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Hey guys! My name is Phillip and I own a 2005 Honda Civic Special Edition sedan. I recently decided to do a k20 swap on it in order to have a little more power while merging on the interstate and such...yes I am leaving it automatic, why you ask? Well I drive about 40 min each way to work and frankly I want to be lazy. I previously had a 2003 sedan with a manual transmission and sold it when I bought this 2005. This is not a racecar build and I don't plan to do any additional "performance" modifications.
I found a 2003 Acura RSX with minimal body damage but running and driving with no mechanical issues for $1500.
Got the engine bolted in an most everything hooked up. I ran into a couple issues though. While researching the swap, Many people stated that you needed EP3 A/C Suction Hose and that the RSX hoses wouldn't work. The EP3 suction hose WILL NOT clear cruise control or power steering. I elected to try the RSX A/C Suction Hose and it worked with very minor tweaking. I used the EP3 Discharge hose to go from the A/C Compressor to the original condenser.
I moved on to installing the power steering reservoir, I read in many places that you need a eg bracket .... yada, yada, yada.... I used the original d17 bracket, I used a self tapping screw and bolted it to the body part of the engine mount. It works perfect. Also I'm using the original hoses and reservoir from the RSX.
While the car was apart, I decided to go ahead and swap over the 5 lug and rear disc brakes.
While installing the front 5 lug, I noticed the Civic had larger calipers than the RSX. The rotors are the same size. I used the Civic caliper and bracket on the RSX spindle so I now have 5 lug with my original calipers.
I got the RSX shifter installed. Unfortunately, it's a little too tall. It will work until I have a chance to go check out some other shifter assemblies at the junkyard. Also wired in the sport shifter.
I'm using the EP3 radiator. Since EP3 never came in auto, the radiator's were not offered with the transmission coolers. I purchased an aftermarket transmission cooler and installed it.
Got the throttle cable and battery installed. Extended the wiring from the fuse box over to the battery. Extended the rsx exhaust 2.25 inches and it bolted right up as well. I took it up to my buddy's shop on 7/5/17 and he programmed the key for me. After programming the key, it started right up!!!!!
Just a word from my experience with slim fans. Depending on where you're located, those through-radiator fan mounts don't last long. It might have been more of an issue for me since I have to deal with Vegas heat, but mine didn't last long at all. Maybe 6 months. I ended up taking my old fan shrouds, trimming them down, and fabbing up a way to mount them like that using aluminum flat bar stock from home depot. I also wanted it that way so I had a way to mount the coolant overflow tank. I'm not sure how much of an issue that'll be with a k swap, but just some food for thought.
I finally got around to installing a TL shifter assembly. I think I'm going to redo my adapter brackets for it and slide it forward some. After that, I can redo the piece around it to do away with the gap.
I finally got around to installing a TL shifter assembly. I think I'm going to redo my adapter brackets for it and slide it forward some. After that, I can redo the piece around it to do away with the gap.
Looks nice, Good job please post a pic once you finish off the gap!
Any Updates ?? how it running, driving, and interior complete?
It runs and drives like it came factory with this drivetrain. I'm probably going to get some bigger slim fans. These are 10" and I'm probably going with a 12" next. I don't have any problems with overheating, the a/c just isn't as cool as I want while stopped.
Interior has been complete minus the console trim since July when I did the swap. Currently it is still like the last picture I posted with the gap around the TL shifter assembly.
So far I've put about 8k miles on the car since I completed the swap. Only issue I've had up to now is a leaking power steering pump which I replaced last week.
