D17 swap w/ vtec head
D17 swap w/ vtec head
my engine unfortunatly died at 140,000 km. I have to do a swap but I cant afford a k20 (yeah I know I suck) but im lookin for an extra wee bit of power. I think ill be able to get an engine with a vtec head on it. Im also interested in getting my side airbags on my car hooked up (rsx seats)
What do I need to get it working? I have an 01 lx
Im assuming the following
Harness / Ecu from an SI
Tow to dealership (i get free tows)
Key reflash
How much more labour would it be for my mechanic? He said doing the vtec will probably be more work, is this just a plug and play harness swap kinda thing? Is there tuning involved?
Thanks in advance
What do I need to get it working? I have an 01 lx
Im assuming the following
Harness / Ecu from an SI
Tow to dealership (i get free tows)
Key reflash
How much more labour would it be for my mechanic? He said doing the vtec will probably be more work, is this just a plug and play harness swap kinda thing? Is there tuning involved?
Thanks in advance
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You need full d17a2 engine, ecu, some cash to pay for install,
Key reflash - only if you realy needed
Air bags?? You can ask a stuntman to do a training accident to check if all of your air bags work.
P.S. This Q has been asked last week or so, did you search?
Key reflash - only if you realy needed
Air bags?? You can ask a stuntman to do a training accident to check if all of your air bags work.
P.S. This Q has been asked last week or so, did you search?
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From: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 295 for the air bags you will prob need a new SRS computer, not sure but just guessin..
wtf happened to ur engine ? im at 140k km and im running perfect
ex/si engine is just drop it.. hardness goes to ECU and thats it.. there is no more labour involved in EX then LX motor..
no tuning needed.
wtf happened to ur engine ? im at 140k km and im running perfect
ex/si engine is just drop it.. hardness goes to ECU and thats it.. there is no more labour involved in EX then LX motor..
no tuning needed.
Originally Posted by 03-Acura-1.7-EL
You need full d17a2 engine, ecu, some cash to pay for install,
Key reflash - only if you realy needed
Air bags?? You can ask a stuntman to do a training accident to check if all of your air bags work.
P.S. This Q has been asked last week or so, did you search?
Key reflash - only if you realy needed
Air bags?? You can ask a stuntman to do a training accident to check if all of your air bags work.
P.S. This Q has been asked last week or so, did you search?
I figured I'd need a key flash because my ecu changes thus my key wont work? Am I wrong here?
and I dont know what you mean by stuntman, but im talking about RSX seats I bought for my car that have side air bags but they are NOT hooked up as my current ecu cannot handle it. So Im asking what it would take to get those working.
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Originally Posted by AggressiveAdam
Well, I require a new engine anyways. How much MORE work is doing an a2 swap as opposed to a non vtec swap.
I figured I'd need a key flash because my ecu changes thus my key wont work? Am I wrong here?
and I dont know what you mean by stuntman, but im talking about RSX seats I bought for my car that have side air bags but they are NOT hooked up as my current ecu cannot handle it. So Im asking what it would take to get those working.
I figured I'd need a key flash because my ecu changes thus my key wont work? Am I wrong here?
and I dont know what you mean by stuntman, but im talking about RSX seats I bought for my car that have side air bags but they are NOT hooked up as my current ecu cannot handle it. So Im asking what it would take to get those working.
You will need proper ECU with an engune, LX motor - LX ECU, EX motor - EX ECU...
Stuntman will crash your car and if airbags explode, then they do work and you dont have to worry about it.
My car has 4 factory air bags, doent yours??
Originally Posted by 03-Acura-1.7-EL
LX/EX engine is direct bolt in. $ to be spend regardless.
You will need proper ECU with an engune, LX motor - LX ECU, EX motor - EX ECU...
Stuntman will crash your car and if airbags explode, then they do work and you dont have to worry about it.
My car has 4 factory air bags, doent yours??
You will need proper ECU with an engune, LX motor - LX ECU, EX motor - EX ECU...
Stuntman will crash your car and if airbags explode, then they do work and you dont have to worry about it.
