2001 - 2005 Honda Civic JDM D17A Engine Swap | D17A2

[@TyNeePen15]

Just finished my swap. Been picking away at it all week. Boss let me come into the shop today to finish her off. Had to change over the engine mount (the JDM had an extra long stud that would've interfered with the ABS module) and the harmonic balancer (JDM had a larger "small" pulley) and the harmonic balancer on the JDM engine was damaged during shipping. Also replaced lower timing cover which was damaged during shipping and the one on the old engine had all of the mounting tabs broken off so it was rubbing back of balancer. It was about 30 bucks for a new lower timing cover and came with a new gasket. Cam sensor was also damaged during shipping, but I just used the one from my old engine. She fired up right away and she runs super smooth and absolutely no noise. No more vibration (misfire) at idle. Can't wait to see how much better the fuel economy is going to be now that I'm running on all 4 cylinders. Got a bunch of new parts as well (Timing belt kit with water pump, thermostat, spark plugs, belts) so I shouldn't have to spend anymore money on this car for a long time. Other than gas and oil changes. Thanks again for this video. Very helpful. Absolutely no surprises, she fired up and runs beautifully.

[@hondaresource]

Awesome man, I'm glad you were able to get it going!

[@olegbabak9793]

The only issue I had with a d17a2 to d17a swap was that they have different styles of pcv valve. I noticed it's harder to find the jdm style in America as no auto part store carries them

[@kfmeden4514]

D17A2 pcv screws on. D17A pcv has a rubber grommet and just pull it out. Closest one that I found that matches was from a 96 accord. Serves the same purpose... Just a different color. Ill edit this later when I find the package for part ###.

[@TyNeePen15]

Just picked up a JDM D17A and should be starting my swap sometime this week. 2002 Acura EL with the D17A2 and Automatic Transmission. Had a bad misfire, compression test showed 125 PSI across 3 cylinders and less than 20 PSI on one cylinder. Stuck a camera down the suspect cylinder and noticed what appeared to be damage to the top of the piston and possibly cylinder walls. Removed cylinder head and confirmed cylinder walls had large gouges. Also noticed a knock while running that got worse when loading up the engine in gear. I just bought the car at the end of June and was slowly performing maintenance as I could afford it. The car has very little rust (which is good for an early 2000's import in my area) its only got 237,000 kilometers on it (just under 150,000 miles) and I only paid $650 for it. Paid $900 for the engine with around 80,000 kilometers (about 50,000 miles). I had already bought some parts before I found out the engine was no good. Got a timing kit (same AcDelco kit you used, which is actually a Gates kit, same part number and has Gates markings on the waterpump), thermostat, spark plugs, ignition coil boot kits. So I'm just gonna put all the new parks on the D17A before swapping it over. This video is a huge help. Thanks.

[@TyNeePen15]

Also got new belts (Alternator/AC and Power steering) they were noisy and looked pretty old.

[@Rotarypowerandguns]

You guys are hella lucky to have a place to do it all.

[@hondaresource]

I worked my tail off to get to where I'm at!

[@ygfromig]

@@hondaresource💪🏻💪🏻

[@brigitterosales3735]

Hi - thanks for doing this video. I have a beloved 05 Civic that has the D17a2 & needs rebuild/replacement after 280k. I want to have this engine rebuilt because I’m scared of a used engine (how do I know it’s good?) but I just read one of your comments that this engine is crap. Do you think it’s better to go with a JDM swap vs. paying for a rebuild? This engine has lasted so long for us. If I do go with a JDM, how can I know I have a good engine that hasn’t been run dry? And are there any issues with the JDM and Cali smog? Thanks for all your videos. I wish I could bring her to you. The quote I got for the rebuild here is $4300 (1y warranty) - $3000 for a JDM (30-90 day warranty)

[@brandonpanduro3839]

Can a vtec engine function with a non vtec transmission on a 04 civic ?

