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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.
 
#474 ·
Pro Series. The only setups that I've used with the Ultra have been either very high output turbo setups(Both K and B) and I've worked with a couple Ultra manifolds on high output all motor K's.

As far as the midrange goes...don't let so much of the internet hearsay get the best of you. I am usually able to squeeze out more torque and HP in the midrange with an RBC over an RBB as long as the rest of the breathing setups are good.
 
#478 ·
Looking forward to an update on Gingerman Mikey. I'm from South Bend before I moved to Vegas so I've been to Gingerman a few times. I have a friend who works at South Bend Clutch and runs his 350z there occasionally now.
 
#485 ·
Surprisingly the vibration is minimal. For my car being a janky turd nothing rattles. I have all kinds of loose brackets in the interior and body panels that aren't even all the way bolted down. I used the 75a's on mine. Fitment was great for being their steel lineup and all the components around the engine fit like a glove.



But i broke my rear crossmember. I weakened it when I hacked it up to fit my header. Up until that point the car was doing great. I was only driving it about 60-70% for the one session I got out of it and the corner entry and exit speeds were pretty close to my TSX or faster. On the back straight I reached a top speed of 124 and that's with a very slow approach to the corner before it. For reference my 260whp all motor B series CRX (1940 pounds w/ driver) has seen a best of 134mph, my TSX at 3400 pounds at 210whp saw a best of 120mph. I think with the power i'm at(196 mph) I can see an easy 126-128 mph realistically.

I got a new rear crossmember here already and will just be doing some header modifications to help it clear without having to modify the crossmember. I expect to be back out at the track for testing in the next couple weeks but this next time i'll be going 10/10ths. It all seems very promising so far, I had fun with some mild e36 M3's that were at full pace while I was just putting around. Shit's about to get real.

Image
 
#486 ·
Not sure if it helps, but we will have a tubular rear crossmember available shortly.
 
#488 · (Edited)
Does anyone with a swapped engine have the OBD2 connector patched in and working? I think some of the K20 swap wiring harnesses come with the OBD2 connector all ready attached.

I am considering this swap but I would like to use a USD engine/ecu and OBD2 connector working to get certified for California emissions. Maybe use a reflashed stock ecu.

My TSX SE is way slower than my spyder on the track. I think my TSX is closer to my slightly lightened track prepped 1zz spyder.
 
#489 ·
I will do this eventually not that there is a need for me but just wanna have everything working like it should. My friend with the lotus bought his "swap" harness which was basically a "race" harness has all the wires label to go to the connector. I'm pretty sure I can either run wires or tap into the same pin wires of the stock connector to work.
 
#502 ·
Thanks bottle

To clarify what suspension is everyone running with their kswap?

Suspension doesn't matter you can run stock or whatever you like. The engine weights are nearly the same. as the 2zz This thread is for K series ENGINE SWAP research. Has nothing to do with suspension. I suggest using the search function as there are numerous thread with your answer in it.
 
#508 ·
If you guys have a pinout ready just call boomslang. Rustin (the owner) is the man and van make you any kind of patch harness you need.
 
#510 ·
Anyone figured out a way to cover up the hole where the harness comes thru the firewall like OEM? All I have is the rubber piece from the rsx but it doesn't fit in the toyota hole. Maybe cut a slit in the toyota rubber thing and put on honda harness?

I was thinking about an aftermarket water temp gauge. Could we just use the unused heater water pipe as a source for the sensor?
 
#516 ·
View attachment 14041

Looks like this. I then used the OEM toyota sensors
I've seen that before. So you got the stock gauge cluster's temp gauge working with stock sensor and toyota ecu too? I need instructions!! :biggrin-new: I've drove around with my laptop multiple times and temps have been great but would like some kind of readout when I don't have the laptop.
 
#520 ·
You guys figure out how to mount AC yet? If not want to have someone swing by here and let us take a look? We are building a rear AC mount for the 2ZZ rotrex guys, we could make one for the K as well.
 
#526 ·
I have spoken to two friends and they would probably do the swap as well once AC and datalink connectors were working.

Reengineering suspension support? That sounds major. No way to put it on the exhaust side or even up top by the opening where everyone puts there oil coolers?
 
#527 ·
Well I'm not focusing on OBD connection with my harness. To be honest, I could careless if the OBD ever works. As far as the pump. I thought about doing a top mount but it would make changing the serp belt a longer process as well as requiring a new pump. The pump has to spin in a certain direction if you reverse the spin it wont work. Most people are not interested if they have to buy an additional $400 Ac pump. There isn't enough room between the axles and the oil filter you can mount it at the level of the head but that's a lot of work.
 
#528 ·
When I was going to do this swap I thought the lower location would fit if you used a civic Si compressor. I guess that support is in the way. I have also seen it mounted up top and seems to work just fine.

There are also a few electric AC compressors that are quite small and somewhat light. I was thinking of running one up front with custom AC lines. That's less accessories on the pulley system and adds some weight to the front to balance out the weight added to the rear.


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#529 ·
Honda compressor is a lot bigger, we already tried that. The top mount is more complicated than you think. You chave to build mount brackets that mount to the engine block not the car otherwise your going to kill you belt tensioner because the engine will move independent from the compressor, plus you need a reverse compressor and custom lines, making it about a $700+ option, no one will pay that. Same thing holds true for the electric AC pumps. They are about $1200 just for the pump
 
#530 ·
Well...you gotta pay to have nice things haha. I'll see if I can find the pictures of the top mount I believe I found it on a thread on k20 forums.

Of course you have to fab up brackets to the block for the top and make some AC lines. But in contrast then you don't have to reconfigure the structural supports for the car, keeping the body as OEM as possible is always a plus.

The other option is using the toyota compressor which is smaller. Still involves custom brackets and possibly lines.


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#531 ·
Maybe i have used the wrog terminology. Its not the structure of the car but a structural brace. There is a brace going from the frame to the area of thin metal where the tracking arm connects to the car thats brace is obstrution my toyota compressor and the ac mounts we have. Its like 3 inchs long but its linear placement makes it important. Otherwise i would just remove it