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2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

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Old 06-24-2016
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2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

Is it possible to remove the D17A1 motor without removing the automatic transmission? Is there enough clearance? I don't mind if it's tight, but if it's possible, it'll save me close to 3 hours of additional labor. I'd like to hear your opinions!
Old 06-24-2016
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Re: 2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

Is it possible to remove the D17A1 motor without removing the automatic transmission?
Through the top? I've never done it myself but many people say yes.
You might need to remove the crank pulley for clearance.
Old 06-24-2016
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Re: 2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

Yeah, I'm trying through the top because I don't have a car lift, just a cherry picker.

The motor is seized so I think I might not be able to remove the bolts from the flex plate that are screwed into the torque converter. FML
Old 06-24-2016
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Re: 2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

Ewww....Remove oil pan, start removing bearing caps until the crank frees up..
The most discolored cap is the one to remove first LOL
Old 06-24-2016
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Re: 2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

Originally Posted by ezone
Ewww....Remove oil pan, start removing bearing caps until the crank frees up..
The most discolored cap is the one to remove first LOL
I loosed the main bolts after removing the oil pan and was able to get one rod nut off of each end cap. The thing still won't spin. I've been jumping on the breaker bar which I'm surprised hasn't snapped..yet.

Guess i'll have to find a short stub wrench and a hammer to try and get the other nuts off.
Old 06-24-2016
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Re: 2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

one rod nut off of each end cap.
One nut off each cap won't get it to release.



Is one cap a completely different color from the rest? That would be the one that ran out of oil and locked or spun.
Old 06-25-2016
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Re: 2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

I looked inside the cylinders and noticed the Pistons were rusted. The bottom end, minus the cylinder walls are done. The water from the blown head gasket destroyed the motor.
Old 06-25-2016
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Re: 2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

Ah, I thought it had run out of oil!

Damn. Penetrating oil? Get ALL the caps removed?
Old 06-25-2016
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Re: 2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

Done. Now the new block goes in

Last edited by jdoens; 06-25-2016 at 01:02 PM.
Old 12-21-2016
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Re: 2003 Civic LX Engine Swap

I know this thread is a bit old, but did you ever get your answer? I was wondering the same thing. Also curious if you can re-assemble it that way too (with tranny still bolted to subframe, drop engine in and bolt together while in place)?
Curious because I have my eye on a junkyard engine (w/ AT) and I'd like to put it into my car (w/ MT), all with hopefully touching the tranny as little as possible.
I can imagine the engine coming out that way, but definitely not sure if it's possible to reassemble that way.
Anyone know?
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