Engine swap with K20z3.

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Old 11-20-2007, 09:46 PM
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Engine swap with K20z3.

Kinda new at this but I have roughly 185k on my 88 Honda Civic and finally decided hey my old car needs a new makeover to keep up going up the hills with my new cars. So wondering where could I find info how much and OEM version of the K20z3 engine and possibly a new tranny would cost and if it would fit in my 88 Civic? Really need some help.
Old 11-20-2007, 10:26 PM
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It will cost more than its worth IMO. Don't forget about engine mounts, new axles, wiring harness, ECU, sensors, etc.

For a low mileage K20-anything, along with transmission and assorted parts, I would expect a budget of anywhere from $5000-7000. I'm not an expert on this but K-series engines are expensive, period. It may even cost more and probably will.

Here's a few forums where you will find a lot more information...

www.k-series.com
www.hondatech.com
www.
Old 11-20-2007, 11:20 PM
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You'd be better off with a B series motor

Plus with a K series, you'll need a special Hasport kit for engine mounts on a Civic.
Old 11-21-2007, 08:13 AM
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appriciate it guys I don't know I really want to have a hmm you changed everything under that hood to like new century stuff instead of hey still living in the past but ole well we have to weigh the options but thanks once again.
Old 11-21-2007, 09:16 AM
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You could do a B16 or B18 swap for a lot cheaper than a K series, and still have a really quick car with an improved transmission.

http://www.hmotorsonline.com
Old 11-21-2007, 12:46 PM
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just put a b18b 89-93 integra ls motor. you you may have to bar it but you wont change the OBD-0 so there will be no additional harnesses or V-TEC to wire. also i would change the knuckles (hubs) and axels ecu and wiring harness. b18b's are cheap.
Old 11-22-2007, 10:43 AM
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so what if I really don't want used parts I am really trying to get my wife to back me on this and it needs to be brand new, like does honda or acura make crate engines at all that have never been started?
Old 11-22-2007, 10:56 AM
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just buy a new car. I mean really.
Old 11-22-2007, 11:08 AM
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its almost a 20 yr old car
Old 11-22-2007, 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Southerngravy
so what if I really don't want used parts I am really trying to get my wife to back me on this and it needs to be brand new, like does honda or acura make crate engines at all that have never been started?
They do, but the cost would be prohibitive.

Used engine for cheap, or new/newer used car. That's pretty much what you're lookin' at.
Old 11-22-2007, 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by mrproul
just put a b18b 89-93 integra ls motor. you you may have to bar it but you wont change the OBD-0 so there will be no additional harnesses or V-TEC to wire. also i would change the knuckles (hubs) and axels ecu and wiring harness. b18b's are cheap.
That really is a terrific idea, and would be DIRT cheap to do.
Old 11-23-2007, 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by LotusTracker
its almost a 20 yr old car
yeah but I know people with brand new 08 that condition still doesn't fair to mine so... new car, more payment on top of the TL and MDX that I already have come on. Beside I have 5k to do whatever with and right now my civic needs some TLC.
Old 11-23-2007, 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Southerngravy
yeah but I know people with brand new 08 that condition still doesn't fair to mine so... new car, more payment on top of the TL and MDX that I already have come on. Beside I have 5k to do whatever with and right now my civic needs some TLC.
Pics of TL and MDX or

Oh and not your parents cars
Old 11-23-2007, 04:00 PM
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hmm bullshit card huh

well just so you know heres some of the TL I don't have any of the MDX yet still got paper tags but will post soon enjoy, heck I know my kids do


Old 11-23-2007, 04:09 PM
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Oh yeah here's

a pic of my Civic I had since I was stationed in Japan and my first brand new vehicle back then the MDX

Old 11-23-2007, 04:29 PM
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so then why dump 5k into a beater civic?
Old 11-23-2007, 06:46 PM
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^ yeah??
Old 11-23-2007, 07:36 PM
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Really...why
Old 11-23-2007, 09:59 PM
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Idk I guess parting ways with it means letting something near to me go plus how often do you see 20 year old cars that still run great and are not someones muscle car
Old 11-23-2007, 10:08 PM
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Do me a favor. Put the 5k in an envelope and send it to me. I will use it for something much better.
Old 11-23-2007, 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by 1killercls
Pics of TL and MDX or

Oh and not your parents cars
people are so doubtful these days..

and an engine swap sounds fun. i say go for it
Old 11-23-2007, 10:29 PM
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if it was anything other than a civic I would say go for it!
Old 11-23-2007, 10:29 PM
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Originally Posted by TommySalami
people are so doubtful these days..

and an engine swap sounds fun. i say go for it
its funny that you know I been in the Navy for almost 8 years here soon, me and my wife and ppl still don't believe what I have to show for myself but to each his own so yeah I think I might take up that swap, I mean I really don't know anything about it plus I just finished getting my AA in General Studies which aint much but I did it without any money out of my pocket.
Old 11-23-2007, 10:36 PM
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Do it, you'll learn a lot and you'll really enjoy it too and when you're done youll love the civic 10x more
Old 11-23-2007, 10:56 PM
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k20a.org is a really good place to research too. I had a plan for a k20a2 swap into an EK in my head for a long while, but I decided to stop because of theft risk, money issues and the fact that I can't find a good EK in good condition .. Good luck with your project though.
Old 11-23-2007, 11:30 PM
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Originally Posted by LotusTracker
if it was anything other than a civic I would say go for it!
+1
Old 11-23-2007, 11:47 PM
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I just think EFs are ugly. But its your car, it seems like you know how to make money so hey why not spend it for something that makes you happy? I agree though, a B-series would be a better choice than a K. You'd be one of the few with a K swap in their EF, but that's like putting an LS1 in a Cavalier, no offense. Why?

I would just buy a rolling EG or DC/DB shell and just put a B20 in it. Better garage it either way though.
Old 11-24-2007, 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Southerngravy
its funny that you know I been in the Navy for almost 8 years here soon, me and my wife and ppl still don't believe what I have to show for myself but to each his own so yeah I think I might take up that swap, I mean I really don't know anything about it plus I just finished getting my AA in General Studies which aint much but I did it without any money out of my pocket.
Are you related to Water-S?
Old 11-24-2007, 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Southerngravy
its funny that you know I been in the Navy for almost 8 years here soon, me and my wife and ppl still don't believe what I have to show for myself but to each his own so yeah I think I might take up that swap, I mean I really don't know anything about it plus I just finished getting my AA in General Studies which aint much but I did it without any money out of my pocket.
OK, putting aside all the unhelpful unsolicited comments about the plusses and minuses of Civics, I still think a 1990-1993 B18B swap with transmission would get you great bang for the buck.....and cost significantly less than $5000. Any competent Honda tuner shop could accomplish that in short order. Honda engines are just about indestructable, so finding a good one shouldn't be a problem.

K-series is much more involved, the car would be faster, but you pay for the privledge.
Old 11-24-2007, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by 1killercls
Are you related to Water-S?
How is that?
Old 11-24-2007, 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Southerngravy
How is that?

yes
Old 11-24-2007, 02:12 PM
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ok how is that
Old 11-24-2007, 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by mrsteve
yes
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