My car has 4 factory air bags, doent yours??
Okay so just harness ecu and reflash eh...
I dont know what happened to it, I ****ing spent $420 doing the timing belt last weekend then a then it just popped. Mechanci said could be a dropped cylinder or something
forget all the questions, my mechanic found me a non vtec motor with 10k on it. New engine for me, perhaps I should turbo charge hmmm, the be a great way to blow the motor
Im calling honda canada see what they say.
engine was $1200, $500 to pop it in, $200 discount kuz i just did the timing belt
$1500 plus a bit of tax is not too bad considered the most ive spent on this car in its life time is 1 strut and a tow to the dealership for a tranny swap.
Car's ready sunday, yeah thats right my mechanic works on sudays isnt he great?
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Rep Power: 285 if you get just the vtec controller, it wont run right without tuning.
when i had the lx ecu in mine with the A2 motor, it had spots where it was hesitating, low on power, and got bad gas mileage.
Once i swapped to the ex ecu, it ran great.
Instead of swapping everything, why not get a ported LX head and use an SAFC to tune it? A ported lx head will outflow the stock ex head. I proved that with my ported lx head under boost.
The only reason i swapped to an ex motor is because i got an awesome deal on it, and i was in need of a motor while i was finishing up my build.
when i had the lx ecu in mine with the A2 motor, it had spots where it was hesitating, low on power, and got bad gas mileage.
Once i swapped to the ex ecu, it ran great.
Instead of swapping everything, why not get a ported LX head and use an SAFC to tune it? A ported lx head will outflow the stock ex head. I proved that with my ported lx head under boost.
The only reason i swapped to an ex motor is because i got an awesome deal on it, and i was in need of a motor while i was finishing up my build.
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From: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Rep Power: 295 dude, ur on crack !!! did u read my post on ur hit and run thread ?
standard auto wreakers have the a2 for $375
http://www.standardautowreckers.com/partssearch.htm
they are located in ajax/scarb area..
and if you call them just tell them you saw it somewhere for $325 and they might give it to you for that price. If not they will prob do $350 which isn't a lot neway for a a2 block..
as for ECU $104 the lowest and thats in london...
www.car-part.com
hope that helps
standard also has them, but u just need to call and tell them to rip one out and ull give them $100 for it.
standard auto wreakers have the a2 for $375
http://www.standardautowreckers.com/partssearch.htm
they are located in ajax/scarb area..
and if you call them just tell them you saw it somewhere for $325 and they might give it to you for that price. If not they will prob do $350 which isn't a lot neway for a a2 block..
as for ECU $104 the lowest and thats in london...
www.car-part.com
hope that helps
standard also has them, but u just need to call and tell them to rip one out and ull give them $100 for it.
Anyone know where I can buy a LX motor for cheap in the NY, NJ, or CT area. Reason I ask is because I blew my motor yesterday and need to get something to get my car running again, but I have practically no money right now. Any help is greatly appreciated as to where I might be able to purchase a block. Thanks alot guys.
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search it!!
search it!!
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Originally Posted by turboengnr
if you get just the vtec controller, it wont run right without tuning.
when i had the lx ecu in mine with the A2 motor, it had spots where it was hesitating, low on power, and got bad gas mileage.
Once i swapped to the ex ecu, it ran great.
Instead of swapping everything, why not get a ported LX head and use an SAFC to tune it? A ported lx head will outflow the stock ex head. I proved that with my ported lx head under boost.
The only reason i swapped to an ex motor is because i got an awesome deal on it, and i was in need of a motor while i was finishing up my build.
when i had the lx ecu in mine with the A2 motor, it had spots where it was hesitating, low on power, and got bad gas mileage.
Once i swapped to the ex ecu, it ran great.
Instead of swapping everything, why not get a ported LX head and use an SAFC to tune it? A ported lx head will outflow the stock ex head. I proved that with my ported lx head under boost.
The only reason i swapped to an ex motor is because i got an awesome deal on it, and i was in need of a motor while i was finishing up my build.
