MB2 K-Swap Civic project - from base spec to race spec

[dr_broon]

11 hours ago, btjtaylor said:

Sure, we paid £700 for ours plus £80 delivery (which I didn't think was too unreasonable to be honest). I think that's about the going rate for one really.

 

It's a JDM import engine from an automatic car - unknown mileage but it should have had an easier life than a UK one.

 

Typically since I've now bought one there's a k24a3 from an accord showed up on eBay for £570! It doesn't look as clean as ours but would likely be just fine.

Good idea on the import 😎 must be getting exciting now you've got hold of it. 

[btjtaylor]

Yes definitely!

 

Focus at the moment is building up the engine ready to go into the car.

 

I've got most of the things sorted that need/are easier to go into the car before the engine is in place, e.g. the shifter box, shifter cables and the power steering hoses (it's a real pain to reach the bottom of the PS rack with the engine in!) ready to go now 

 

I haven't got any engine mounts sorted yet but im hoping that some genuine Civic EG hasport ones come up for sale used at some point. They're incredibly expensive new (£750!) so I can see why people are tempted by chinese knock offs you can get on ebay, but personally I won't do that. You can get an alternative from Innovative Mounts for about £400 or so, but I dont need to order yet until i'm ready. A lot of these parts, its worth biding your time and seeing what comes up for sale on marketplace, ebay etc rather than getting things new as usually the price is high because it's come from the USA generally and import duties etc are rolled into the price.

 

I've also managed to purchase a VTI-S front lip and side skirts from a car being broken, along with some door mouldings that were in better condition than ours which are all cracked and horrible (the ones right under the window on the top of the outside of the door). They seem to not be available new, i've tried both Honda and Rover part numbers. Most of the clips got smashed during the process of prising them out (I think you're supposed to do it from the reverse side with the door card out to release them) but it seems like you can still get those new fortunately. Also got a set of used MB-specific Meister-R coil overs which seem to be in very good condition so that was a score as they're also pretty pricey new. The rear lip is elusive but I think we may end up modifying the bumper somehow anyway depending on exhaust fitment etc so it's probably just as well for the time being.