Putting Honda's BIGGEST ENGINE in Our Civic

Making 8th Gen J Swap Mounts
By Brian Gillespie and Aaron Gaghagen
It's the hot rod tale as old as time. We're putting a big ol' engine into our small car. The Honda J series is a V6 ranging from 3 to 3.7 liters in displacement. So, it would make sense that we would drop one into our 8th gen Civic. We have to go bigger and go faster. But first, we need to make mounts. Check out the start of the process of going J series in our FG Civic.
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DISCLAIMER:
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.

[@joarom]

Honestly, any maintenance with this swap would be cumbersome. I totally see what he means.

[@blobguy8865]

Really wish you guys could have continued this

[@VQ.MoparFamily]

No reason to do that. Doing maintenance in the car will be a nightmare and the car will be extremely nose heavy. K20/K24 is the answer these days

[@blobguy8865]

@VQ.Family depending on application nose heavy could help. It is a fwd car. Making 400 n/a without it being an un-driveable itb k27 set up. Turbo is too much b/s. Go suck on a VR38 rod, buddy. I've got a different vision, not a lack in knowledge.

[@VQ.MoparFamily]

@@blobguy8865go suck on a vr38 rod buddy lol why are you in your feelings. Fwd is inferior to Rwd and AWD. The wheel hop and torque steer is no fun

[@VQ.MoparFamily]

@@blobguy8865you Honda people are extremely sensitive. Glad I switched to Nissan

[@blobguy8865]

@VQ.Family wheel hop can happen with any driveline set-up. My application would have been a street car. I have other plans for a TA car. FWD is only inferior if you can't drive.

[@salecon]

That's the kind of swap I like to see in a Honda. Not enough J swap imo. I would be curious to see how it pulls in a Civic. Love these J engine. Can't wait to see the next episode! Nice job guys!

[@tessierpower]

The issue with the J is that they are weak engine they fail very easily if pushed too much.

[@tuningbytokyo]

@@tessierpowerfull on cap 😂

[@nhutt1961]

@@tessierpowerlies, I’ve owned 2 and currently have one

[@dakota5041]

​@@nhutt1961comes down to maintenance dude, my Odyssey has 230k on it, I beat the living crap outta my pilot, hit vtec religiously from 122k all the way to 224k when it ate a couple deer, never had an issue, but I did regular maintenance and replaced the timing at 187k with valve lash adjustment, the j35 is a good motor just needs more maintenance then a k series

[@alexc977]

This is the swap of the future!!

[@VTECAcademy]

The hard part is finding manual transmissions.

[@bobg3633]

Its been done multiple times not talking crap just saying, yea its cool

[@alexc977]

@@bobg3633 yeah I’m fully with you man! I just mean that with these cars where they are right now, I can see it becoming even more common in the near future :)

[@paimei6798]

​@@VTECAcademy how do you go about finding the transmission also you should make it handle like no other

[@user-hh4hc2lt6e]

What about j2k?

[@MegaKei1]

Just found this channel and scrolled through the previous videos... I'm seeing a lot of Brian Gillespie in this channel. Been reading about his work and products way back in the 90's in magazines, such a legend. So glad to see him on videos. Looking forward to watching more of his content.👌🏼 Go HASport!

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks man!

[@9thgen66]

The honda world needs this kit to be a thing

[@Tiberiumfreek]

Most basic maintenance is gonna be a bitch... But the fact a V6 even FITS in there, is astounding. In a million years, I would have never even guessed that a 8th gen Honda engine bay, was roomy enough for anything bigger than a 4cyl.

[@mikellewis2346]

I have a 07 si fg2 with k24a swap, an my girlfriend has a 08 lx fa1 that's stock auto with 250k on the motor that's had a cracked block for the last 150k at least that I'd love to swap a j into. So stoked.

[@hispanicmig6512]

This is awesome! I have an FA1 and was wondering how a J series would play out as a swap. Keep it up, you guys are an inspiration👏

[@freddyrosenberg9288]

Yeah, no thanks. Servicing that engine requires lowering it. I just spent 2 days doing a water pump on an EP3 with a K24 that was not meant to be there. Pain in the ass.

[@VTECAcademy]

Yeah, it’s all about your comfort zone for things like that. Having a lift makes life easier.

[@alabamamotionpictureproduc6626]

subbed. I've got an 08 EX coupe w/ the 1.8 and I used to have a 2nd Gen TL that I swapped a 6spd manual from an Acura CL. I really miss the torque of the J32.

[@kseries20-24only]

J could be a way!

[@VTECAcademy]

Go smoke some more Civic Sis.

