K20a3 swap question(s)
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K20a3 swap question(s)
I am planning on doing a K20a3 swap in my 01 Civic Si (EX states) and use the motor out of an SiR (Si states). I'd prefer the motor out of the hatch instead of the base RSX because of the electric power steering but either one will do.
My question is, does anyone know if it's possible to use the head off of a RSX Type-S or R, with that cars ECU on the K20a3?
Would like to have the flow of the head, high and low cam lobes on both the intake and exhaust cams and the true VTEC engagement point of that motor.
Also, would I be able to use a thinner head gasket to raise the compression ratio up a bit? And does anyone make a thinner head gasket for the K20?
I know I could just make it easier and use the motor out of the Type-S or R but the price of these is just way too much.
Anyone with info or links to help would be appreciated.
My question is, does anyone know if it's possible to use the head off of a RSX Type-S or R, with that cars ECU on the K20a3?
Would like to have the flow of the head, high and low cam lobes on both the intake and exhaust cams and the true VTEC engagement point of that motor.
Also, would I be able to use a thinner head gasket to raise the compression ratio up a bit? And does anyone make a thinner head gasket for the K20?
I know I could just make it easier and use the motor out of the Type-S or R but the price of these is just way too much.
Anyone with info or links to help would be appreciated.
Originally Posted by 02ciVike
I am interested in the first question too. Is it possible to swap a K20A2 head into a K20A3? Would there be any advantages/disadvantages to doing this?
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yes you have to have the ecu and harness from the a2 and also the immobilizer from it..
and dont even worry about fuel economy... i boosted my 2k3 si and still got 25mpg in the city.. now im down to 16mph in the Z
and dont even worry about fuel economy... i boosted my 2k3 si and still got 25mpg in the city.. now im down to 16mph in the Z
this has been an atl01 production..
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Originally Posted by Spider883
yes you have to have the ecu and harness from the a2 and also the immobilizer from it..
and dont even worry about fuel economy... i boosted my 2k3 si and still got 25mpg in the city.. now im down to 16mph in the Z
and dont even worry about fuel economy... i boosted my 2k3 si and still got 25mpg in the city.. now im down to 16mph in the Z

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Thanks for the help. I found the TODA and Mugen head gaskets from www.jhpusa.com. The mugen one is only 0.2 and the TODA one is 0.4 so brings it up to 10.2:1 which is a little closer to the 11:1 for the type s. The reason I ask is because I got a really good price for a K20a3 at $1600 (Canadian). Can't say no to that price. I figure that with the motor out I'd be able to swap the gasket and head myself and have it all ready to go in the car.
Just another question. Does anyone here have a good source for K series motors. I know a lot of people say ebay but not much there.
Just another question. Does anyone here have a good source for K series motors. I know a lot of people say ebay but not much there.
Dude where did you get a K20a3 for $1600 (CAN)? PM me I will likely be in the market for one next spring. Does that include the tranny as well?
Perhaps the head swap would work without the ECU and harness with the VAFC 2. This is the case for a head swap between a DX/LX head swap to EX Vtec. Would the head swap between the a2 and a3 K20 work similarly?
http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=169411
Perhaps the head swap would work without the ECU and harness with the VAFC 2. This is the case for a head swap between a DX/LX head swap to EX Vtec. Would the head swap between the a2 and a3 K20 work similarly?
http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=169411
Last edited by 02ciVike; Oct 7, 2004 at 12:30 AM.
Originally Posted by atl01
**** i paid 1300 for my A3, tranny, RSX seats, subframe, wiring harness, etc.
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