I guess as a bonus you could do other things too as converting one data stream to another leaves the cpu mostly idle.
 
#333 ·
Looks really nice painted or not. I lean towards the stainless look but my last couple just ended up looking like rust after two years...anyone have long term experience with the black and how it holds up?

But more importantly...How much did PPE charge you for the manifold? And do you have the specs on the runner diameters?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#334 ·
Going to follow this thread very closely! Couple of questions

1) if you're using an 06 si trans, what EXACTLY needs be modified? What other parts are needed? Pics from anybody would be great.

2) with the k24a2 06 tsx motor, you need the 02-04 rsx s engine and charge harness? The tsx one won't work with kpro?

3a)from what I've read, the rbc intake manifold WONT work with the k24a2 in the mr2 without modifying the firewall, correct?

3b) at this point we know the rbb Prb and prc all work without mods correct?

4) ac bracket is being made but only if you use the 1zz compressor, run a relay switch and have kpro or the arm actually signal it on?

I'll be thinking of more questions but that's all I can remember for now
 
#335 ·
1) the shifting mechanism on the transmission is different from the rsx type s. not sure which one is better for this swap, since i am doing research as well.

2) rsx engine harness would make it easier. you will either have to swap out the knock sensor and crank position sensor to the k20 type s version or repin the harness at the connector.

3a) i'm going to have to agree, but can't confirm.

3b) can't say, but the RSP works. http://www.k20a.org/forum/showthread.php?t=102755&page=18

3c) also, the RSP would be the best oem manifold to use anyway.

4) has anyone even got AC to work yet?