[@kseries20-24only]

😆🤣😂

[@TheKylecrx]

Still eager to see this go into production!

[@gregorymartinez7974]

I cant wait to see the next part

[@jv6miata]

Seeing so many J-swaps lately. Can't wait to see these more

[@fayz1925]

Cant wait for the nxt episode

[@streetfighters805]

Ayyyyy the J series!!!! Let’s go!!!

[@alexcurtis9790]

I recently finished my 8th gen Si swap, it’s got a j35 out of a 2012 accord everything fully functional minus AC. Gauges all work, factory electric power steering, you guys know more then I do but if there’s anything your curious about while doing the swap feel free to ask. The electronics work almost perfect with the 2008-2012 accord ecu.

[@acyklicflunky12eyeintheski10]

I been waiting for CRZ J series mount!!! When?????

[@TheFiremonkeyman]

it's so beautiful

[@VTECAcademy]

We like it!

[@mikeyinid]

Sucks you guys didn't follow through with this swap. Definitely would have loved to see the result.

[@VTECAcademy]

We will

[@Zevens99]

Would have loved to see y'all continue this, or do a J swap in a RD1 Civic.

[@Bigwes13]

Dude wow this is incredible

[@23ofSeptember]

I just bought a 79 CVCC first Gen Civic. Its a HondaMatic (JDM), but planning on putting a SOHC VTec in it.

[@VTECAcademy]

That and the DOHC ZC are probably the only engines that might fit without hacking up the front end.

[@fkhothatchi]

this is what you call big block swap

[@VTECAcademy]

All the naturally aspirated torque!

[@edgarsan71991]

What do you think about a k48 form neutron engines?

[@VTECAcademy]

Sounds exotic and expensive.

[@keatonfrancisco6763]

OH MY GOD IVE BEEN DREAMING OF THIS

[@yabd792]

OH MY GOD!!!!! I have been looking for this swap for years!!!!! Thank you. !!!!!

[@victorwilks88]

Big power J !!!!

[@stevengallo1469]

When are the mounts releasing? Me and my friend started our 8th gen swap

[@markhughes4674]

Are you ever going to finish the auto K swap in the rd1 crv?

[@VTECAcademy]

Finish? Nothing is ever finished, but we will get that swap done.

[@constantinosgreek12]

I was really looking forward to this, I guess the project was scrapped?

[@sevens1524]

Any updates?

[@ferminperez2022]

We thought about. This for my sons 5th gen prelude. Just not sure what all is needed.

[@orlandonegron82]

Awesome work but we are waiting for the rsx/ep3/em2 chassis v6 swap

[@Sybex82]

I am still happy with mine 1997 EJ9 daily😂👍🏾

[@JustThePizzaGuy]

When will this be available?

[@jwilds1973]

I can't wait to do as J37 in my Del Sol

[@josephdias5859]

I cant wait to see this play out i want to j37a4 swap my fg1

[@madandmean7109]

Thinking about swap a j series in to my honda stream

[@VTECAcademy]

That would be awesome!

[@Salvisol]

Cool vid. No safety glasses for grinding and welding the metal though? Did you guys ever make mass production mounts? I don't see them on the Hasport website.

[@Couture.m]

This is so cool and you guys are the last people I would expect to be hot rioding. Awesome

[@VTECAcademy]

Hot rodding Hondas since 1998!

[@majidalmajid1111]

Awesome 👌 Continue 👍

[@VTECAcademy]

Thank you!

[@MrJimmyJamz]

This is why i love this channel.

[@ioannisvlachogiannis3383]

If coils is difficult/impossible to change, what about spark plugs, which you have to change frequently?

[@VTECAcademy]

Iridium plugs should last 100,000 miles.

[@jfindlay813]

Drop the engine or take a hack saw to your engine bay lol jk

[@josephdias5859]

with the ones on the rear you could probably make an access panel through the firewall

[@MrSamPhoenix]

Love the j-series content!

[@michaellk2254]

Where did this go :(

[@braydonellis6778]

I wanted to do a J swap in my 06 civic and basically everything I found online was people saying the motor would never fit and they were saying stuff like you'd have to extend the dash even further back. What a load of BS the motor fits, its close but it does fit.

[@josephdias5859]

I was in the same boat until i saw this i got 09 civic sedan and a j32a2 out of tl type S now i just need to get a cls trans

[@BraveHelios]

Hey guys... great video! Any recommendations on what I can do to increase HP on my 2007 Ridgeline. I would even consider adding an M90 SC but wondering if there are any top tips concerning increasing power to the 3.5. Thanks!!

