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I don't know a ton about swapping engines in our civics. I have a 2001 that is having major engine issues and want to replace it. 1) Needs frequent valve adjustments (from TB problem below), every 5k miles before the CEL comes on because the valves in #3 aren't closing all the way. Tappets are backed out really far now, kind of scares me. 2) Busted timing belt a couple of years ago, shortly after a bad rattle developed from the crankshaft journal bearings. The mechanic that did the work said they weren't that bad and polished the journal and replaced the bearings, problem solved. It's now 2 years later and the problem is back.

My question is, I am looking online (mostly local classifieds to avoid costly freight of shipping those things) for a replacement and have a question or 2. I have done a lot of the work on this car myself, valve adjustments, replaced alt., Replaced Ex Mani, wheel bearings, struts, etc.. I am pretty good mechanically. How much work is involved in swapping the engine? Can they be removed out the top (I read in the service guide they are to be dropped after the subframe is removed)? Also, I don't have money for a K20, etc. otherwise I would buy a new car. But is it difficult to put an EX engine in when it is an LX? is that even worth it? Thanks in advance.

Utahbmxer

2001 LX 1.7 5spd
TCS Exhaust
AEM Intake

 
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i'm going to assume that you can pull the motor out the top. Swapping motors is easy if its a direct replacement (from d17 to d17 again), It's just time consuming and prep work. remove as much as possible and mark all the bolts in baggies and with tape so you don't forget where they go. just a tip.

 
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What about changing out from LX to a VTEC engine from an EX? Would I have to change the ECU as well? The exhaust would probably have to be redone as well right, since the NON-VTECH has the CAT built into the manifold?

Thanks

 
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don't know much about the em2's but i'm guessing yes you have to replace the ecu as well, exhaust yeah you would need ex exhaust system.

 
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The Lx d17a1 is the same engine as the Ex d17a2 for the most part. the big difference is in the head. you shouldnt have any problems swapping an ex engine into. more power tho!

 
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Shop Manual says motor comes out the bottom. You might have to pull the tranny to get it out through the top. I'm not completely sure though as I've never done it

 
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You are correct about the exhaust, you would also have to swap the ecu as well and then have it reflashed so your key would work.

 
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yah i just did a swap on my car a couple weeks ago. its not that hard if you have a four point hoist. if you dont then you can just jack up you car high enough to drop the tranny then pull the engine out the top. youll need a new ecu ( new $700, used anywhere between $40-$300), new engine harness for your type tranny and for an ex or si(canadian), header back exhaust, and some TLC. you can get the engine harness of an aqura el also, its the same engine.

 
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People do lx to ex exhaust swaps so why would you not be able to put the lx manifold on the ex motor? You should be able to pull the trans out the top followed by the engine.

 
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trust me, it is way more work to pull the tranny out the top, and im not even sure if it would fit. just go out the bottom or your probably going to run into more problems then you should have to.

 
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I personally pulled the engine out from the top. Me and my buddy unbolted the tranny, moved it off to the side a bit, and pulled it right out.