[@BigE0fficial]

I had the same question but Ian gon try it I just ordered both

[@arifnoor100]

I'm from Lahore Pakistan 🇵🇰 I have 96 civic recently swapped with D17A Vtec prosmetic Automatic Transmission...it's Really Powerful Engine ...No Doubt ....D15,D16 and D17 all are overpowered

[@StraightWhitearrow]

How? Did u use a distributor? And what ecu?

[@karlh1535]

I just did this same swap on a 04 ex (well i didnt so it, the shop near my house did ) but now sporadically my car throws a check engine light, but connected to ghe reader it shows no codes and when you restart the car the cel goes away. Any suggestions?

[@Ma21L]

Sadly my EM2 D17 engine died.. and looking to do an engine swap .. im thinking of a K20 swap from a 07 Type R Vtec.. now im not sure if its better doing a like for like swap, or do a K20 swap.. Which engine is better and which would be more worth it?

[@hondaresource]

a k series will be night and day difference in power and reliability compared to the d17. I really like the k24a2, they are usually easier to find, somewhat affordable and make 200hp stock.

[@Ma21L]

@@hondaresource yeah definitely I agree, however i realised my EM2 is an Automatic.. so it'll be tad more complicated. But i got a new D17 engine with 67k miles, it has the engine block painted, Toyo exhaust manifold.. plus I'm buying a Mitsimoto Aluminium radiator and cooler .. plus i have silicone pipes as well. And I also have a K&N air intake system. Plus polyethylene engine mounts. So once that's all put together, she will drive nicely. I mean i can map her to about 200bhp which is fine for me

[@jen-tr2ub]

im currently in a similar spot where my d17a1 seized and i was looking into a k20a swap. were you able to find a price for the whole swap bc i found a motor for 900 but most videos and threads ive seen on it say its thousands in additional parts

[@Ma21L]

@@jen-tr2ub well I managed, to get the new engine put into my car by my mechanic.. but he basically messed up my car. It was on his drive for 6 months, in that time my car got mouldy, the new engine was sat out for months as well. Which as a result the head gasket went. And he wants £600 for the work. He is not getting shit.

[@antoniodavison7025]

Can I use the exhaust from and a1 on a a2 motor. I can’t get a straight answer people say it fits the engine but then other say it needs to be swapped out

[@kfmeden4514]

Twinziieeesss! I recently swapped an A1 out for the A. Running like a champ!

[@hondaresource]

Heck yeah man

[@GeMoua-z9s]

What does the a1 to a swap entail?

[@kfmeden4514]

​@@GeMoua-z9sthe A1 that was in it chewed up the #1 rod bearing. Was cheaper at the time I ordered, the block off eBay for $800. I can't find one under $1000 now. All the plugins are the same, but since it's a non VTEC i wired a toggle switch so i can turn vtec on around 4500. Some a1 didn't have egr valve, but the A did. So I swApped the housing with the non egr. People say dont run a toggle switch for vtec. Been running mine the last 50k with it and it runs fine Me and my dad raced with another 02 I bought(JDM TRANS). EX So it has the VTEC built in the ecu. The A swap( now with JDM ENG and TRANS)was pulling away from the EX sorry blabling on lol

[@antoniodavison7025]

You swapped a d17a1 over to a vtec over with the stock harness?

[@kfmeden4514]

@@antoniodavison7025 Yep! All the plugs are the same... Except it won't have the plug-ins for VTEC or EGR depending on your model

[@BenjaminBlack99]

So I got a 02 civic lx with a jdm d17a swap. I bought it swapped already cause I needed a car. Now the issue I have is 1. The throttle body doesn't have the two holes for the throttle cable and cruise control cable. Do I need this for it to work properly 2. Just got done taking engine out to change clutch, now it surges on idle. Does that have anything to do with the TB 3. Vtec was never hooked up. It is a lx model with the "ex" engine and the previous owner used the same harness. Would I need to get a harness and ecu for the swap? If so which one will I need?

