H23a Vtec

[AnewOasis]

Okay guys I know it has been awhile since I last posted anything on here. But this is what has been going on. The H23/F23a hybrid had somekind of knock (BAD!!!!!!!!!!). I think it was a rod. Lots of metal shavings in the oil. So instead of rebuilding again I got my dream engine. (H23a Vtec) So this is just some documentation on my steps and struggles over the swap.

[deevergote]

It's essentially the same as an OBD2 H22 swap.

[AnewOasis]

Items bought:

1. water pump ( don't know why I did. The one that was on there looked better that the one I put on and it had more fins.)

2. Timing belt ( once again the one that was on there looked BRAND NEW and it felt better than the one I put on.)

3. Oil pan gasket (the engine didn't have one on there. They had somekind of white gasket maker stuff.)

4. H22a injectors and fuel rail ( bought off of ebay. guy said it was off a usdm prelude. the banjo was on the drivers side diffinitely JDM. And some of the injectors were cracked. I used the rail from my other engine.)

5. p13 ECU (bought off of ebay. Looks brand new inside and out.

6. New Cam gear. ( my friend and I broke it trying to take the crank pulley off.)

7. 1993 Accord EX manual wiring harness ( I bought this off of ebay because I figured it would be easier/cleaner to do all of the wiring while the engine was out of the car.)

8. Prelude engine mount bracket ( Not used)

9. Clutch kit

[AnewOasis]

FYI for anyone doing the H23a Vtec swap. If the importer didn't sent the bottom half of the exhaust manifold your bottom half will not bolt to it. It is too short and the bolts are spaced out more on the H23a vtec header. I found this out the hard way. So I have to buy an aftermarket one.

[AnewOasis]

If you decide to use the fuel rail that comes with the engine and the H22a injectors you will quickly find that the fuel rail bolts aren't long enough. You have to use the one for the H22a, F22a, or H23a. The H23a Vtec injectors sit deeper in the intake than the H22a.

[AnewOasis]

Unlike most who did the H23a vtec swap I didn't change the bracket. Instead I used the F22b1 engine mount and shimmed it quite a bit. I wanted to use the upper timing cover to keep everything looking stock. I also had to shave the bolt hole to make it fit in the space for our mount.

[AnewOasis]

This engine came with the a/c (with cut lines) and alternator. Though some custom fabrication I am using the ac and alternator that came with the motor. (WISH ME LUCK) I used the F22b1 crank pulley so it is 5 ribbed and with the power steering. I had to shave down the H23a power steering bracket to fit the head.

[AnewOasis]

Upon inspection I realized that the pcf top intake manifold looks like it is port matched to the throttle body (Beautiful!!!!) but since I didn't feel like rewiring the IACV I used the H23a non vtec top half. I will probably change it back later but for now it just needs to start and run. I will worry about power later.

[AnewOasis]

Oh yes and when you swap over the top half you will also need the bolts that go with it. The other ones are too short.

[AnewOasis]

I am still in the process of wiring the vtec and pressure switch.

[AnewOasis]

Wires that will need to be extended:

Distributor wires/Ignition coil wires. (Necessary if you want your ignition coil to sit like it should on the H22a)

Alternator wires. ( I extended mine and swap the plug as well because I used the one that the engine came with. If you are using the stock one then you will just have to extend them about 2-3 inches

Main Oil pressure switch ( the one on the F22a is near the top on the oil filter. For the H23a Vtec is is near the oil pan. What is near the oil filter is the Knock sensor)

Coolant Temp sensor. (I didn't change the water neck. I just loosen the wires from the harness and put it where it needed to be. SO EASY!!!)

[AnewOasis]

I am in the process of finding a new header. So far DC Header is on the top of my list (not the usual one. The one with the 2.5" collector. It will match my already 2.5" exhaust.)

[AnewOasis]

Yes essentially it is the same as the OBD2 H22a. But if you guys haven't seen the H23a Vtec intake manifold. Look at the throttle body and where it connects to the manifold. It is smothe as a baby's behind. It looks port matched from the factory.

[AnewOasis]

Just thought I would update. I bought the DC JDM style header with the 2.5" collector. So far so good. Engine is running strong and now needs to be tuned. BAD.

[cb7_with_snail]

wow. looks like your the only one who cares...