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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.
 
#412 ·
rcntype, I dont know if it will be much help but I could take some pics of sensors or plugs on my 05 RSX-S (k20z1) If you need me to. Much more accessible than trying to get pics of a k20/k24 already swapped in.
 
#414 ·
I"ll hold you to it if I do need a pic of something. Thanks!

Axles... for all you guys worrying about the axles being strong enough. They are plenty strong enough Im putting 581hp/400tq through mine with multiple launches on them both street and drag strip launches. Did 11.505@ 130mph no slicks though.

I dont know whose mount kit you guys are using but my firewall only has about a 2" x 2" hole cut in it for the iacv plug and thats it. My car has had a RBC and a RSP in it.

Im using an A2 thermostat housing and a stock mr2 hose, works fine, that's with a track day on it to with the turbo.
I'm assuming your on DSS axles? I'm pretty sure your mount kit was custom since no one at the time was even thinking about this swap. Please take some pics of the thermostat housing/hose routing, if theres no need to buy extra parts it would be awesome. Pics in general would be awesome too. :biggrin-new:
 
#415 ·
I"ll hold you to it if I do need a pic of something. Thanks!



I'm assuming your on DSS axles? I'm pretty sure your mount kit was custom since no one at the time was even thinking about this swap. Please take some pics of the thermostat housing/hose routing, if theres no need to buy extra parts it would be awesome. Pics in general would be awesome too. :biggrin-new:
Yeah Im running DSS axles they have been in the car for about 5 years now lol my dad and I originally did all the measurements and sent the hubs in so they could get the right spline count and diameter.

Yeah Ill take some pics for you guys. There is no need for the ktuned t stat housing. I actually had their housing on my K24 build and I didnt really like it, to each there own.

If you guys have any mechanical questions Ive been in the K series game since 07 and built a few motors. I dont know much about the wiring but Ill do my best to answer now that Ive found this thread.
 
#413 ·
I just read this whole thread and there is some really good info in here. I wish there was alittle more on wiring but there is enough to get everything to work except the A/C and that was already discussed in detailed. Making the a/c work will be easiest with the stock a/c compressor because I think it will fit without cutting and reboxing the the frame like I had to do and then having to make all my own a/c hoses.

Axles... for all you guys worrying about the axles being strong enough. They are plenty strong enough Im putting 581hp/400tq through mine with multiple launches on them both street and drag strip launches. Did 11.505@ 130mph no slicks though.

I dont know whose mount kit you guys are using but my firewall only has about a 2" x 2" hole cut in it for the iacv plug and thats it. My car has had a RBC and a RSP in it.

Im using an A2 thermostat housing and a stock mr2 hose, works fine, that's with a track day on it to with the turbo.

You guys can also wire the fans into the kpro and control them that way. Kpro turns the relays on to the fan that way I can turn them on and off according to temp.

Fun fact if you run Hondata's Kpro you can run their traction control too.

Ill try and take some pics of my bay. I have to fix some wiring to get my temp gauge to work AGAIN messed with something and it quit working :-/ and get the reverse lock out solenoid working.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96L6XGEweIw
 
#423 ·
I worked on the car before I bought it. I was the previous owners mechanic. The car used to have a Toyota outer welded to a Honda inner and they eventually broke. So I sent the measurements and hubs to DSS years ago to get the axles made. I've been around my car since it came to AZ. I just haven't owned it the whole time.


iPhone 5 Tapatalk
 
#424 ·
Accord at the shop today getting starter replaced. Half of the intake manifold was off to get to the starter and I was very surprised by the gunk that was in the runners leading up to and included where the valves were.



There's atleast 1-2mm thick of oil crud on those walls. Scariest thing i've seen :biggrin-new:. Are all K series engines like this? Or was his just neglected?

