Looking to do h22a swap for my 95 Si and I have a few questions. - Honda Prelude Forum

Black-95 · 09-14-2010, 02:53 AM

So I did some research here and there and I just have a couple questions. I found a potential h22a here:http://www.hmotorsonline.com/shop/sc...age&item=30016

I was just curious as to if I can complete a swap from my h23 with that, or is there anything else that I need to find? For example, the complete engine swap here:http://www.hmotorsonline.com/shop/sc...age&item=30017

I'm relatively new to this so that is why I ask. And on that note, I have some basic knowledge, but I am by no means a mechanic. Should I even begin to think that I can attempt this swap with a buddy of mine that has roughly the same level of knowledge, or should I just find a mechanic to play it safe?

Thanks in advance.

red92si · 09-14-2010, 10:59 AM

You can swap the H22A long-block (sans transmission) into your car and re-use your current transmission if you want. This is the route that I chose when I swapped in my H22A a couple years ago. I would recommend that you have a new clutch installed and have your flywheel resurfaced.

I went ahead and replaced many things (seals, hoses, etc.) while the engine was out in order to save me headaches later. It is possible for you to complete the swap yourself, but you might want to think about having a trusted mechanic do the job if you're not too mechanically inclined.

preludeh2394 · 09-14-2010, 01:24 PM

Yeah that would be everything u need in those pic from that website.
However u can save ur self some money and can reuse ur transmision from ur h23 it will work.
And u can also save more money if u just get the block. A majority of ur h23 stuff will work with the jdm h22a. Sensors, wire harness, hoses, etc.

Black-95 · 09-14-2010, 04:01 PM

Ok, so really all I need is the engine and a new ecu correct? Because it should fit right in there without any modifications, and since I just replaced a couple things such as the axles, a few sensors, and some other stuff, I should be able to get by without buying new parts.

Is that it in a nutshell?

Thanks in advance

preludeh2394 · 09-14-2010, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black-95

Ok, so really all I need is the engine and a new ecu correct? Because it should fit right in there without any modifications, and since I just replaced a couple things such as the axles, a few sensors, and some other stuff, I should be able to get by without buying new parts.

Is that it in a nutshell?

Thanks in advance

yeah u'll need the motor, ecu and a intake manifold cause h23 wont bolt on to
h22 motor. ive tried. a power steering bracket from a h22a cause h23 wont fit. also h23 header wont fit so now is ur chance to get a perfomance h22a header and downpipe.
thats about the only thing i change on mine. i just finish my swap last week.

thejdmh22avtec · 09-16-2010, 09:11 AM

Either if your doing a H23 Swap Or H22a Swap Hmotorsonline can help you through everything you need, I done my Jdm H22a Lsd Swap Back In May of this year, bought the complete engine with tranny from hmotors and had goodluck with them. When doing your swap make sure you buy the H23 Timing Conversion Parts. Also go ahead replace your clutch and re surface your flywheel as said up above. when you buy an engine the powersteering and all that come with it, bolts right up no problems there. since my car wasnt vtec i had to re wire oxygen sensor and wire up vtec, i believe that was it. took 4 days to do the whole swap. need anything just pm me. i have a buddy whose been doing it for a long time and has done it to bout 5 ludes now and he could answer all your questions you need help with.

thejdmh22avtec · 09-16-2010, 09:13 AM

and as preludeh2394 said you will need the h22 manifold and you will need the h22 header as well.

MikeJuvi07 · 09-16-2010, 06:04 PM

I just did A JDM h22a swap into my 95 si. Freaking love that vtec. Its running smooth as hell.

I recommend doing it yourself, with a friend. You will learn so freaking much about your engine and general mechanics its not even funny. Just pay your friend 200$ to help you through the whole thing and have fun, and don't get mad

Ask any questions about the swap!

minilogoguy18 · 09-16-2010, 07:17 PM

Before you do it replace the timing belt, water pump, balance belt, rear main seal, use your H23 manual tensioner and get a new clutch and either new flywheel or resurface the old if it hasn't met the service limit. I'd also get new plugs and wires, reuse the external dizzy and use the H23 fuel rail.