[@kfmeden4514]

Now it isn't the right way. But it's how I did it on my DX. I put a 12v wire in my cig lighter. Ran it to a toggle switch. Then ran a wire to the signal on the VTEC to the switch. Cheap but it works. In my head it makes sense. But the A1 engine runs on 16V all the the time. As for the A2/A, it runs on 12V with VTEC off Now for the throttle I swapped the TB so I could have cruise. Might pull the TB out and spray out the Idle Air Control IAC wit some TB cleaner Might double check connections. Dealing with other people's dur-dur-durs

[@paulc1014]

I have a 03 civic ex with the d17a2 and everytime I shift from 2nd gear to 3rd, there's a slight grind, do I need to replace the clutch or the whole transmission??

[@RoachieTheGuide]

I have the same thing, just ride it out until the clutch goes, the clutch kits are dirt cheap with this car so it's not bad at all.

[@alixonmorean3153]

friend greetings from Venezuela my case is particular I installed a d17a2 ecu in a civic d17a and it gives me a fault code P0142 o2 2 and my vehicle does not have cables for a second oxygen sensor what can I do in that case to eliminate that fault code

[@greglems206]

Was hoping you were going to go full-send through the trees while towing the engine hoist. That's my request for the next shenanigans video haha.

[@hondaresource]

I have another crv to go full send with. it'll probably be next month before I get started on it

[@antoniodavison7025]

So I have a non vtec can I just swap in a vtec motor. Or do I have to get a new harness?

[@hondaresource]

You can. If you want to VTEC to work, you'll have to add a couple wires and use a VTEC computer.

[@bobbyallen2629]

Hey Just last question when I program my new computer and motor that is Now a Vtec from non vtec or Lx To Ex motor. When O program this new computer to the motor when I put in my vin from it being a Lx will this effect the computer not working right with Vtec? Or it won't matter and all should work right? Sorry for all the crazy questions but this is my first motor swap from Non Vtec to Vtec.

[@hondaresource]

No, it will still work like it's supposed to

[@bobbyallen2629]

@@hondaresource Thanks a million. I will post back on here after tomorrow when I install computer and program it.

[@efordautoservices1323]

@@bobbyallen2629 You didn't give any feedback. I'm about to do the same swap for my 05 lx non vtec to ex vtec. What are the challenges you had and how you overcame them?

[@bobbyallen2629]

@@efordautoservices1323 okay it didn't work switching computer. I found out you need the V Ttec wiring harness, Have to wire in extra 02 sensor to computer and have to get 02 sensor wire extension. And you do have to get a computer thats VTEC if u have Automatic have to get 1 that goes with Auto. If manual you have to make sure it's a manual vtec ecm or computer. It's a little work to do.

[@bulletfingrz]

My engine has a ticking noise when i started and it get get louder once in drive. Once i accelerate the soynd goes away. And after it is at nominal temperature the ticking is no more. Any ideas on what it could be?

[@Mars2Point0]

Get a value adjustment every 40 thousand kilometers

[@Mars2Point0]

Definitely values

[@dartagnanpluck]

Maybe doing this on my EX d17a2. In your vid you mention changing the wiring harness, or did I misunderstand? Looks like you didn’t.

[@hondaresource]

reuse your existing harness.

[@cesarvazquez4234]

So the d17a2 and d17a don't come with girdle and only the d17a1? And do you need to swap over the oil pan to the ex d17a2?

[@steveprince2988]

Hi thanks for the video I have a 04 civic with the d17a2 I just bought another 04 civic for the engine but it's a d17a1 will this work? And I have the whole car so if there's anything I need I have it😅

[@karlh1535]

Looking for a d17a2 engine upgrade, my current one leaks alot of oil and knockinf sound and rattles. Im in rhe fence if a rebuild, replace ir just spot fix. I guess the question im asking is, if u replace a new jdm engine, will i need to mat it wirh a jdm transmission or can u still uae rhe 5 speed i currently have. Also will i need to do any tweaking wirh the ecu when the new engine is in?