Anyway I got shafted on an EP3/Euro accord R Idler pulley sale on the honda forums. Bearing inside pulley made some terrible sandy grinding noise when spun by hand. Found thru honda you can buy another pulley which comes preinstalled with bearing for like 20-30 iirc or just buy this bearing for 10 bucks or so (bearing is press fit btw):


Also anyone wanting to keep their RBB manifold on and needs an adaptor for a RSX type s TB will need Karcepts' RRC/RBB TB adaptor. I got shafted AGAIN buying on the honda forums for this adaptor and got the all too common RBC adaptor. The 06 TSX RBB manifold does not have an iacv provision on the IM so Karcepts Adaptor is made for it with a small cut out. Come to find out the RBC and RRC adaptors are the exact same thing except for the cutout. So I'll be doing that surgery soon. It should be easy. So for anyone wanting to buy a used RRC adaptor, you can just buy the RBC and do it yourself instead of waiting for a used RRC to pop up.
Pic for reference, the cut out connects a part of the small hole to the big one. Easy. Actually got shafted twice on this cause one of the threads was messed up. Had to chase it with a tap.
 
#425 ·
Great thread and I hope to be able to submit some info and input as soon as my mounts get in. For the time being while waiting the past 4 weeks for Innovative to send my mounts my tech and I got bored and managed to make this happen.



Mk1 with bolt up mounts for k20a2. So far we are left with axles and header, the rest of everything else is good to go. I hope to have my spyder running with a kswap within a few weeks. If my mounts ever make it here. Ever.
 
#426 ·
Great thread and I hope to be able to submit some info and input as soon as my mounts get in. For the time being while waiting the past 4 weeks for Innovative to send my mounts my tech and I got bored and managed to make this happen.

View attachment 6177

Mk1 with bolt up mounts for k20a2. So far we are left with axles and header, the rest of everything else is good to go. I hope to have my spyder running with a kswap within a few weeks. If my mounts ever make it here. Ever.
Welcome to the forum Mikey (its Chase)
 
#427 ·
Just finished doing the shift linkage swap so I can use the 06+ civic si tranny. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be drilling and tapping the two holes. I'll have pics soon.

I think this was mentioned before by Kseries but I mock mounted the shift cable bracket provided by Innovative and it doesn't fit with the weight on the shift linkage. You basically just cut that off?
 
#428 ·
just cut the weight of, you won´t need it :)
 
#429 ·
Weight cut. There is a gap on the cable bracket where the shift linkage mech flange is lower on one side vs the other side. Do I just put washers there to take up the space? Heres a pic for reference, you can see the gap.



Also do I just remove that tranny bracket thing since the cable bracket uses one of the bolts now? Whats that little bracket for anyway?



The clutch slave cyl has a swivel fitting output for the line. Cool.
 
#432 ·
Weight cut. There is a gap on the cable bracket where the shift linkage mech flange is lower on one side vs the other side. Do I just put washers there to take up the space? Heres a pic for reference, you can see the gap.



Also do I just remove that tranny bracket thing since the cable bracket uses one of the bolts now? Whats that little bracket for anyway?



The clutch slave cyl has a swivel fitting output for the line. Cool.
Yes you'll have to do the same with one stud where the trans mount mounts.
 
#437 ·
View attachment 6482

i purchased the ac delete kit. just waiting for my mounts to come in and ill let you guys know the fitment. i have been eyeballing it and its not looking good but ill give you a final answer.
im using a k24a4 bottom and k20a2 head
That wont work youll have to notch the frame, like I did to fit the ac compressor in the same spot.
 
#439 ·
I don't undrstand why you would want to buy that delete kit, when you can have the alternator in the oem location, remove the ac and just use a shorter belt?! And sine there is no way that the alterator could ever be in the ac location without alot of cutting and welding to the frame,
 
#441 ·
#443 ·
Is this new or have I just not noticed it? Of course it doesn't help us, but maybe it's a step closer.
http://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=79&products_id=2043
My friend just ordered one of those. It def won't help us, but I'll let yall know if its indeed a crappy product. :biggrin-new: We actually drop the motor in his lotus today but the driver side lotus sub engine mount bracket bolts wont release. Lotus normal engineering.. its kind of a joke and I see why now.

I'm waiting on all the misc bolts I ordered from Honda. I'll try my attempt hopefully next weekend and post results. This wrist pain wont go away so not sure If I should be wrenching on cars. :biggrin-new: Gonna mod the stock TSX header for now and try out that Dynomax VT variable valve muffler. I'm crudely hoping longer tube header raises torque.

My tuner recommends 32-34" intake pipe but I really just want to stick the filter by the vent with an enclosed box (maybe 15-20"). What do you guys think would be best?

Anyone else doing there's soon?
 
