My VTEC Head Swap

[Slateboy]

Well, I got most of the way done when nobody knew what a plenum gasket was. Parts came in today including the ECU. I got most of the way done before when the exhaust manifold wouldn't bolt to the stock exhaust, it seems to be a little bit shorter than the 93 manifold. Plus I used the 93 intake manfiold, when I was supposed to use the 99 intake manifold. Therefore the thermostat housing bumps into the vtec solenoid. Bamish. So I picked up a 99 accord lower radiator pipe, and I'm going to make a bracket for the thermostat housing. If all goes well, I'll be Vtecing tommorrow. yay. I'll dyno it as soon as it's running, and I'm not REALLY poor.

BTW, I've got the following for sale in other threads:

Momo steering wheel hub
93 EX ECU (PT6, genuine)
CF shift knob and emblems
Candy-apple valve cover

[xScott]

Nice man! I was going to do the headswap once too!

[Slateboy]

93 Accord LX Automatic
95 Accord Shift Linkage
94 Accord pedal assembly
99 Accord ApexiWS muffler
95 Accord lower a-pipe
99 Accord head
93 Accord intake manifold
96 Accord lower coolant pipe
96 Prelude Si Transmission
89 BMW wheels (BBS)
ITR shiftknob

It's a fricking monster.

[ZigenBallZ]

So the 93 manifold bolted right up? very interesting...good job... now dyno that bish for actual gains...

any other small details you're willing to share? I'm sure alot of people would be interested to know just for future reference...

[Slateboy]

Actually, the 93 manifold did not bolt up. The vtec solenoid got in the way. However, nothing a steel file and about 10 minutes of filing didn't fix. I will know tomorrow if I can make a bracket to reposition the thermostat housing, but most likely, it will work with a little mid-quality rigging.

[Slateboy]

End of the day, and not much accomplished. I'm steamed. All three exhaust manifold studs snapped off, the exhaust is yet to be near functional, the spark plug wires don't fit, power steering belt rubs against wall, and I had to buy a shorter timing belt. I was so pissed at my timing belt cover, I threw it and accidentally hooked my finger and smacked my door....and left a dent.

On the brighter side, I think the bracket I made will suffice for relocating the thermostat housing. I don't know whether the head will work yet though.

[Swifty1638]

man, when you get results..lemme know..I wanna get a headswap too..not a bad idea..headswap, wit a cam..I wonder what cam to get with this headswap?

-A. Swift

[Slateboy]

I wasted my day. I tightened my loose timing belt, and tried to shim my power steering pump since the belt is hugging the wall. The power steering belt still sucks, and the timing belt looks like it's gonna shred itself on the motor mount. The thermostat housing dumped coolant all over my face, and I finally realized I'm going to have to buy a 94-99 intake manfiold. I'm broke, and I have no more time to work on this damn car for four more days. I kicked my bumper and dented my door yesterday. This was a bad idea. I should've just had my head reconditioned.

On the bright side, I picked up a complete intake manifold assembly for $35 off ebay. I rock.