[@VTECAcademy]

The problem with the 07 Ridgeline is the ECU. It isn't tunable. I have an 06, same thing. If you wanted to do a conversion to the 09 up electronics Ktuner makes a product. Then you can simply maximize the stock engine or add boost.

[@BraveHelios]

Bloody Nora... I have the same exact issue with my 05 C6 Vette. Electronics will not accept throttle boosters etc. I will look into a KTuner. Thanks! @@VTECAcademy

[@ChopDeady]

Can we get a j series Honda fit???

[@VTECAcademy]

We’ll have to try it in.

[@Big_Panda_]

Love the J

[@VTECAcademy]

It’s a great way to make power stock that a K would need to be modified to do.

[@kevinschilling6813]

You have my interest. But what is the title to the follow on video? I haven't been able to find it.

[@KarsUpGraders]

Al fin alguien hizo posible 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@seth_ap148]

This swap gives me ideas, the new J series and 10 speed from the redesigned Pilot into an 11 Gen Civic.

[@VTECAcademy]

I think I'd do the TLX turbo J.

[@demetriusjohnson4231]

I need a j series build with 300+ hp with an auto trans. Is that possible?

[@isaiahmcc]

Yes. FBO and a good tuner.

[@brycemeng]

Engine? Sure. Transmission? No, they're on borrowed time at 240hp.

[@demetriusjohnson4231]

@@brycemeng the j35y6 is the gen1 tlx can hit 310whp with the shit trans it has. That's really the only thing holding it back. I believe it's the zf9 trans

[@loganyarbrough168]

Could you show us k20c swap in the fa1?

[@simonlagann8178]

well going to have don @ rpm to come up with a wiring answer of this car then as kit will be available

[@dekompose]

I’m waiting for motor mounts mass production

[@nismotunedgtr]

I have a wrecked TL-S ready to swap my 07 sedan. What do I do for axles?

[@DontBeWeird787]

Still 🙏🏽 that you finish and sell these mounts 😂😂

[@Gaming2cureM.S]

Is this do-able in a 03 civic si????

[@syakoy]

Any updates on this swap?

[@airfryerdeluxe5543]

I'm out of the loop but any progress on this swap?

[@pnw_element9822]

I need this j swap in my Honda Element

[@berkyberry]

Do any of you guys know whether MT/AT both works with the J35 motor? In India we only had J35 out of 8th gen Accord AT. MT was not available in India. If we source a 8th gen Accord MT transmission from overseas, could it be matted with the 8th gen AT Accord engine?

[@Gr8ory]

U guys r wild

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks!

[@ripwildy2022]

you reckon its possible to do a J-swap in EF? asking 'cause I have a second gen GA2 Honda City (has a D13 engine, all stock) and I was planning to do a engine swap that isn't a B/K-swap into it - but I also don't want to have a janky looking hood to fit a taller motor.

[@JGcd001]

Is there any difference between the sedan and coupe engine bays? I have an 06 sedan that I'd be interested in doing this to 🤔 also what about an automatic transmission to go with it yhat has the "manual" mode that some newer vehicles have?

[@VTECAcademy]

No.

[@JGcd001]

@@VTECAcademy thanks

[@adammalley6459]

What ECU did you end up using?

[@VTECAcademy]

We didn’t complete the swap. We just fit it to see if it is a plausible option for 8th gens. We do plan on doing it though in the future.

[@Slavikhavoc]

Couldnt you just run a j2k adapter and retain the factory 06-11 si trans?

[@chrisusher7600]

Good show

[@pegleggreg3627]

this is what i thought engineers did when i was small lol

[@Adventchild84]

I was wondering if you guys had a shop that would help me k24 swap my CR-Z near L.A. when it’s time after I buy everything needed?

[@medievalman3737]

You guys should do a k20c2 review videos not much information on them!

[@VTECAcademy]

I don’t have one. Yet.

[@christophermarx9481]

So, I blew up my 2007 civic SI, cracked the block. Now I'm lost on how to make her run again, what engine type. Any suggestions on what to look for? I love my civic, it's such a great car.

[@jfindlay813]

The stock k series it had or a k24 accord motor

[@alvinmckithen6569]

What transmission would run with it?

[@VTECAcademy]

That depends on the block. But assuming you are using a 08-13 Accord Coupe engine then the 08-Accord manual or 08 up TL 6-speed with LSD.

[@IsaxAlpha]

whatever happened to this project, was it ever finished?