[@kfmeden4514]

US MODELS have an oil pressure sensor on VTEC. JDM MODELS Only have the blue signal wire. There should be a bolt in place where the pressure would be on the JDM. As for transmissions you might just need to put a flywheel(manual) instead of a flex plate(autos) on the engine. I

[@jamesbright5357]

What the difference between a 01 motor and Japanese motor including Hp

[@hondaresource]

Not much. A couple sensors

[@lukebooth6539]

Did you have to use a JDM ECU? Or just the d17a2 American one

[@kfmeden4514]

You probably would have better luck with the USDM ECU. I Could not get the JDM(RN1 Honda stream UCU) to connect to the immobilizer using I-HDS or SNAP-ON. I've tried connecting a JDM ECU after I did an a2/ JDM trans swap OD GEARED JDM (3,2K RPMS@70MPH) USDM(2,7K RPMS@70MPH). Slight differences JDM ENGINE doesn't have an oil pressure sensor on VTEC.and "allegedly the JDM vehicles didn't have an immobilizer. ECUS plug in the same.. but the pin out may be slightly different.

[@GeMoua-z9s]

Hi there!! I’m about to embark on a similar swap. My moms D17A1 just blew up. I have a D17A VTEC ready for it. If I run the motor with VTEC wired how will the car perform? Should I just wire VTEC then! Any input would be great!!

[@hondaresource]

If you run it without the VTEC connected it will act just as it should normal without VTec. If you want to add VTec, you'll need to swap ECUs and add the appropriate wiring.

[@rodriguezluisf.8904]

Did you leave the pcv valve as is? The JDM has it as a plug instead of screw in.

[@hondaresource]

I left it as is

[@jaxielacevedo8281]

Do you have to put the crank sensor on sense most jdm motors don’t have them

[@hondaresource]

No, they have them

[@macdaddiejake320]

quick question i want to drop a d17a2 into my 04 civic because my d17a is non vtec ,what do i need for that swap can i run the old wiring harness without swapping

[@ZJSpellman]

Should be plug and play just have to wire vtec through firewall to the ecu

[@ZJSpellman]

The vtec ecu

[@Jegsnation]

I swapped over to a JDM D17A on a 03 Civic Ex.. everything worked out fine except that the engine is running lean and I can’t seem to find the root of the problem.. I did all the recommended swaps (throttle body, intake, oil pressure switch, etc) also checked for vacuum leaks, both O2 sensors brand new, brand new NGK plugs and Denso Coils, brand new fuel pump… Question is: have you ever ran into this lean running issue after a JDM swap??? Is there any guidance you can provide for me on this as we rely heavily on this vehicle and there are no reliable mechanics nearby please??? Any help will be greatly appreciated!!

[@Jegsnation]

Also EGR checks out fine, good resistance readings, and 12v jump test stalls vehicle..

[@hondaresource]

Man, I wish I could offer some helpful advice. Only thing I can really think of it perhaps your fuel pump is weak. You'd have to get a fuel pressure tester in order to test it

[@beerggls]

Sensor one is different depending on if you have a D17a1 or D17a2 and what year. Some of them are oxygen sensors and some of them are air/fuel ratio sensors. If the ECM doesn’t get the exact right signal you’ll have a check engine light forever. I’m fighting this problem right now and that’s the best conclusion I’ve come up with so far. The price of that sensor is ridiculous to the point where I suspect they did this on purpose to sell sensors.

[@codyallen9412]

im wanting to put the 01-05 d15b into an ek but idk if its honestly worth it or not

[@hondaresource]

01-05? no absolutely not

[@donh215]

Only thing a/c delco makes that should be in a Honda is the syncromesh friction modified mtf. Aisin makes best aftermarket timing belt/water pump kit

[@hondaresource]

The kit was 100% gates kit in an ac delco box

[@TyNeePen15]

@@hondaresource I got the exact same kit you got. It is the same part number as the Gates kit, and even has Gates markings on the water pump. Funny thing is I originally had the Gates kit in my cart on Rock Auto, but I bought the AcDelco kit because it was $1 more expensive, but saved me $15 in shipping instead of having to come from another warehouse as all of the other parts that I had ordered.

