How the K24 Swap COMPLETELY Changes the CR-Z

How the K24 COMPLETELY Changes the CR-Z: Fixing Honda's Biggest Mistake
By Aaron Gaghagen and Brian Gillespie
If Honda made a CR-Z Si, we think it would have been K series. But, they would have probably used a K20 and we want extra power. This CR-Z is now powered by a K24A2 and mated to a Civic Si 6 speed transmission. We get it dyno tuned and take it for a ride up the mountain.
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VTEC Academy videos are for educational and entertainment purposes. We can not guarantee the modifications performed in the video are legal in your locality. Do not do any modifications to your vehicle that will void your warranty or in any way violate your local laws. We assume no liability for property damage or injury as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use the information provided at your own risk. It's on you, dog.

[@thetruth7633]

They day the CR-Z came out I immediately said it should have K serie in it 👍

[@VTECAcademy]

Totally!

[@sigmaprojects]

I think everyone thought that. The CRZ never got that impressive of MPG for something so small, 35 city/40 highway. While by 2014 the Civic was getting 30/41. And the performance just wasn't that great in comparison to a Si.

[@thetruth7633]

@@sigmaprojects Hybrid is silly, I remember the Civic 1.3 Hybrid came out and later the Insight. What a shi*box, both of them. They are only mpg friendly if you drive it like granny. And that horrible CVT. US never got the diesels in the 9th gen, my 2.2 DTEC does 45mpg and that with a spirited driving style. The 1.6 DTEC is even more bonkers with up to 60mpg. I do not see why people would want to drive a gutless Honda Hybrid for long journeys. New Jazz Hybrid is also such a let down, mileage no better than an old 90s Civic with a 1.5 engine and no "eco" BS on it.

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

@@thetruth7633 As a stand alone option its Genius. IF they offered the K option for a Sport variant at the same time. Companies love doing that, because Moms/Dad who dont want their kids in a high powered "dangerous" sports car do too. The "higher trim" "sport" but not actually Race ready.. package up sale.

[@tunanocrustgarage]

Need a track race comparison with the K20 Fit and the K20 CRZ!

[@VTECAcademy]

We don't have either of those though. :(

[@at_3831]

@@VTECAcademyanother internet expert!

[@muffcabbage9742]

Its a k24 crz

[@Chrisrkooz]

Looks like the CR-Z community is getting exciting. Sprintex is considering re-producing a small batch of their bolt-on superchargers if enough people show their interest. There's been some discussions on the CR-Z Forum and subreddit.

[@KeebaAfrica]

I saw that too ❤ finally

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

I bought mine a year ago predicting that they're only going to go up in value because of how rare they are. I love mine, 2011 speed only 60k miles but k swap is absolutely going to happen

[@xsct878]

@@Mr.Thermistor7228 plenty of rare cars that never go up in price, most enthusiasts have no care for the CRZ, and most normal day to day people have no idea the CRZ even exists, I just don't see any demand for this thing, even with it's rarity, it's probably never going to be a car that really goes up in price due to collectability.

[@mistafiftyone9227]

Brian is the type of guy that everyone loves and respects. A true gentleman and Honda legend 🫡

[@JDMAUTO]

YES IVE ALWAYS WANTED TO SEE A K24 CRZ

[@emotionalintelligence776]

Anyone who think a stock CRZ is faster then this swap is either trolling or overdosing on their meds, Lol. Clearly this car like other k-swapped hondas immediately have traction issues and thats a very good problem to have.

[@VTECAcademy]

Internet people are all experts. LOL

[@robertaBooey69]

@@VTECAcademyactually you are the vtec expert 😂 go figure

[@royaltyallen1162]

Stock is faster by saving you a lot of money on gas :)

[@zakuraayame5091]

@@royaltyallen1162 twice the mpg, half the gas station stops! they offer an LSD for the car for the slippage; it slips at stock power levels on warm dry pavement, probably why HPD made the LSD kit, so people who buy the $5k SC kit can buy the $2k LSD as well! LSD is only a bit more expensive than sticky tires and it lasts longer :p

[@TranceFur]

@royaltyallen1162 I don’t think going fast has ever been about saving money, lol.

[@K24_Insight_Swap]

Just trying to find one already dead so I can swap one. K24 Insight is fun, but I want to do an AWD CRZ.