[@thaimade6659]

Hi, I did a swap on my 2009 honda pilot from usdm J serie to JDM J serie with usdm ECM when start suv throw code and clear if than the suv run fine. 3 day later I did replace alternator than few hour was driving than I lost acceleration. I switch all sensors the suv still not running right. Suv won't rev over 1500rpm but stay on idle. What can I do to make it run good again. Do I need new ecm or flash it? Or I'm having fuel problems? Please help

[@GTClutch]

Did you guys come up with engine mounts for k20C1 swap in a 7th gen civic???

[@wjjrwjj]

I have Honda Civic coupe 2010 what recommendations for swap engine

[@VTECAcademy]

K24 from a second gen TSX or 9th gen Civic Si.

[@BoostedEP3]

I'd love to see a swap kit to put an auto awd J in the CRV or Element. The auto k24s are dogs!!!

[@VTECAcademy]

Like a second gen? 🤔

[@Poorschedriver]

@@VTECAcademy Hell yes my CRV sucks! This gives me hope that any swap is possible

[@BoostedEP3]

@VTEC Academy Yeah, the 02-06 CRV and the Element chassis. I've seen there are J to K adapter plates out there, just not sure what the mount solution, wiring, etc would be. Would it be better to use the J auto trans with the Pilot, Risgeline, or RL awd system or try to keep the trans and control from the K series. Just lot of questions, but there's no doubt a J in a CRV or Element would make the car so much better!

[@robertalicea5585]

J swapped crv or element would be cool

[@29Milo1]

Any news?? I want see more 😢

[@jomarrivera7353]

U guys complete the swap

[@VTECAcademy]

It yet.

[@frias2287]

Nice job🔥💪👍🤝💯

[@henrylee2964]

Hi Brian; I have 2005 J35A7-1025268 Honda engine. It makes a ticking noise. The Honda Dealer has no idea what is the culprit. With a statoscope, i can hear the noise coming from the engine block. i have driven the car from LA to San Diego without any issues. Appreciate if you could share your experiences. Thanks ahead of time

[@VTECAcademy]

How rapid is the ticking? Does it go up and down with RPM?

[@henrylee2964]

@@VTECAcademy I can hear the ticking when the van is idling on the driveway but the noise is masked out when i rev up the engine or when the engine is cruising on the FWY.

[@bbbt8090]

Dope swap! Can we see Brian's 6 cars he has??? Lol

[@VTECAcademy]

I’ll ask

[@JonHop1]

Isnt the v8 Crossroad engine the biggest Honda production engine? I know the Hond Indy NA car is v8 as well. Or did Honda commission that v8 engine out to another company to make? I dont know much about that Crossroad v8 Honda used.

[@deeloc6675]

Make J SWAPS GREAT AGAIN!!! LOL

[@Drosemfg]

Bet it’s gonna have chassis flex

[@LexusIS2FIDDY]

Great job guys!!! Very impressive!

[@ijustcruise6494]

Where can I find more information on this swap? Anyone know!?

[@VTECAcademy]

We’ll release more info when we do one.

[@fcePub]

Hello, id like to have this done to my civic where are you located?

[@Nanorisk]

Do you plan to sell swap kits after you have figured everything out?

[@VTECAcademy]

Hasport will sell the kit.

[@Fyxxterzc]

I just replaced my main relay with a 5 pin conversion kit. Do main relays normally get hot?

[@VTECAcademy]

When they’re old or if a lot of current is flowing through them.

[@bortecc]

This is amazing

[@Kevin-zo6nz]

Cant access the spark plugs?? Pretty big deal to me

[@VTECAcademy]

Understand that. It’s a bigger deal for some more than others.

[@Kevin-zo6nz]

@@VTECAcademy its maintenance, just like the alternator

[@JoseRodriguez-fi9ux]

@@Kevin-zo6nzit’s not like you change your spark plugs every 3000 miles though.

[@Kevin-zo6nz]

@@JoseRodriguez-fi9ux Maybe if its stock n/a, Im boosted and change my plugs very often, drop the motor everytime?

[@jeurisvinas5409]

the ultimate sleeper.. lol

[@EzComEzG0]

Do you all build peoples cars? Or just cars for fun? B.c I have a 2015 accord sport 6m/t that needs a J-series in it 😉! I'm interested!

[@VTECAcademy]

We don’t do customer cars, sorry. That 6 speed Accord sounds rad. You have a unicorn!

[@brettvette]

I also have a 2015 Accord Sport 6MT, and would much rather keep the 4 banger in it 😅

[@keep_it_low_bro]

​@@brettvette So you have two of the same cars? 2015 Honda Accord Sport 6MT?

[@petrovladi]

do you offered swaps to customers who want to bring the car to you?

[@VTECAcademy]

Sorry, we do not.