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So my moms 2005 EX D17A2 VTEC started overheating. Coolant is being pushed into overflow container and spilling on the ground. Some overheating, but mainly spilling coolant from overflow container.

First thing I did was replace the Thermostat

Next I did all the tests for BHG / Blown head gasket with rented equipment

1. Coolant system and Cap pressure test = Good / Kept pressure
2. Engine Block Test (With the blue liquid) = Good / No reaction
3. Cylinder compression test = Good, all same psi

So, all the tests were Negative but something had to be wrong. After my research on this forum I figure its the BHG / Blown Head Gasket.



So finally after explaining my situation and what I've done here is my question.



She had an 2004 Civic LX D17A1 that was in a small accident and only had body damage, and I can use the engine for parts. The cars engine was / is in great condition before the front end damage. The new(er) car, 2005 EX D17A2 VTEC, is the one that just started overheating.


So are these parts compatible?

• 04 LX D17A1 SOHC cylinder head onto a 05 EX D17A2 VTEC

After researching the swap I've read I would have to do ECU Modifications and maybe even more.



My simple questions are .....

1. Are these engines compatible to do a straight and simple engine parts swaps ???
2. Should I just throw another Head Gasket on the car and forget the swap.

Any thoughts?

 
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if you (or a machine shop) check the d17a2 head and its not warped or can be resurfaced then i would do a new head gasket SET (a new timing set would be smart to install while your in there) Swapping heads would be a P.I.T.A in comparison and alot more expensive to do, seeing as the d17a1 is not vtec, the swap would be WAAAYY harder.

 
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It COULD bolt on and barely run but it is NOT COMPATIBLE, the computer will throw a fit.

 
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Thanks for the reply. The car has new timing and water pump less than 30k miles ago. I guess I'll throw a new head gasket at it and see if it cures the problem.

Thanks, what baffled me most was finding out the compatibility between the two cars.

 
Rep Power: 518

Make sure to have the head measured for flatness by someone who knows what they are doing.
Overheating can easily warp a cylinder head, then even a new gasket will not seal.

The A1 head will bolt on BUT it is not machined to accept the VTEC system parts, and the computer in the car will be looking for those VTEC parts when it runs.

Fixing the head gasket/head warp using the original head (unless it's warped beyond limits) is simpler IMO.