MR2 SpyderChat banner

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.
 
#345 ·
I'm not sure what measurements I need. I have a Portflow head and the motor is bored out to 2.5L running highish compression and stage 2 NA cams so I'd need to do some research on honda forums and see what runners and collectors they suggest with similar setups


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#348 ·
Well you just need the measurements of the exhaust holes in the head. You what the size of the hole in the head to match that of the header. If one is small than the other that will create a bottle neck. You'll need a caliper and to measure the ports of the exhaust side. I can then have the header made to match that.

So stock TSX RBB IM wont fit. I was gonna cut the firewall anyway but good to know. And that RSP definitely cost way too much for the gains. Especially when you still would want to fab a lower cover for center feed style on top of figuring out trumpet length for your optimal range.

Anyone got a link on how to repin the RsxS harness for the crank/knock sensors when using on Tsx motor?
The RBB will fit but your doing to have to rubber mallet the firewall quite a bit. You are already going to have to use a mallet on the stock firewall due to the position of the alternator in the stock location. We made a bracket to bring the alternator closer to the engine but I'm not mass producing those, as the cost to produce them would out weigh the rubber mallet. For the price of the RSP we can get a custom manifold made thats will yeild greater gains than the RBC manifold. The TSX and RSX crank sensors should be the same, there will no no need to repin that sensors. As for the Knock sensor, its only one wire, you just need the TSX pig tail to the sensor and you can unclip the single wires and re-clip it into the TSX plug. Therefore you won't have to change anything at the ECU end of the harness.

Other than those mechanical bits, will 02-04 RsxS harness work on 06+ Civic tranny? I mean will the harness plug into the high freq sensor on the tranny? And then obviously select high freq in Kpro correct?

I'm still up in the air about which tranny to get. Anyone can chime in on how each compares?
I'm not using the speed sensors on the transmission. I'm using the reverse light indicator and that it is. As we have discovered you can turn that function off in the Kpro, it isn't needed. If your heart still desires you can tap in the Toyota Speed sensors which are in the ABS sensors.
 
#346 ·
So stock TSX RBB IM wont fit. I was gonna cut the firewall anyway but good to know. And that RSP definitely cost way too much for the gains. Especially when you still would want to fab a lower cover for center feed style on top of figuring out trumpet length for your optimal range.

Anyone got a link on how to repin the RsxS harness for the crank/knock sensors when using on Tsx motor?
 
#354 ·
Just FYI for you guys wondering about the A/C.
Yes you can just hook up a relay and a switch to have KPRO make the compressor kick.
The problem is there will be no fail safes in the system nor will the compressor kick on a off like it should.

The main problem with A/C wiring is that toyota deicded that every componet of the A/C system needed to go directly to the ECU... ughhh
Honda uses a electro Mechanical system that is worlds simpler. Right now at bare bones level to get the A/C to function you will need

1. Switch to signal Kpro ECU you want A/C on
2. output wire from kpro to the control side of the compressor relay
3. said wire from number 2 above to pass through the HIGH/LOW switch on the A/C lines in the engine bay. (This is what keeps you from having a big disaster)
optinal and high recommended.....
5.) Freeze out sensor in the dash to keep the A/C core from turning into a ice block.
6.) You also need to triger the condensor Fan to come on when the A/C system is on.
 
#357 ·
I'm not a electrical guy but what if you bypass the ecu and somehow control it via other means?

Maybe use the stock control nobs and wiring but run it to a seperate switch with some of the relay and wiring guidelines you've posted (literally a switch)?

There's several spots on the left side of the dash to put a switch. I'm sure we can figure something out instead of having kpro signal it on via a parameter.

Just trying to help out.

Could you clarify via diagrams or drawings? What do you mean by freeze the sensor? Not use it at all? As far as the fan maybe a basic switch like I mentioned before?
 
#358 ·
I think i'm going crazy from reading honda stuff again. Will our tachometer work after and how is that wired again? I know our speedometer is independent thru the vss with the abs system.

I've read the high freq vss can be shaved down and will connect with the low freq harness.

I really want the later model civic si tranny now as you can see. lol. Another question why does the lotus crowd get an updated shifter linkage for civic si trannys and we don't? Shouldn't everything pretty much be the same between lotus and spyder since both can accept 2zz/tranny? I don't understand why that same linkage wouldn't work in our chassis with our shift cables. Unless shift cables need to be swapped to 2zz tranny cables?
 
#362 · (Edited)
To hit on the transmission subject again. Just something to consider.... Mr2 spyder 5 and 6 speeds are pretty weak above 250tq the same is said for the 5 and 6 speed trans from the civic/Rsx/tsx. Especially with lsd equipped. On the honda forums they talk about the oem type r lsd trans breaking during hard launches or any wheel hop often when above basic bolt ons (above 240hp). I drive my cars hard and plan to make around 320-400hp with a k24 swap.