BB4rank · 09-16-2010, 11:38 PM

I did mine towards the end of last summer(2009) I did the whole swap myself and in addition I also "rebuilt" the engine by taking it apart, ball honing, checking cylinder walls and bearing clearance to be sure and replaced all the gaskets in the motor and head.

I ordered the gasket kit here
Street Imports - Honda H22A Full Engine Gasket Kit
but it was like $100 then. Its a Yonoka Motorsports kit and you can also get here
Yonaka Engine Rebuild Gasket Kit
Engine Full Gasket Kit H22A VTEC Honda Prelude

I also reused the H23 fuel rail since the H22 ones fuel inlet bolt (banjo bolt) is on the other side. Use the H23 dizzy and coil as stated previously because the JDM H22A has a nak for failing.
Using the H23 timing belt tensioners as well because the auto tensioner on the H22A fails. (bunch of sad stories out there) Heres a write up on how to do it.
HOW TO: H22 Auto Tensioner to H23 Manual Tensioner Conversion - Preludepower.com

I reused the H23 flywheel and clutch since I was on a budget and the clutch was pretty much new. You can reuse all of the sensors off the H23 onto the H22. Be careful around the knock sensor just a piece of advice.

You can reuse your engine wire harness but you have to connect the vtec solenoid to the ECU by getting some plugs that will fit the sensors and wiring the oil sensor to the wire harness cluster by the fuse box. Then run the vtec switch wire to the vtec connector in your engine bay. Yes your car already has the vtec plug sitting there in the engine bay it should be by the battery and air intake. Theres a good write up I used but I cant find it.

Anyways those are the biggest things I would do if I were you. Everything else should just bolt up. And yes the P/S bracket needs to be the H22 cuz the H23 doesnt fit.

preludeh2394 · 09-17-2010, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minilogoguy18

Before you do it replace the timing belt, water pump, balance belt, rear main seal, use your H23 manual tensioner and get a new clutch and either new flywheel or resurface the old if it hasn't met the service limit. I'd also get new plugs and wires, reuse the external dizzy and use the H23 fuel rail.

Hey I was just wondering but can u fill me in on why we should use h23 tensioner instead of h22 tension?

minilogoguy18 · 09-17-2010, 06:39 AM

You can use the H22 tensioner on a stock valvetrain and it'll be fine but every time you change the belt you need to check it and service it and if the piston doesn't move as it should it has to be replaced. The manual tensioner requires almost no service, they last a very long time before you see any problems with the bearings inside of the pulley.

I don't like using aftermarket gasket kits, very few brands live up to OEM standards and the ones that do cost the same, I used all Honda parts but I waited until the motor ran and only replaced what actually started seeping.

Black-95 · 10-02-2010, 06:33 AM

One last question (I hope).

Does anyone know a good site to buy the engine from if all I need is the motor and ecu? I mean, I can use hmotorsonline but if I can get away with keeping my clutch, tranny, harness, etc., then I would rather save some money and just get what I need.

Thanks in advance.

minilogoguy18 · 10-02-2010, 04:40 PM

All you have to do is call HMO and they can sell you only what you want.

preludatic · 10-06-2010, 12:17 AM

Some words of advice off the top of my head:
1. Label every hose and wire when taking your h23 out. It saves headaches of remembering where everything goes once you install the h22.
2. Buy a HELMS manual if you haven't already.
3. Make friends with some who owns air-powered tools for those pesky engine mount bolts.

Be patient. I did mine myself and I am by no means a mechanic either. My dad observed while I did it and gave me pointers when he felt it was neccesary, but he never got his hands dirty (i used his garage that he spends 90% of his day in)

codyh · 11-10-2010, 09:44 AM

Well I have a question too. I Have a 93 prelude VTEC and i found a relatively clean 92 SI SHELL that has everything minus motor, tranny, harness, and ecu.

Can I pull my USDM VTEC h22 and just directly swap it into the SI lude using my lude VTEC's h22 wiring harness and ECU. And the H22 distributor and what not? Thanks!