Aaron Bonk - Honda K-Series Engine Swaps: Upgrade to More Horsepower & Advanced Technology

CarTech, Inc.

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2014 by Aaron Bonk

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Edit by Bob Wilson and Wes Eisenschenk

Layout by Monica Seiberlich

ISBN 978-1-61325-208-6

Item No. SA335

Title Page: The first-generation TSX K24A2 engine remains one of the most desirable K-series power plants primarily because its the only North America-bound, 2.4L K-series engine to feature VTEC on both camshafts, much like the performance-oriented K20A2, K20Z1, and K20Z3. Like the K20Z3, the TSXs electronic drive-by-wire throttle body and ECU are not compatible with most chassis.

Back Cover:

Top Left: Mounting the Accord-style shifter box into any of these Accord or Prelude chassis isnt terribly difficult. Simply place it on top of the unmodified exhaust tunnel, drill the appropriate mounting holes, and bolt it into place using a series of nuts, bolts, and washers. The shifter cables may even pass through the original opening in the exhaust tunnel. (Photo Courtesy Hasport Performance Products)

Top Right: An aftermarket fuel pressure regulator must be integrated with every K-series engine swap into any non-native chassis. There are two reasons for this. First, K-series engines dont feature fuel pressure regulators; the system is regulated from within the fuel tank on native K-series chassis. Second, the fuel pressure regulator serves as a bypass tee that allows fuel to travel toward the fuel rail but to also return to the fuel tank.

Middle Left: Choosing the right K-series engine can be challenging. Beyond cost, you have to consider horsepower, potential upgrades, ECU, engine wiring harness compatibility, and any clearance considerations. Beyond that, selecting the right transmission is just as crucial. Not every aftermarket engine mount kit is compatible with every K-series transmission, so be sure to confirm whether or not a particular transmission may be used before moving forward.

Middle Right: Hasport supplies a billet aluminum engine mount that connects the already-installed right-side framerail bracket to the timing-chain-side engine mount. Be sure that the correct timing-chain-side engine mount has been installed. An incorrect bracket can lead to an engine that sits too high or two low, depending upon bracket type and engine deck height. (Photo Courtesy Hasport Performance Products)

Bottom Left: Aftermarket sub-harnesses such as this one from Hybrid Racing significantly simplify the wiring process. Each harness features labeled connectors that terminate at the ECU, engine harness, and chassis harness. Instructions are also included for hooking up the few remaining wires that differ slightly depending on the manufacturer. (Photo Courtesy Hybrid Racing)

Bottom Right: Intake manifold selection is crucial if unnecessary cutting is to be avoided. Notice how much shorter the RSX Type-S intake manifold on the right is than the Accord Euro R version on the left. The Accord Euro Rs shape and volume has proven to result in more power, but in the case of the 20012005 Civic, it comes at a cost. (Photo Courtesy Hasport Performance Products)

CONTENTS

Aaron Bonk first took an interest in Honda performance in the early 1990s. After studying mechanical engineering, he established Hole-shot Racing, one of the first tuning shops to specialize in Honda engine swaps. There he developed many Honda-specific engine transplants, long before engine mount kits and aftermarket wiring harnesses were realities.

After more than a decade of development and professionally swapping Honda engines, he transitioned into a career as an automotive journalist, authoring two Honda technical books. He has since held staff positions and contributed regularly to landmark Honda performance magazines, including Sport Compact Car, Turbo & High-Tech Performance, Super Street, Import Tuner, and many other print and online publications. Theres perhaps no other author whos written more articles or penned more words about the Honda brand.

Bonk recently served as Honda Tuning magazine Editor-in-Chief where he continues to contribute regularly and, today, resides in Southern California with his wife, daughter, son, and Acura NSX.

Nobody understands K-series engine swaps better than Hasport Performances Brian Gillespie. Hes a true pioneer of nearly every imaginable Honda engine transplant and a book like this simply couldnt have been possible without his knowledge, support, and savant-like nature when it comes to obscure Honda information.

Other great companies with truly innovative products, such as Hybrid Racing and K-Tuned, also make writing such a book and, incidentally, the K-series engine swap process, easier. Ive been driving, modifying, and racing Hondas for more than 20 years and have watched countless companies come and go. Hasport, K-Tuned, and Hybrid Racing are among the few that Im proud to associate myself with and include in the following pages.

Top-shelf manufacturers arent the only ones whove lent themselves to this book. Installation and tuning facilities, such as Sportcar Motion, Makspeed Motorworks, Laskey Racing, and Whitfield Manufacturing also offered up their facilities, their knowledge, and their time to help complete all of this.