[@chrishamilton2141]

I blew my D17A2 and got my hands on a cheap D17A1 can I put that in place of my D17A2 and what changes would I have to make. I've been reading about the D17A2 is a V-Tec and this D17A1 looks completely identical to my D17A2 but I'm not sure if it will work

[@hondaresource]

you can and just leave the vtec wires disconnected. You will need a non-vtec ecu to prevent the car being in limp mode.

[@The513Warning]

Swap the heads. Get your a2 head resurfaced and everything and just swap it onto your new block.

[@Itspiyerr]

I have a d17a1 on my 02 dx with stock manual trans. Is it possible to just swap the engine to d17a2 paired with the stock trans of the d17a1? If yes, what else do I need to replace considering all parts are stock d17a1 to get the d17a2 vtec to work well?

[@hondaresource]

Use the stock a1 exhaust and engine harness. Add wires for vtec from vtec solenoid to the ecu. Get vtec ecu for same year as your car. Get key programmed to work with ecu. I did this exact swap on my first 7th gen, a 2003 lx sedan manual.

[@Itspiyerr]

@@hondaresource my car model doesn’t have keyless entry so do I still need to get my key programmed? And for the vtec ecu, any ecu from any d17a2 will work? Thankyou for replying!!

[@grumet100]

@@hondaresource what state you in? Also what did you do when you had the Lx harness ln a i blew my d17A1 few years back an did a swap i have a d17a with a egr dont think my last one had a egr idk if im my ecu from the d171 but i need pass smog l0l in ca an got called out for a visual look on the smog check an failed due the codes not matchign an having a egr not plugged in any commets or suggestion on what to do need get it smogged this month

[@matthewglaze5398]

If you were doing a d17a1 to jdm d17A swap would you just need to swap the computer and engine harness, as well as all the things you listed In this video?

[@hondaresource]

Use the D17a1 engine harness. Just add the couple wires for vtec. You'll need a vtec ecu

[@matthewglaze5398]

@@hondaresource awesome would you happen to know the ecu pinout for that addition?

[@bobbyallen2629]

Are u able to use a ECM from a D17a2 to a D17a motor? Thanks. P.s I went from a Non Vtec to this Vtec got new harness too. When I do the programming to make it work do I do American or Japan since motor came from JDM motors? Or do I do American because of the ECM I'll be using thanks u

[@hondaresource]

Yes the d17a2 ecm will work for the d17a. Just make sure the year of the ecm matches your car.

[@bobbyallen2629]

@@hondaresource thank you. U mean the yr. Of my car as my vin? And 1 other thing when I program the new ecm do I put American or Japan cuz of the motor or do I go off my vin being American? Thank u so much for ur big help. Yes the Ecm I'm getting is 01-02 mine is a 02 civic so this should work. Please u know on ecm the last 3 letter and numbers like A03 L04 L05 and so forth what is all that mean sorry for many questions but you've been a big help.

[@hondaresource]

@@bobbyallen2629 yeah, the year your car was made. Match it to an ecu from the EX model of the same year in the US.

[@bobbyallen2629]

@@hondaresource thank you Bro. Appreciate it very much.

[@Elijah_Martin]

Hey man! I’ve got a question, so I have a 2002 Civic LX with the D17A1 w/o EGR & NonVTEC. If i purchase a JDM D17a1/2 that comes equipped with vtec/egr can i run that motor without any adjustments to my wiring harness? Perhaps swap my original thermostat housing plate area over to the jdm motor off my old block? Can it have a dormant vtec system and still run fine? 😅

[@hondaresource]

yes. that would work fine. I've done it several times as a matter of fact.