#444 ·
Yeah, I knew they were aiming for this summer for the spyder wiring setup, I'm just saying that with the lotus wiring harness out of the way and it being a 2zz hopefully the spyder setup will be done soon!!
 
#447 ·
I'm in LA area and started collecting parts for the swap. I'll be making a for sale thread soon. Decided I'd rather go for a small boost in power and save my money. I have a fully built motor (not assembled), civic Si trans modified with rsx linkage and a whole bunch of other goodies. If you're interested I'm not too far.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#450 ·
Just found out who makes the driveshafts for innovative. They are rated from the manufacturer for 500hp

http://www.insaneshafts.com/500-hp-3/toyota/mr2-spyder/is-203-is-204.html

The stamps on my axles are these part numbers.




Also, I know of one very unsatisfied customer of the driveshaftshop axles. Less than 250 miles and it broke.

Just thought I would share
Awesome. I knew it was one of the other few Honda driveshaft shops. I'll report back if I have any problems with my DSS ones.

Also that Lotus swap harness is basically a race harness with relays and wires labeled. Not plug and play at all, ouch.
 
#452 · (Edited)
Well, when you drive your car to South Haven Michigan from Chicago and the faulty axle leaves the car stranded there....there isnt much that can be done. DSS wants me to snap pics, measure shit, send it back, wait for them to analyze, snap pics of the mounts, make sure the intermediate shaft and hubs are proper and etc. Warrantying out for faulty axles is proving to be a pain in the ass so far.

I had axle jizz all over the place within 5 miles and the inner bearing race/cage in the female end of the axle that goes onto the intermediate shaft is what ended up failing from what looks like improper length. I'm suprised I made it as far as I did knowing now that the the only thing holding the axle together inside that housing was the small circlip.

FML


Anyhow....i thought i'd share some swap info from what I learned within the 4 days of doing this swap.

#1. The 06+ Si lower thermostat housing works well for the lower radiator hose. As far as hose part # goes, i randomly picked up a Dayco from Autozone and it worked. All it needs to have is a slight "S" shape to it and it'll do to trick. I'll post that hose part number as soon as i get back to my car....which is 2 states away at the track.

#2. Manifold fitment and clearance - First thing you'll need to do is drill out the hole for the cable in your throttle body a little larger if you are planning on making your own throttle cable bracket. For clearance all i did was massage the firewall with this sweet hammer from my toolbox and i pretty much made the shapes in the firewall from an outie to an innie. It was fairly easy seeing as the sheetmetal is very thin. I am able to fit a PRB manifold with tons of room, an RBB manifold with a little room to spare ( But enough clearance for me to install the RBB while the engine was bolted into the car), and the RBC would almost fit...but you definitely have to cut an access panel to comfortably make that happen.

#3. I used an old Hybrid-Racing harness that was designated for a 96-98 civic and just cut the plugs off thus making it into a "Universal race harness". After wiring it all up the RPM's and Speedo work (i'm using an k20a2 case and vss) on the cluster. The Multiplexer stuff doesn't work but i'm sure we will get it working once I piggy back the OEM ecu into the car.

#4. I used Innovative mounts. They fit like a dream. I was impressed because most of their steel mounts fit like crap.

#5. I am going to jump on board with Insane Shafts. I have a second K series spyder in the works and we will use the DSS axles in that one if and whenever our issue gets resolved.

#6. For AC/PS delete I just used an idler pulley from an 06+Civic si and used Napa belt # 060523

#7. I used a simple push on fitting from Russell that worked on the stock fuel feed line which made it a -6 AN to the Innovative Fuel rail. I kept it returnless. So far I am able to support 196whp and 166wtq on a dynojet with 80% max on duty cycle(stock RSX-S injectors - 310cc) with the returnless setup. This is a super cheap and easy way to go about it if you are going to be making light power.

#8. I used a PLM header which was the hytech replica swap ver.1 header. I used the optional 4-1 collector and regardless of collector I had to hack up the crossmember for clearance. I feel like if I had the 3/4 of an inch lower K20 I might've cleared it a lot easier. I chopped off the pipe right after the collector and just used 2 90 degree bends and mated it to an old PFE/Borla muffler. To my surprise its super quiet, maybe because its a 2.25 incher. I'll be fabbing up the 3 inch setup sometime next month.