Do you need LX ecu after swapping LX head into EX??
there have been tons of people on here that have a dx/lx that either put on a ex head or swapped in a ex motor and just used the vafc2 to engage vtec... read the DIY - DX/LX head swap to EX Vtec link in my sig.....
the dx/lx/ and ex are nearly identical motor with all the same sensors with the exception of the vtec solenoid... if you go the route of vtec controller it would be much cheaper.. if you were to do it the other way you would need.. ex motor.. ex ecu.. ex engine harness (dx/lx harness doesnt have vtec wired in it) and also you need to tow it to the dealer and have the dealer reflash the key and ecu. If you do go the route of VAFC2 it gives you more tuning options as opposed to the stock ex ecu...
the dx/lx/ and ex are nearly identical motor with all the same sensors with the exception of the vtec solenoid... if you go the route of vtec controller it would be much cheaper.. if you were to do it the other way you would need.. ex motor.. ex ecu.. ex engine harness (dx/lx harness doesnt have vtec wired in it) and also you need to tow it to the dealer and have the dealer reflash the key and ecu. If you do go the route of VAFC2 it gives you more tuning options as opposed to the stock ex ecu...
Last edited by xproductionz; Dec 3, 2005 at 09:20 AM.
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Rep Power: 285 sure you can do it that way. But you are only engaging the vtec. Thats all. You are not adjusting the timing curve to the correct curve for the cam profiles. You arent adding the extra fuel (unless you are throwing down some money for tuning or a wideband).
The stock ex cam has a different lobe for the low-vtec than the stock lx cam. And the vtec lobe is more aggressive than the stock LX cam. The LX computer is made for running the LX cam/motor.
If the lx computer were the exact same (minus vtec control) as the lx one, Honda would have simply put the ex ecu in the lx's and used the stock LX engine harness. And have the ecu automatically compensate for the lack of the vtec solenoid.
Why would honda then invest a ton of money into developing a different ECU for a car if the other one would work fine?
I had all sorts of drivability issues with my ex motor running off an LX ecu. Maybe im more of a **** about how my car runs than most of you. But when i am cruising and i feel the car misfiring at random times, having a hesitation while going from cruising to accellerating, and getting bad gas mileage, i spent the extra $90 to put the ex ecu in my car. And i didnt tow the car anywhere. I pulled out the glove box, unbolted the ecu (leaving it connected) and drove it to honda. They then drove it into the shop, re-programmed my key to the new ecu, then swapped ecu's, and drove it out. I then drove it home. Took 45 mins.
With the lx ecu in, i was only getting about 28 mpg in town. With the ex, i am getting 33-35 in town and i got 42 mpg going to and coming home from june lake (450 miles round trip)
Then after you have the correct ecu, you can use the vafc-II to control all that, since you will have the correct timing and fuel to mess with.
After you spend the money for tuning the car with the lx ecu and vafc-ii or buy a wideband and tune it, you are at the same amount of cash spent as if you were to swap ecu's. And if you tuned your car without a dyno and without a wideband, then you deserve to have a poorly running car.
a lot of people doing something one way doesnt make it correct. Look at all of the people running FMU's as a fuel supplement. Ask dezod... sure it works, but its 'just a bandaid'. It is not the correct way to do it. That it why people using a standalone and larger injectors with a lot of tuning are making way more power than people with the SF fuel system.
But do most of you care? No. Most people just want the parts on their car and for their car to run. Not willing to do it the correct way because it may cost a few dollars more or may take more time, or maybe someone was telling them that it was the correct way. Most people arent ***** about how their car runs. If it gains power, then they are happy. And one thing wrong with most people are that they are gullible. They will believe anything you say without requiring any information/evidence to back it up.
I have been acquiring parts and building my motor/turbo system since march. I have recieved several sets of pistons from the company building my custom pistons, and i have sent them back because they are not exactly what i want. I finally have the sleeves i want. I finally have the rods i want. I finally have the intake manifold i want... turbo i want.... intercooler... injectors... air filter... ubends... vaccum lines... fuel rail extrusion...
hell, i even have the injector bungs i wanted. They cost $46 each (parts only), but i got the ones that best match what i am going to do.