[@grumet100]

@@hondaresource i have same issue but idk if mine a true lx or ex but it have ulv on back windows but need get my car smogged an dont need vetc just wanan be able pass smog

[@TheDailyProjectEm2]

i have the same car and i wanna put an h22 or a b16

[@brandonpanduro3839]

Van a vtec engine work with a non vtec transmission

[@djfuze5906]

I need to change my engine it's a non VTEC I'm change it to a jdm VTEC but don't want to hook up VTEC can I still use the engine with the non VTEC ECU and the non VTEC harness is that possible

[@hondaresource]

You'll need a VTEC ECU and you'll need to add a couple wires from the engine to the ECU. Reuse the original harness

[@djfuze5906]

Wouldn't have to get the key reprogram

[@djfuze5906]

I don't want to use VTEC I'm block it using the original harnesses and ECU

[@djfuze5906]

Can I still use my same ECU if I'm not going to connect the v tech

[@djfuze5906]

Will it still work

[@noeaguilar4542]

engine light comes on when using imported transmission with transmission greed computer misreads and throws code

[@LatinoAD]

I might have to do this too Mr Babb sadly 😥. Jdm d17.

[@michaelmartel7260]

Hey if I was to swap my car like this will I have to make it a Manual to?

[@hondaresource]

No sir

[@XxakaVENDETTAxX]

I am doing a d17a1 to d17a swap could someone tell me want timing belt and seals I should get for the d17a to get.

[@hondaresource]

D17a, D17a1 and d17a2 all use the same belt and timing seals

[@XxakaVENDETTAxX]

@@hondaresource awesome thanks for your help!

[@hondaresource]

@@XxakaVENDETTAxX no prob

[@vLpooh]

So what do I need to to change on the jdm engine to make it work ?

[@hondaresource]

Throttle body, vtec pressure sensor

[@vLpooh]

@@hondaresource thanks I did the swap but now I have a po138 code lol

[@maxnguyen22]

Awesome video!

[@hondaresource]

Thanks!

[@maxnguyen22]

@@hondaresource where you located? Wanting to get my mom's car done

[@kylewirth2830]

No check engine codes afterward?

[@hondaresource]

nope, none

[@snapbackdamian4251]

Thanks.

[@melovibes216]

? Can u put a 2003 Honda Civic engine in a 2001 Civic LX

[@hondaresource]

Yes

[@melovibes216]

Hey you think you can do my replacement on the Chanel I found a engine

[@aWhiskeyTangoFoxtrot]

Why would you want to do this swap? Sorry I am new to these engines

[@hondaresource]

The engines are trash. Prob the worst engine Honda has produced. The JDM engines are easy to get and have relatively low miles.

[@cubanman2009]

What was wrong with the old motor?

[@hondaresource]

I'm not sure. I've probably replaced close to 20 of these in the last 50 years

[@cubanman2009]

I’m looking to replace my motor on my 2002 lx civic sedan but I don’t really know where to start I’m looking for a bit more power I have a d17A1 non-VTEC with headers and intake , But I do have a spare D17A2 Head that dose have VTEC plus the ECU that it came out of the same car would that make a difference?

[@hondaresource]

@@cubanman2009 It would have a little more power but nothing to write home about.

[@cubanman2009]

@@hondaresource I only ask because it’s what I have plus I was thinking about swapping out the throttle intake manifold from a d16y8 I just want something that sounds a little bit more aggressive a bit more pep but nothing to exaggerated lol 😆

[@saucegod4305]

How do you edit your video s

[@hondaresource]

imovie

[@saucegod4305]

@@hondaresource you don't have a pc

[@saucegod4305]

U don't use a pc

[@hondaresource]

@@saucegod4305 I bought a macbook just to edit videos

[@jeffreygarcia145]

How much hp this on the crank?

[@hondaresource]

I have no idea. Whatever a stock D17A2 is rated for, D17A should be the same. They are economy cars, not performance cars

[@cdawggaming4426]

these cars make 127 wheel if you got the d17a2

[@qmqz_]

@@cdawggaming4426 127hp crank, not wheel

[@localterrorist3155]

I believe the d17 has 102 hp and the d17a2 has 127 hp

[@localterrorist3155]

Was meant for the 2005 ex version which I think honda intended it to be in between the barrier of economy and a speedy car

[@tvcent4651]

i have a 2003 honda stream with a d17a2, can i put a turbo in it or does it have to be in a honda civic ex? i dont know much about cars..

[@hondaresource]

you could turbo your stream

[@kylewirth2830]

No check engine codes afterward?

[@hondaresource]

Nope. None