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Old Mar 17, 2010
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D17a1 swap question..

I curently own a Honda civic Sedan LX 2005 with a D17a1 engine None-vtec and I saw this guy seeling this D17a2 SI 2004 head Vtec.

So i was wondering if it would be possible to swap my D17a1 2005 LX head for his D17a2 SI 2004 head.

D17a1 LX Block + D17a2 SI 2004 = possible?

I saw other adds with swap with a EX but this one is a SI 2004...
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Old Mar 17, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

if a d17a2 is coming out of a civic si, then its canadian. US ex is the canadian si.

you can swap the a2 head for the a1. also you need the vtec solenoid. possibly the ecu too. not sure about that though.
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Old Mar 17, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

US Si: K20a3 not compatible with D17a1
Canadian Si: D17a2 is compatible with D17a1
You need a D17a2 vtec solenoid, and an ex ecu or a vafc2
You will need to get the ex ecu reprogrammed for the swap at the dealership.
I would strongly suggest the vafc2 because you can set when vtec kicks in, and it is more cost effective.
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Old Mar 17, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

is there anything should I look at before buying the head? ( sorry im new for buying head ). And I cant reprogramme the LX Ecu ? it has to be a EX reprogrammed? coz going to a Vafc2 will require me to Dyno my car to tune it right?

ex: how to reconize if the head blew or damage on the head part? Dose the head come with the Vtec solenoid?

Last edited by lioxx; Mar 17, 2010 at 10:45 PM.
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Old Mar 18, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

is there anything should I look at before buying the head? ( sorry im new for buying head ). And I cant reprogramme the LX Ecu ? it has to be a EX reprogrammed? coz going to a Vafc2 will require me to Dyno my car to tune it right?

ex: how to reconize if the head blew or damage on the head part? Dose the head come with the Vtec solenoid?
You are reprogramming the ex ecu to new keys so your immobilizer doesn't kick in.
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...p-ex-vtec.html
this is one of many threads covering the swap with a vfac2. There are also basic settings to get things running. People have tuned it on the road so you don't necessarily have to dyno it.
http://www.xproductionz.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=25 another link that can help.
As far as the head goes you should check for warpage, runner surface for any mars and damage, on high mileage heads measure the valve clearance which will probably be ok.
(Idk if I've covered everything as far as the head goes, if I missed something someone else chime in)
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Old Mar 18, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

thank you!!! now things looks more clear to me.

one last question which id ratter ask to you all more than the owner of the head..

If the Head of that D17a2 SI 2004 is a Manual head, and that my car is a automatic, would it still work ?
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Old Mar 18, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

Originally Posted by lioxx
thank you!!! now things looks more clear to me.

one last question which id ratter ask to you all more than the owner of the head..

If the Head of that D17a2 SI 2004 is a Manual head, and that my car is a automatic, would it still work ?
yes it would still work
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Old Mar 19, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

All parts are here and ready. the only thing I wonder is if I need to change the headers ? I have a automatic , do the stock LX headers will do a fine job? or do I need to change them for a EX headers??

Hmmmm Do I really need the VAFC2 , coz getting the EX ecu and reflashed would be less a pain than playing with wires all over...

hard to find a garage here in montreal that could do that kind of head swap job...

Last edited by lioxx; Mar 19, 2010 at 07:19 AM.
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Old Mar 19, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

you can do this swap with the vafc and no need for the EX ecu. just as long as you get a wideband you should be able to tune the car. You dont need to fun EX headers or whatever for the swap you can stay LX if you like. if your going with EX headers you'll need a new exhaust setup

getting the EX ecu reflash will cost you a ton more $$$$$$ to do than the vafc.
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Old Mar 19, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

ohh now its clear to me... hehehe time to find a garage that dose that operation.
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Old Mar 19, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

you know you can just use an ex ecu. just find one in a junkyard or something and swap it in for the lx one. its really easy
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Old Mar 19, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

Originally Posted by HLC
you know you can just use an ex ecu. just find one in a junkyard or something and swap it in for the lx one. its really easy
Try ebay. I got an EX ecu on ebay for around $45 once.
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Old Mar 19, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

if i try to get the EX ecu, what year should be the ecu?

a 2004-2005 or a 2001-2005 ?
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Old Mar 20, 2010
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Re: D17a1 swap question..

if i try to get the EX ecu, what year should be the ecu?

a 2004-2005 or a 2001-2005 ?
It doesn't matter.

On another note you have an automatic transmission, Doing a head swap will be pretty much a waste... You won't get much noticeable power (it will be lost in the tranny). You will also get worse gas mileage.
Since you are having a shop do it, swap the transmission, swap the head, get a vafc, and later on down the road swap the exhaust; you will be happy for maybe a month. After a month you will realize the car is still too slow and you will want to do a k20 swap or turbo. I would suggest abandoning this project and save up for a swap. Or you could be like me and accept the fact that the car is a gimp and just buy a bike to get your thrills.
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