too many choices. help me out?

[03_si]

alright so i got my ep3 two weeks ago i love this car, it surpasses everyone else with looks and originality, i just want some more power. whats my best bet while stayin in reasonable price range (im expecting well over 1k) for a swap, i've heard negatives about putting heads on the a3 block. so whats my best bet or should i just go with forced induction. so... shoot!

[Kodeen]

The cheapest swap is the K24a1. It has the same amount of horsepower but more torque, and you can run it with the stock ecu.

[AUTiger]

^not quite. The k24a4 is the cheapest.

[shanewdude]

I wouldn't let price be your guide... do it the way you want it the first time, IMO. Many people keep upping the mods. If you like working on your car, and are willing to go through a few set-ups, then have fun. Otherwise, I suggest read everything in the engine/swaps sections and then decide what you really want.

[civicsibaby04]

I wouldn't let price be your guide... do it the way you want it the first time, IMO. Many people keep upping the mods. If you like working on your car, and are willing to go through a few set-ups, then have fun. Otherwise, I suggest read everything in the engine/swaps sections and then decide what you really want.

:yeahthat:

[03_si]

I wouldn't let price be your guide... do it the way you want it the first time, IMO. Many people keep upping the mods. If you like working on your car, and are willing to go through a few set-ups, then have fun. Otherwise, I suggest read everything in the engine/swaps sections and then decide what you really want.

makes sense. i have a basic idea, just need a little push in the right direction, is there a head i can put on my a3 that will work smoothly and i would benefit from? like an a2 or a z1

[Draw7Seven]

Is there a head i can put on my a3 that will work smoothly and i would benefit from? like an a2 or a z1

In short, no. Turbo or full swap for real gains.

[clujalolo]

you could put a k20a2 head on the A3 but you just wont gain much power from it plus for what you pay, its not worth it, tho it only costs 700-1000 its not worth for what the power you get. SURE you get that nice Vtec crossover but remember, you want power, then this is not for you. BEST bet, full k20a2 swap or a k20z1 swap. OR even better k24a2. Theres so many options, you could go for a K24a1 with a a2 head. ENDLESS possiblities. For 1000 its kinda hard to do anything. how bout Kpro? it'll start you somewhere, and you can work from there.

Personally I would go for a full swap just cus you can get the motor with the tranny and the k20a2 comes with a six speed....it all depends what your goals are. Just start off small and start gathering parts, like kpro, headers, exhaust. Then start saving up for the motor. If you have access to a dealer license then you could buy a wrecked rsx type S for CHEAP, cheaper then what you can get the motor for and you can use all the other stuff from the Rsx like lug swap, leather seats, motor swap :mbiggrin: THAT is if you have a dealer license

Sorry for such a long post just trying to show you your options. Also remember there is Boost, you could supercharge your car?

[clutch797]

2jz is a great swap.

But really, I rock a k24a1.

[shadowmd]

everyone is gonna say k24 yada yada :mangel: lol but i still love my k20a2.... :mbiggrin:

2.0L all the way :mangel:

[bchaney]

k24 yada yada.

List your goals and we can help you more.

[03_si]

you could put a k20a2 head on the A3 but you just wont gain much power from it plus for what you pay, its not worth it, tho it only costs 700-1000 its not worth for what the power you get. SURE you get that nice Vtec crossover but remember, you want power, then this is not for you. BEST bet, full k20a2 swap or a k20z1 swap. OR even better k24a2. Theres so many options, you could go for a K24a1 with a a2 head. ENDLESS possiblities. For 1000 its kinda hard to do anything. how bout Kpro? it'll start you somewhere, and you can work from there.

Personally I would go for a full swap just cus you can get the motor with the tranny and the k20a2 comes with a six speed....it all depends what your goals are. Just start off small and start gathering parts, like kpro, headers, exhaust. Then start saving up for the motor. If you have access to a dealer license then you could buy a wrecked rsx type S for CHEAP, cheaper then what you can get the motor for and you can use all the other stuff from the Rsx like lug swap, leather seats, motor swap :mbiggrin: THAT is if you have a dealer license

Sorry for such a long post just trying to show you your options. Also remember there is Boost, you could supercharge your car?
nah the long post is appreciated and i actually do have access to dealer license my buddy has a lot, i assume you mean goto an auction?

[03_si]

k24 yada yada.

List your goals and we can help you more.

well my goals are pretty general, im not stuck on na vs fi just want to make at least 200hp and have about 2 grand to play around with now

[talonXracer]

well my goals are pretty general, im not stuck on na vs fi just want to make at least 200hp and have about 2 grand to play around with now



1. just doing a head swap is costly with very minimal gains, and you still need kpro to operate the engine.

2. K20A2 with 6spd and stock ECU

3. K24A2 with stock 5 speed and Kpro

4. K24A1/A4 w/ K20A2 head and Kpro

5.K20A3 w/JRsc

6. K20A3 w/turbo

7. Kpro is in my book, the first item to procure!


You can possiblly do this on a 2K shoestring budget, but anything on the K-series is not cheap, there is no longer "B"series cheapness! LOL

[bchaney]

^ Good list.

You might be able to make it close to 200 with a k24a1/a4 with I/RH/E and cams too.

[bigo711]

k24a2 for everyday driving

[shadowmd]

yea im with doug. kpro is def. the first thing u should get. that way ur not limited to anything :mcool:

[shadowmd]

k24 yada yada.



smart-ass lol :mwink:

[clujalolo]

nah the long post is appreciated and i actually do have access to dealer license my buddy has a lot, i assume you mean goto an auction?

