2k Coupe engine replacement

CreepyWilly · Nov 12, 2012

Hey guys,

So i don't know where to start... well ill go with where i am at right now with my accord.

I got 2x 2000 coupe accord with all the good stuffs, one has blown AT tranny wich i use for pieces and the other that id like to put into a mint condition.

So i started with a simple piece replacement; spark plugs. As i was starting the simple task my 2nd coil broke trying to pull it out. I think the coil welded onto the spark plug. There was no way to remove the coil so i'm stuck... i need to remove the front head outta there to unscrew the damned spark plug. :fail:

So here I am, now, with not much time in my hands and winter coming.
I've came up with the idea to just replace the engine and have it done by someoene else due to lack of time. I saw a few good options and would like to ask if any of you had the chance to experiment engine swapping with the following:

ACTUAL: J30A1 with AT.

Would like: J32A1 or J32A2

Or any ideas? I don't want to get into the whole car replacements, i want to keep it simple and upgrade into little more powerfull engine in more than excellent condition.

RedRyder · Nov 12, 2012

To swap to a J32 you need either the 5spd auto trans that came with them on 2G TL/CL’s, or the 6spd from the 2003 CL Type-S, 7GA, or 3G TL. If you swap the motor, there are other parts you’ll need like a new ECU, engine harness, etc.

Bottom line is, I don’t think swapping anything in other than another J30 is going to meet your timeline. J-series gets complicated.

CreepyWilly · Nov 12, 2012

My timeline is ± 8 months, i just cannot work it myself as winter comes.

So if i get it right; To swap to a J32A1/2 i'd need a new tranny, engine harness, ECU, ignition. What else? Will i need custom fits for the tranny or is it bolt on. I don't have much experience into the swapping (B18B to B18A1).

Is it worth the effort or would i better put the money into getting a mint J30A1 and upgrade the engine to the ±280 line?

What's your opinion.

RedRyder · Nov 12, 2012

You’d need one of the transmissions I listed (better to go manual), and a complete motor (sensors, belts, etc), ECU, engine harnesses, motor/trans mounts, subframe spacers or another way to get hood clearance for the J32 IM, shifter lines, shift box, etc etc. If you go manual you need more parts like clutch lines/kit, flywheel, etc. Then any hardware (nuts, bolts, etc). Lastly there is custom wiring involved, i.e. reverse lights, lock, VTEC.

Basically a J-series swap, tranny or not, gets very involving and complex, not to mention expensive. Also know that you will never get the money back that you put into the car, so you have to love it or at least want to hold onto it for awhile to make this a worthwhile investment.

Start reading up on swap threads here and on V6P.net to find out if this is something you are willing to undertake. If so, there is a lot of info out there, spend time searching and reading here, V6P, and j32a.

The J30 isn’t a mod friendly motor, it’s built like a tank, but it doesn’t respond to bolt ons. It was designed for efficiency & is not aggressive. You can change to CL-S cams (if you’re 98-00 you’ll need the cams notched), and IM. Of course neither of these will yield much unless you do some serious motor work. The only way to effectively get more power from the 3.0 is to free up the power it already has, which means swapping to manual. The auto slushbox robs the motor of a ridiculous amount of power. It would be very difficult to get 280 from a J30 without FI.

Are both coupes V6's? If so, just take the head from the other motor if it's good.

CreepyWilly · Nov 12, 2012

Oh yeah, i love my 2000 Coupe. I wouldn't even bother doing all this if i didn't. This car just fits me perfect, for both comfort and uses. I had and M3, a 2005 maxima, plenty of sport cars and drived as much. The accord is fatty yet really fun to drive on the road, looks sharp, and the driving experience i'm getting out of it, personally, isn't equalled yet.

So i guess a mint J30 with a MT & I/H/E would probably be alot simplier and more ''safe'' than getting into electrical inferno from a swap.

Well Thanks alot for your informations, and i will keep looking around.

RedRyder · Nov 12, 2012

Yeah, there will still be wiring involved, etc, but a little simpler and cheaper. And unless you or someone you know is a wiring god, you will need RicheiV6's bypass module to make the swap work properly. Anyway, good luck!

I don't see how an Accord could be more fun than an M3. lol

CreepyWilly · Nov 12, 2012

The 97 M3 i had was a real pain in the butt to do maintenance and repairs on. Was a surprising car power output wise but i would never do 10h road trips in that nutshell, getting in and out was a pain enough.