This is the reason I am the one building my motor, building my turbo system, and tuning the car. Most people say 'good enough' when it comes to certain aspects. When i will settle for nothing less than perfection. I only have enough money to build my car once. I dont want to have to put the stock motor back in after only a few months of real power.
So for the people who want to do it correctly, and have a car that runs properly, swap the ecu.
For the people who want to say that "I have a head swap", get a vtec controller.
The stock ex cam has a different lobe for the low-vtec than the stock lx cam. And the vtec lobe is more aggressive than the stock LX cam. The LX computer is made for running the LX cam/motor.
If the lx computer were the exact same (minus vtec control) as the lx one, Honda would have simply put the ex ecu in the lx's and used the stock LX engine harness. And have the ecu automatically compensate for the lack of the vtec solenoid.
Why would honda then invest a ton of money into developing a different ECU for a car if the other one would work fine?
I had all sorts of drivability issues with my ex motor running off an LX ecu. Maybe im more of a **** about how my car runs than most of you. But when i am cruising and i feel the car misfiring at random times, having a hesitation while going from cruising to accellerating, and getting bad gas mileage, i spent the extra $90 to put the ex ecu in my car. And i didnt tow the car anywhere. I pulled out the glove box, unbolted the ecu (leaving it connected) and drove it to honda. They then drove it into the shop, re-programmed my key to the new ecu, then swapped ecu's, and drove it out. I then drove it home. Took 45 mins.
With the lx ecu in, i was only getting about 28 mpg in town. With the ex, i am getting 33-35 in town and i got 42 mpg going to and coming home from june lake (450 miles round trip)
Then after you have the correct ecu, you can use the vafc-II to control all that, since you will have the correct timing and fuel to mess with.
After you spend the money for tuning the car with the lx ecu and vafc-ii or buy a wideband and tune it, you are at the same amount of cash spent as if you were to swap ecu's. And if you tuned your car without a dyno and without a wideband, then you deserve to have a poorly running car.
a lot of people doing something one way doesnt make it correct. Look at all of the people running FMU's as a fuel supplement. Ask dezod... sure it works, but its 'just a bandaid'. It is not the correct way to do it. That it why people using a standalone and larger injectors with a lot of tuning are making way more power than people with the SF fuel system.
But do most of you care? No. Most people just want the parts on their car and for their car to run. Not willing to do it the correct way because it may cost a few dollars more or may take more time, or maybe someone was telling them that it was the correct way. Most people arent ***** about how their car runs. If it gains power, then they are happy. And one thing wrong with most people are that they are gullible. They will believe anything you say without requiring any information/evidence to back it up.
I have been acquiring parts and building my motor/turbo system since march. I have recieved several sets of pistons from the company building my custom pistons, and i have sent them back because they are not exactly what i want. I finally have the sleeves i want. I finally have the rods i want. I finally have the intake manifold i want... turbo i want.... intercooler... injectors... air filter... ubends... vaccum lines... fuel rail extrusion...
hell, i even have the injector bungs i wanted. They cost $46 each (parts only), but i got the ones that best match what i am going to do.
This is the reason I am the one building my motor, building my turbo system, and tuning the car. Most people say 'good enough' when it comes to certain aspects. When i will settle for nothing less than perfection. I only have enough money to build my car once. I dont want to have to put the stock motor back in after only a few months of real power.
So for the people who want to do it correctly, and have a car that runs properly, swap the ecu.
For the people who want to say that "I have a head swap", get a vtec controller.
Last edited by turboengnr; Dec 3, 2005 at 08:58 PM.
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Originally Posted by 03-Acura-1.7-EL
opportunities, opportunities, opportunities...
Do you need LX ecu after swapping LX head into EX??
Do you need LX ecu after swapping LX head into EX??
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Re: D17 swap w/ vtec head
hey im planning on doing a ex head swap for my ek and im wondering what would be the price range around for that..and about the reflashing thing for the ecu any ideas on how much that would cost..
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