YEh thats what i was trying to say lol go to an auction. lol the word was there but couldn't say it lol anyways, i was about to buy a rsx type s last week that was hit in the rear and i was able to use EVERYTHING from the car. it was about 2300 i believe, black, black interior, motor started and everything. I just didnt have 2300 + some laying, what sucks about these you have to pay straight out cash. I dont know how it is there but thats how it is here.

[davisj3537]

For 2k the closest you can get to 200whp is a jrsc street kit and a nice RH. You wont be able to incorporate the race kit without getting kpro(highly reccomended). You wont make 200whp with 2k, plain and simple. The race kit with no bolt ons and kpro wont even get you there and you are looking at spending about 2600 at that point. Assuming you don't do your own work...expect to pay 400 for a s/c install and about 800-1000 for a motor swap. I always have to assume the TS is not doing their own work considering most people don't, so when he says he has 2k I incorporate labor costs in too.

[03_si]

couldn't i swap in an a2, don't they make close to 200hp stock? or is that just manufacturer rated, i'd be doing all labor myself... i'm not an asshole

[davisj3537]

couldn't i swap in an a2, don't they make close to 200hp stock? or is that just manufacturer rated, i'd be doing all labor myself... i'm not an asshole

Ok lets say you get a totalled car for 2300. Now add in the clutch and all your fluids and filters. We are up to an easy 2500 now. The type s makes closer to say around 180whp stock(I'm sure someone has the actually figure). The factory rated hp is to the crank and not to the wheels. Now if you were to add in CAI/RH/E/kpro(another 1600 for those) then you can get up to 215-220whp...but thats really blowing your budget out of the water.

[03_si]

how much is a k20 swap running or better yet what's a good site i could peep one off of? i know pwjdm had some but they just have bseries shit now i think

[rtnlsltn]

Im in the same boat as you, looking to upgrade but i have around 4k after i sell my CRX. I'd like to go the route that gives me the most torque, so im going with K24a2 from what i've looked into. I'll be leaving all my stuff stock aside from a new clutch (why not while it's all apart?) and upgrading as i feel the need. Now it's a matter of finding a longblock or a totalled car. Who's got recommendations on where i could look for getting a reasonably priced full smashed up car? Im so used to working on my old GSR CRX, these new cars are a whole new ball game with parts :P

[Deadphishy]

I would get these things in this order..... That way you have time to save between.

0) Stock -135 whp
1) DC5 race header and DC5 specific mid-pipe ~ $500.00 - 145 whp
2) K-pro $900 - 155 whp
3) k24a1 $1300 - 180 whp lots of Tq
4) k20a2 head $800 plus head studs and gaskets ~$150.00 - 220 whp


Thats the kind of plan i would set

[clujalolo]

I would get these things in this order..... That way you have time to save between.

0) Stock -135 whp
1) DC5 race header and DC5 specific mid-pipe ~ $500.00 - 145 whp
2) K-pro $900 - 155 whp
3) k24a1 $1300 - 180 whp lots of Tq
4) k20a2 head $800 plus head studs and gaskets ~$150.00 - 220 whp


Thats the kind of plan i would set

i say follow what this guy has said....its a VERY good way to go. and probably one of the most cost effective.

[03_si]

I would get these things in this order..... That way you have time to save between.

0) Stock -135 whp
1) DC5 race header and DC5 specific mid-pipe ~ $500.00 - 145 whp
2) K-pro $900 - 155 whp
3) k24a1 $1300 - 180 whp lots of Tq
4) k20a2 head $800 plus head studs and gaskets ~$150.00 - 220 whp


Thats the kind of plan i would set

well i already have an hks hipower exhaust so i guess i should get a exhaust manifold and start stackin for kpro

[Deadphishy]

well i already have an hks hipower exhaust so i guess i should get a exhaust manifold and start stackin for kpro

Thats fine,

But for a k24 you have to have a DC5 (RSX type S) specific header. Because EP race headers won't clear the bottom of the car when matched with a taller k24 block.

All you'll need to do is have a muffler shop cut your HKS:mcry: mid-pipe and hav them weld a new flange on to mate up with the header. shouldn't be more the 40 bucks.

Or you can spend big bucks and get the real deal. A hytech or SSR header custom made for a k24 in an ep. 1,100~1,300 bucks

This is what i had to do to my thermal mid-pipe.

[rtnlsltn]

Thats fine,

But for a k24 you have to have a DC5 (RSX type S) specific header. Because EP race headers won't clear the bottom of the car when matched with a taller k24 block.

All you'll need to do is have a muffler shop cut your HKS:mcry: mid-pipe and hav them weld a new flange on to mate up with the header. shouldn't be more the 40 bucks.

Or you can spend big bucks and get the real deal. A hytech or SSR header custom made for a k24 in an ep. 1,100~1,300 bucks

This is what i had to do to my thermal mid-pipe.


will an RSX header clear the EP with the stock motor? I'm looking to slowly upgrade before i sell my car and cash in on a K24.

[bchaney]

You're better off just leaving the header off of the car until you swap in the k24.

[goldEp]

1. just doing a head swap is costly with very minimal gains, and you still need kpro to operate the engine.

2. K20A2 with 6spd and stock ECU

3. K24A2 with stock 5 speed and Kpro

4. K24A1/A4 w/ K20A2 head and Kpro

5.K20A3 w/JRsc

6. K20A3 w/turbo

7. Kpro is in my book, the first item to procure!


You can possiblly do this on a 2K shoestring budget, but anything on the K-series is not cheap, there is no longer "B"series cheapness! LOL

i hear you when you say "B" series cheapness!..
those are good options tho..i myself would go with #2 or #4, but #7 is very true...if you don't buy it now..you will later..lol

[superchargedk20]

Why dont u just wait a lil bit and save extra for when u can make power? WHy waste ur money on boltons? Save up and buy a turbo kit that includes kpro and make 260-270whp and just be done with it