#9. I used the matching Innovative shifter mechanism and it works fairly well. The movement into the next row of gears seems very close and takes a little getting used to. I plan on researching a solution to better solidify the shift feel. It's not bad by any means but it doesn't feel as buttery smooth as an OEM RSX shifter box combo.


All in all it was similar to doing a K swap into an older Civic with the exception of tighter clearances, lack of swap info and some small wiring obstacles. My next attempt at track testing will be August 4th at Gingerman Raceway where my car is currently stored. If all is successful from there I plan on hitting the dragstrip that following weekend. Once my baseline numbers are set it's going back into the shop for small development. I'll try to keep you guys posted with my findings and results.


Image


See ya guys at the track soon!
Mikey
 
#453 ·
Damn wish i woulda known you were there i was there for ahour an hour. I have have a truck and trailer so i never get stuck like that. I sleep in my trailer. Im in chicago. I can get u the parts if you want. I actually measured my axles and used my measurements. When one member set them next to the original dds axles he said they were slightly longer. I triple measurement mine and had another person measure them.
 
#456 · (Edited)
In terms of axle length here's what i've got for assumptions. When the intermediate shaft side is clipped into the intermediate shaft and the hub end is in the hub relaxed, it naturally sits waaay in there. As in there is not much to thread onto yet until you pull it a good amount out. Once you do so and start to tighten the axle nut down you can actually hear the inner bearing cage slap up against the cup clip and you can see the boot stretching. I'm guessing just about all the miles I have on this axle is with the bearing cage riding against the clip. Eventually its the clip that failed and got mangled while everything else showed no wear or scars.


I'm pretty sure the same belt/combo for the idler will work. I just compared one from an 02 EP3 and an 06 Si and they are near identical.
Image

Image


*Edit: Just compared part numbers and they are identical.

So my belt combo is the original TSX water pump housing, the Si thermostat housing, that dayco belt and the ep3/06 Si idler. My tension window is in a nice spot and it was inspected after a 3 hour drive assuming the belt might stretch its' first time out. Still good.


As far as the timeframe...its kind of cheating since I do Hondas for a living and had just threw a few hours at the car after work from this past Monday Through Thursday. I think the swap is intimidating but isn't as bad as some people are making it out to be.

Yes, the engine is a K24. It's a 04 TSX engine with 100k on it. The only service i did to it was a fresh Timing Chain Tensioner(06+ Si PRB ) and a 50 degree VTC intake cam gear. I do plan on documenting my findings and will share the results and as far as any tech I can assist with i'm more than happy to flow what I know. Chassis and engine development is a huge hobby of mine and this Spyder is absolutely something I want to develop into a serious competitor.

For drag use I'll be using my 4x100 combo but in the right direction this time.
Image


Otherwise I have reasonably good access to parts and have a dyno on site so I will be doing some manifold testing and development.

If you're bored at work you can breeze through some of the documentation I did with my last car.

http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/1st-gen-engine/78137-road-225whp-my-04-tsx.html

http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/autocross-road-racing/62158-anyone-here-track-their-tsxs-6.html

http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/autocross-road-racing/63451-anyone-here-drag-their-tsxs-results-inside.html
 
#460 ·
Maybe Mtec shifter springs can solve the shifter feel issue. I'd have to agree the shifter feels very loose on my car as well. Haven't driven it but I don't think it will get any better, just more use to it. I should have bought those damn springs when I had the shifter out.
 
#461 ·
Well last time I talked to him, he is re-creating the entire mounting bracket for the shifter. The problem I found is with the Inn stuff the cables were to long. He's making one to retro fit the 06+ civic si trans. I have the TRD short shifter and mine isn't on the road but I 've shifted it and it seems tight not loose.


I have one question. I see everyone order these adapter for the clutch line, to my knowledge the hose fitting's are all the same size, why can't you just mate the clutch line further down the line?
 
#467 ·
With a 25 degree wheel and a choker of an exhaust the gains are minimal in the mid and you'll see about 4-8whp and 2-6tq from 5,000 to 7500.

From a good k24a2 with a 50 degree wheel, good intake and good exhaust i've seen as much as 15whp and 12 tq in the midrange and about 10whp/7 tq peak. It definitely transforms the powerband after 5,000 RPM.

PRB's have shown me about half of that as far as gains go.

Sean is on my best friends. We work about a minute away from each other. He too is excited to drive a K MR2.