[@davidreed9046]

I’m right there with you on the AWD! I believe that requires the J30 or J35 from a Pilot or RDX, tho. This is exactly what I’ve been looking to do. No worry about wheel spin at that point.

[@Snicker60515]

Thanks for sharing the results Brian, Brian, Scot, and all the rest of the guys! Can't wait to start my Kswap fund for my 2010 Fit!

[@VTECAcademy]

Gathering the parts over time can save 💰.

[@Snicker60515]

@@VTECAcademy that's what I plan on doing as soon as I can find a shop that can carry out the swap to completion😎

[@HumbleBearcat]

I had a 84 CRX then a 88 CRX Si (yellow). I so missed that yellow CRX Si. After watching this video, I am very jealous of this car too.

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

Thank to you guy’s I’m now planning on doing this as well..was talking with the crz owner I’m trying to purchase last night.

[@ryy_six]

Love the videos. I remember speaking with Brian over the phone. Really nice guy and knowledgeable. Project on a budget is maybe $7k+. At least for me it was around there. Can definitely go more $$$ in it. Kind of miss the crz, but man I love my fit.

[@jona10silva]

Thanks for posting the weight! This besides the K24 Fit is one of my bucket list set ups

[@bsandhu808]

Thanks for the awesome driving and characteristics review of the swap!!! Where in Phoenix was this lookout point you stopped at. Views were amazing

[@ericecklund676]

I love what you've done with your K-swapped CRZ. A K24 should be in all of the CRZ. I have a 2012 Accord PZEV with a K24Z2, and it's a very quiet running sleeper that catches faster cars unawares at the stop lights. It's very much a 0 to 45 MPH car, but it gets to 45 really quick. Then you can shut it down and not be getting the ticket that the hacked off Porsche is going to get because you beat him at the light.

[@ryankassel5691]

Love it, keep up the great work

[@mcef9117]

Awesome job guys! Now that my crx is done. That's my next project car.

[@notthatdrew5818]

Used to never see CR-Z in SF Bay Area and now see them regularly. Future classic.

[@lordzed83]

it will never be a classic the battery is fucked by now in them. Thats why mate scraped hes battery is 4500....

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

​@@lordzed83lmao you have no clue what your talking about

[@timothylolcats8020]

always loved the look of this car, hopefully one day I'll have a K-swap CRZ of my own

[@MegaHomie4life]

Thank you for the follow up!!!

[@akiraproject2424]

Grab the Showa sports suspension. They are basically non branded HPD suspension. Still available and easily ordered from Japan. Would soften it up.

[@VTECAcademy]

Good to know.

[@WelshyAutomotive]

An ASP Header, 50 deg, type s oil pump would have that thing at an easy 240whp

[@LordHolley]

Love it! That is an exciting swap imho.

[@JoosshhST]

Super cool car. Thanks for showing it off!

[@VTECAcademy]

Glad you liked it!

[@BurningRubberNz]

Iv always wanted one just for the looks like my old 89 crx when I was a teen timeless design must do swap

[@shred1894]

It'd be interesting to see someone do a K-swap but keep the hybrid system. Not sure how one would execute it, but it'd be cool.

[@vinwilson5521]

Super cool video. Inspires me to finish my k swap on my fit.

[@VTECAcademy]

You should!

[@anydaynow01]

Glad you guys are doing this. Similar story to the old CRX, just swap out the D series for a B and it really came to life! Stage II will be figuring out how to make it an AWD performance hybrid with a rear E-Axle!

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks for watching! We can just swap in some NC1 NSX motors, right? (No. LOL)

[@at_3831]

1st gen CRV donor needed

[@youtubejunkie8053]

K24a2 with intake and a header should be more like 230ish, the tune is everything when it comes to the K series. Super cool build

[@VTECAcademy]

It’s 230-ish at the crank.

[@seinundzeiten]

that was a great and delightful project

[@VTECAcademy]

It really makes for a fun, unique, modern daily driver. Especially after adding the resonator.

[@notthatdrew5818]

CR-Z looks great! I have friend with original HPD supercharged one as a daily. Question-why are the limited slip diffs never used in fwd automatics (my TSX wagon)?

[@joeluongo6079]

seeing the ridgeline tow the cr-z makes me want to see a ridgeline build

[@davidreed9046]

Such a beautiful car! Now a true successor to the CR-X!