Many may not know but huxracing.com offers what they call the cannibal which is a adapter plate, flywheel adapter all necessary bolts and axle carrier for a k20 or k24 mate to the mr2 turbo e153. MWR makes axles to fit this trans to the spyder. This trans is a beast and in my mind if you consider FI on the K series this should be the route to go....

It's just more $$$ but so is broken transmissions
 
#364 ·
Didn't get the lotus shifter, thanks. I knew I read making the mechanical connection wasn't too hard.

So funny show these swaps need everything from RSX lol.

Someone figure out the electricals on the A/C stat!! It's getting warmer, I'm tired of sweaty racing seat balls.
 
#368 · (Edited)
#371 ·
I know some of you already mentioned the Ktuned swivel thermostat housing is a necessity for this swap. I'm really trying to find a way around this, to me a very expensive purchase. So i'm here asking for help and clarification and maybe help everyone else in the process. I've found two different angle stock housings from the Z3 and A3 with pics. Would either of these work or help in aligning the water hose? If not which direction does it need to point for best hose alignment, straight down?

Z3
Image


A3
Image


Also one more question about belt routing. Without the AC at the bottom right, does the belt just go straight to the crank after the water pump? Doesn't seem like alot of belt wrap.
Image
 
#373 ·
Question. Other then the temp gauge, what else wont work on the stock cluster if you run the honda ecu alone?
I figure you can run a aftermarket temp gauge direct and just have kpro for everything ( as long as the obd2 functions properly)

Any new news on a wiring solution or is it being worked n by rywire from what I've read?

Let's keep the info coming!
 
#375 ·
I am pretty sure that to run with not A/C and not P/S, the K motor needs one of the aftermarket A/c and PS delete kits. There are at least 3 differnet ones to choose from, and I haven't yet decided which one to pick. The K-tuned one

http://k-tuned.3dcartstores.com/Universal-AC-PS-Eliminator-Kit_p_248.html

seems like an excellent one, but they use a special made alternator pulley and I would like a significantly larger pulley to slow the Alternator down. For my car (no PS and no DRL's) the alternator will be way oversized for my needs at idle speed.

Dave
 
#387 ·
Alternator should stay in oem location, a alternator relocation kit will never fit in a mr-s chassis without alot of cutting.
 
#403 ·
This is very true, I and others have talked to the people who designed and built the mounts. Tim said the mounts are belt using a K20A2 out of a RSX type-S well all parts in their OEM locations. (The only non planed out part was the belt tensioner as bottlefed had found out)

The person that had the mounts made didn't plan on using A/C and that is why the mounts are not so A/C friendly. That is also why the PRB manifold is the go to manifold for the swap and everything else will not fit.

If they would have had a K24 with a RBC manifold and A/C we would all be having a some what easier time. I also was told by Tim while designing the mount kit they also tried to shove the engine as far forward as possible and as low as he could to put the mass more center and lower.. so that didn't help ither.

BottleFed is contrubing a great deal by blazing the trail on the A/C bracket. I myself will be one of his first customers when he can finally make a batch of them.

When I undertook this swap even knowing there was no A/C solution I knew I was going to Hack, Beat, Cut, C Channel anything that needed to be done to allow the A/C to fit. The fact he could even be able to bring something out that is bolt on would be amazing.
 
#394 ·
Some questions for you guys who've done it already.
Is this needed or more of this mount needed for use with Innovative mounts? This is the Intake side under the manifold. Seems like another part is missing unless that part is the chassis side which we use the innovative mount for?


Um what the hell is the black non OEM thing in the block wall?? Is this normal?


This box thing going into the intake pipe from head? Ditch and cap when doing custom intake pipe? I think most just put a breather on or to catch can right? Does NA K motors need catch cans?


Sorry last question I promise. Kseries your custom slave hose replaces this entire OEM hose/hardline right?
 
#395 ·
The mount that is under your intake manifold... I do not have that. I THINK that is a support for the RAA or RBB manifold since it has such long runners that curve downward. You dont need it, innovative only uses 3 mounts. One on the rear, a passenger side motor mount and a driver side trans mount.

THat is the knock sensor.

You dont need the box on the intake. Most people just vent that port coming off of the valve cover.

Yes, the hose and 2 fittings that I sent you a link to replace that entire hardline. Leave the big fitting in the slave cylinder and just remove the hardline
 
#396 ·
I suggest that you try to keep your entire crankcase ventilaton system intact. See the Honda shop manual for a general system description. Venting the crankcase fumes to the atmosphere results in emitting a lot of pollutants (crankcase fumes are mostly raw exhaust, heavy in Hydrocarbons) and the Honda CCV system is pretty well-designed. It should do a good job of cleaning out the exhaust gases and humidity during normal driving, thus slowing down oil degradation. If you find that too much oil gets through the system into your intake, you can always add an additional oil seperator box.

Dave