| Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
It’s an old topic but with Sean’s engine swap story elsewhere in this issue, we thought it would be a good refresher to show the main ingredients for a K- or B-series swap. While several years ago a K-series swap might have been new territory, today both swaps have been proven a thousand times over and over again. So forget worrying if it’s going to fit or be reliable. It will as long as you get the right gear and do some basic homework. If you’re new to the topic, it’s always best to consult your local Honda guru or the listed specialists below to ensure you have all the right parts to make your swap a success.
B-Series
First off, the B-series isn’t as powerful and new as the K but it’s more affordable and will net you 200whp naturally-aspirated or 300+whp with a bolt-on turbo upgrade. The four-cylinder DOHC VTEC engine came in a 1.6- to 1.8-liter and was rated from 160-200hp. While offered in almost all Civics and Integras in Japan, they were a little harder to come by here in the States, only equipped in Integras and a couple different model Civics. But because the motor was available here, it’s easier to get CARB-approved. You can pick up a basic B-series nowadays for around a grand but the more attractive motors will run you a bit more like the imported JDM models.
K-Series
After Honda retired the B-series, the K-series took over with cars such as the RSX, TSX, Civic Si and Accord. Still one of the best transverse naturally-aspirated four-cylinders around, it makes about 160-220hp. It’s become a very easy and proven swap, and with the addition of some basic bolt-ons, you can have a 250whp K20. Priced at a higher premium compared to the B-series, engine costs ranged up to five grand for a pristine motor—but well worth it if you have the coin.
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Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
5 Key Ingredients
Motor
The best and cheapest way to find a K- or B-series is by checking out the sale ads on your favorite Honda forum. Also check places like Craigslist and local junkyards, too. For JDM motors, you can hit up importers like Zerolift Autolab (zerolift.com) and JDM Engine Depot (jdmenginedepot.com). But here are some other must-have engine parts you’ll need.
Intake Manifold
How Much: from $499.99
Source: bloxracing.com, edelbrock.com, goldeneaglemfg.com, skunk2.com
Pictured: Skunk2 Pro Series
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Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
Throttle Body
How Much: from $275
Where: bloxracing.com; bwrusa.com; skunk2.com
Pictured: Blox Racing Billet
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Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
Header/Exhaust Manifold
How Much: From $400
Where: aempower.com, bisimoto.com, bloxracing.com, buddyclub.us, dcsports.com, skunk2.com
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Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
| Blox Racing 4-2-1 Header
Drivetrain
The next piece of the puzzle is to make sure you have all the proper drivetrain components (if it already isn’t included when you pick up the motor). But remember, you’ll need the half-shaft, shift linkage and proper axles for the swap.
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Hasport
Axles
How Much: from $330
Where: driveshaftshop.com, hasport.com
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Driveshaft Shop Level 5.9 K-series axle/hub kit
Clutch Line
How Much: from $65.99
Where: chasebaysonline.com, hybrid-racing.com
Pictured: Chase Bays
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Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
Bolt-In Shifter
How Much: from $379
Where: hasport.com, hybrid-racing.com
Pictured: hybrid racing
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Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
Shifter Mounting Kit
How Much: $125
Where: karcepts.com
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Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
Mounts
Can’t use the factory mounts because the motor wasn’t intended for every Honda chassis. Duh! But now you can find tailored mounts for almost every Honda and Acura model including the Integra AV/DA/DC, Civic EA/EF/EG/EK, Accord and more. There are also variations on durometers (stiffness) and colors so check with each mount supplier.
| Hasport K-Swap mounts
Mount Kits
How Much: from $499
Where: hasport.com, hybrid-racing.com, innovativemounts.com
Electronics
One of the key components to a successful swap is the wiring harness to make the motor in your applicable chassis work. After all, you’ll want all your gauges and ancillaries to be running like factory. The ECU is also important to ensure your motor runs like a champ whether you’re sticking to just bolt-ons or forced induction.
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Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
ECU Modification/Reflash
How Much: from $595
Where: hondata.com
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Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
| Hondata K-Pro ECU modification
Conversion/ Adapter Harness
How Much: from $299
Where: chasebaysonline.com, hasport.com, hybrid-racing.com, k-tuned.com, rywire.com
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Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
| Breakin’ Down the Parts for a K- and B-Series Swap - Buyer's Guide
| AEM engine management system
Fueling & Cooling
The final things you’ve got to worry about are keepin’ the motor fueled and cooled. You won’t need to do too much to the fueling except a new fuel rail. As for the cooling, you’ll need a radiator. There are plenty of different options from full- to half-size models as well as tucked radiators to keep the bay minimal.
Fuel Rail Kit
How Much: from $125
Where: goldeneaglemfg.com, hybrid-racing.com, karcepts.com, powerrevracing.com
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Karcepts K-Series fuel rail kit
Radiator
How Much: from $399.99
Where: chasebaysonline.com, karcepts.com, koyorad.com, mishimoto.com, rywire.com
Pictured: Chasebays, Rywire
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Chase Bays tucked radiator