[@Tactics98]

I've always liked the styling of this car and it definitely. needed the K swap to give it the power it's looks eluded to. I think Honda should bring it back with their K20C. God i'd love to own this gem.

[@Adventchild84]

If anything, this is motivating me more to finally get my 2011 k24 swapped! I need the K in my life, already got an S2K now the daily just gotta get with it lol.

[@VTECAcademy]

Let’s gooooo! Sounds awesome.

[@hdm299]

Had 2 here in junkyard and a insight. Brian almost looks like he wants to buy it or not part ways lol. Brian do the turbo k in your crz please.

[@VTECAcademy]

We have the Hasport CR-Z, so he will get over it. LOL Ken's CR-Z is so nice.

[@andrewmacias647]

Well I would like to drop a single cam into that body yo I love d16y8 platform man I know you guys only use k series but to see you guys build one like that would be clean

[@taimaishu-nao1922]

Brian, I’ve always felt like Honda really let the public down when they didn’t actually offer a K-series in this car. I feel like the world wasn’t ready for a “hybrid sports car” yet and they really did the CR-Z dirty by not offering a K-series, non-hybrid example. I liked the CR-Z but knowing it had the same engine as the second-generation Insight and Fit was pretty depressing, more so after seeing your SEMA build.

[@VTECAcademy]

Wait until you see what we have planned for the Hasport CR-Z. 😏

[@sigmaprojects]

If following the old school CRX trim models could have been base CRZ with a R18, HF model with the hybrid system and Si with K-series.

[@mista414]

Well if my IMA or CVT ever go out, I'll be looking into doing this. I like the hybrid part and the SC kits are appealing, but in terms of cost, a K swap seems to be the way to go.

[@cdr9er999]

Sounds awesome

[@tomevers6670]

What a beauty.

[@trevormallow2788]

I think with a resonator added in I could happily daily something like this.

[@VTECAcademy]

Absolutely!

[@akiraproject2424]

my '16 CRZ is a touch out of spec on tow in the rear. Replaced the entire rear beam....its still like -0.10 out

[@B4TNetwork126]

Do you guys have shop by any chance?

[@dernskippy]

How about a comparison with this and the Hondata l15b7 Crz

[@m1klo13]

Can't wait to K-swap my Crz!

[@user-mg8le3rd4q]

What kind of mpg now with that engine and transmission swap?

[@JacesOwnWorld]

See, this is my type of car. A car that is completely one-of-a-kind. Anyone can go out an buy these insanely expensive cars to show off as they drive around Whole Foods parking lots. But that car they are driving is exactly like the other owner who bought the same car. That's boring to me. I have 500+hp cars. I love them. But they are all modified to reach that power, and my cars look different. People can spot me just from how my cars look. And that means more to me to be driving something that nobody else really has, than to go and buy a cool and trendy $100k+ car that everyone else has...

[@atrem7942]

I am making my crz k swap ready first by, upgrading the brakes to fn type R brakes, installed ultra racing rear struttower brace. Custom exhaust. Got nice wheel and tyres. Next thing is probably finishing the interior with some leather on the doorcards. To ty in nicely with the s2k seats. Next after that suspension, probably showa sport the hpd "relica's". I want to do the most straightforward swap, not wanting to make crazy power or turbo charging it. Also not wanting to mess with wiring too much just no errors and that "little"more power it needs i live in europe so no tsx available...

[@philipwilliams3427]

You know the accord euro r 98-03 cl1 and the 04-09 cl7 should be available. They have a cl1 h22 and the cl7 k24 with manual transmission.

[@TranceFur]

Sounds like you should start making videos.

[@Snicker60515]

@@philipwilliams3427 what he said!

[@thumbgas888]

I have a stock CRZ CVT, love the car, but this interest me, would love to make it a track car, Whats the cost of doing this swap $$, I hate trashing my 911 even its still fun, Thanks!!

[@kgthegreatone943]

Man you can name your price for that car

[@RebelPMP]

was the battery the only hybrid component removed or anything else with the drivetrain?

[@NYHeeb]

Have you Kswapped any Miata? I have a nb k swap tempting but price wise either building a high revving na miata motor or supercharger. .

[@vwrxlasvegas]

Where are you guys located? I'm planning on getting a cr z and do similar swap! How much do u guys charge to do this swap? I use to do my own swap when I was healthy but I can no longer do things like this! Ur shop have any number? Sorry I'm a new subscriber!

[@veecordero9658]

I want to do this swap on my CRZ! Sadly I have a CVT transmission. Would have to make it manual swap as well.

[@VTECAcademy]

Manual is fun outside of gridlocked traffic.

[@tjchad1]

@@VTECAcademy Manual is ALWAYS funner...

[@Tribe910TrySumthin]

Can the k24 swap be done with an automatic transmission or will that have to change. I have a 2011 CRZ automatic

[@richardstover1988]

one of my dream cars is a k swapped crz ! make a complete plug and play kit to order with all this and id be all over it! keeping my eyes on you guys to see how hasport does with this platform!

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

Lmao plug and play entire engine swap? That's ludacris and impossible

[@richardstover1988]

@@Mr.Thermistor7228 what i ment was have a kit they put together mounts wiring and such we could order from them so there isnt a question as to if i ordered or have the right parts for the swap if that makes sense

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

@@richardstover1988 yea I get that but that is just so much easier said than done

[@702justin702]

Is there a way to do this swap and not get the IMA check lights?

[@leoslensphotography74]

Instead of a sway bar, could you not just put an engine bay strut brace in? or is there not enough clearance between the engine and bonnet?

[@teabaggin]

is there a k20/24 kit available?

[@kingcat9670]

How much did you guys put into the swap? Less than 5k? I have a stock ZF1 from 14' and i'm getting worried about the hybrid battery life as it's at ten years now. She only has 40k miles on her but I would LOVE to put a K24A2 in.

[@AClockhead103]

almost makes me wanna get a crz

[@MissionKid]

Is it better to have k24 block and k20 head? Making 280bhp

[@hamie63_m]

Hey @VTECAcademy I want to K20 my daily '17 GK Fit CVT and leave it CVT. 😅 Please let me know what it takes

[@VTECAcademy]

No idea on how to go CVT with a K. None of the good K20s came with CVT.

[@micrors4drifter]

​@@VTECAcademywhats the cost for a k20a2 in my eg done at your shop

[@f4rensabri]

You'll break the cvt chain in no time if it's paired with something like a K20/24. Might as well use the conventional auto that comes with an auto K-series.

[@Squeaks187]

Likewise. 😂 but I got a 2011

[@lonmiller5265]

Any chance someone could make it all wheel drive?

[@richardbond2793]

I cannot wait to put my pf01s on my car 😩

[@findtherightbeat]

Will need a 50 degree VTC 🌮🍺

[@VTECAcademy]

And some tacos.

[@findtherightbeat]

@@VTECAcademy Tacos definitely! 🍺

[@victorwilks88]

The internet got schooled 😮

[@mryang3644]

Is a k swap in a Insight as easy as a EG b Swap? Plug n Play on stock ecu? Or more to a EG k swap?

[@VTECAcademy]

More like an EG K swap. Brian loves Insights.

[@Kelly-py4ku]

Nice chopped sticker in the back window of the truck!

[@VTECAcademy]

You know it!

[@joelvinson]

I want ooone!

[@Gt350_]

How difficult was this to do?

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

Can you use the stock cr-z manual transmission with a k- swap motor?

[@Kiloechonovember1]

No. But I don't notice any change with shift feel, so that's a big plus.

[@ThePrototype1978]

How much a swap this would cost??

[@geoffchambers3589]

Is that in and around the Phoenix area?

[@VTECAcademy]

South Mountain 🤙🏽

[@20JK10]

Brian, do a K20C1 swap in your CRZ.

[@Kiloechonovember1]

It doesn't fit unfortunately

[@fediej69]

How are you guys coming on that j35 CR-Z swap?

[@VTECAcademy]

Nothing yet. We have the J TSX and a few other projects ahead of it.

[@fediej69]

@@VTECAcademy I'm not asking for you to swap mine but if you're in need of a recipient CR-Z for the project, let's just say I know a guy with a 2015 6MT... ;-)

[@drizen1g]

Sleeper cars rule the world and are the coolest 🌎 👌

[@VTECAcademy]

Nothing like surprising people with performance.

[@NafaratMiyaMiya]

Anyone know where this twisty road in Arizona is? Thanks in advance :)

[@VTECAcademy]

South Mountain in Phoenix.

[@mishimposble]

This needs to be turbo AWD.

[@VTECAcademy]

With like 1200hp?

[@mishimposble]

@VTECAcademy 250-350hp would be nice

[@tjchad1]

How much does a K swap run? I just went over 100K on my 2011 6 speed manual.

[@matthewsmith8573]

Wondering the same thing -- just passed 100K on my 2013 6MT. A complete DIY-friendly powertrain kit (engine, mounts, etc -- compatible AC compressor would be a nice bonus) would be awesome.

[@user-ci4cj5eq4x]

Was there a way to still have the ima assist?

[@VTECAcademy]

Nope.

[@user-ci4cj5eq4x]

@VTECAcademy is it because there's not enough space?

[@stevekeenan9673]

2582lbs crz.... i wonder how that stacks up to gutted crx or older insight with same engine... but nice for late model with full interior

[@refillz5281]

It wont compete with the crx at all. Insight idk

[@teekay6848]

forget the resonator throw a snail on it... that will quiet it down :)

[@ZeroCtr1]

peak i want to swap mine

[@anthonynicasio7044]

I got schooled.

[@jackofalltrades3011]

Maaaann. And I’m just about to sell my CR-Z. Granted it’s auto and not being used because I upgraded to an FK8. I’ve always wondered if I should get a manual one i. The future and convert it to a RWD K20 because of the jody style. The wheelbase on the rear is wider, and would have a better traction when using wider wheels and tires

[@robertaBooey69]

If they put even the k20 160 hp motor it would of been sold better. The hybrid killed this especially when hybrids were extremely underpowered. Prius figured it finally putting 200 almost doubling it since it came out

[@tomr3319]

The original 2014 manual 6 speed CR-Z hybrid is just as fast as any stock 2012 civic. 130 HP with more torque because of the IMA battery and in sport mode. There is misconception that the CRZs are slow but the second gen 2013 to 2016 - 6 speeds manuals (preferred over the 2011 to 2012 years) - are comparable to a stock non si 2012 civic.

[@TheOGtyler]

Are you bugging my phone or something? I own a 7th gen K swapped civic and now i want something newer and unique...and like clockwork you read my mind once again as I'm saving for a CRZ. You guys are mind readers or something...

[@Midnightsnack456]

Day 1 of asking for SH-AWD on a k24 swap

[@cerealfamine1]

I feel like they would still be making this car if they came with the k series.

[@VTECAcademy]

Especially since it’s quite light for a modern car.

[@Stealthborn]

Owning a CR-Z myself, I've contemplated doing a swap. Though in my case, I would want the K20 from a Type R Civic. There are a few videos out there of it being done, but the issue is the cost and finding a stray K20 kicking around. Maybe someday but not now.

[@graphixkillzzz]

CR-Z Si Lannister? 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@jsejaramill8794]

How much does something like this cost

[@reyztec]

Varries a lot. I am doing it myself the car itself I bought for $8900 5 years ago, everything else out of pocket about 5k. If you diy and are good at finding deals 10k total

[@dagreekratking4694]

Wouldn't the new turbo si motor be more relevant and make way more torque

[@VTECAcademy]

Some people prefer the high revving N.A. motors. But we did one of those too in Hondata’s CRZ. CARB legal too.

[@dagreekratking4694]

@VTECAcademy I had a k20z3 si with 220whp and 178wtq was loud as a mofo but hearing these new si turbo motors I gotta say they sound great compared to my z3 na motor but that's personal preference Also how much power did the turbo si motor make after turbo back and intake and dyno tune?

[@seanhershey3390]

How much?..$$$

[@JohnDoe-mm6xg]

So basically, you just dyno the car, and did not tune it, just used an old tune?

[@seanhershey3390]

Thank god it doesn’t have black wheels….( thank you)!

[@alevern]

J swap a CR-Z

[@VTECAcademy]

That would be awesome.

[@curdisdunn5414]

I second this comment I have a half done cl s 6spd and think that would be a hell of a chassis for that engine

[@fz094ever4]

🫡

[@DragonHEF01]

Groove it( kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3m5XnSEorNjpNU , kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4rFlIKentygoac )!! Then you could even go up to 1-2 bigger lbs/hr(cc/min) injectors without modding the ECM....Oh, NM...