So, moving away from the reasons I chose this particular conversion - let's get on to the actual swap itself. This is not a straight forward swap! Come on, you didn't expect all of the advantages listed above to not come at a price did you?! As I go through the project I'll touch upon the many custom machining operations, grinding, shaving and banging (literally) to get this larger motor to fit within the EG delsol bay
. This is the main reason most people do not embark on this project - but I like a challenge!!
But first comes the shopping list. I'm a bit anal in the fact that I like to have the majority of required parts ordered and in my hands before I embark on a project, especially as I'd intended to use my car in its current state up to the last possible moment and did not want to wait around for parts inbound from the USA. Please note that a lot of this stuff is not absolutely necessary to get the engine in and running..
Parts include such things as:
- QSD Kit
- Alternator Relocation Bracket
- Slimline PCV extension
- Balance Shaft Removal Kit
- H23A Manual Tensioner Parts
- Magnecor KV-85 HT Leads
- Walbro Fuel Pump
- Innovative 60A Engine Mounts
- ACT Heavy Duty Clutch
- ACT Streetlite Flywheel
- Quaife ATB LSD
- All new OEM Honda parts (bearings, rings, thrust washers etc.)
- Honda crank pulley
- Blueprint Gasket Sets
- Blueprint Water Pump
- Honda OEM oil pump
- P28 ECU
- ARP headstuds & rod bolts
- GE Fuel Rail
- GE Cam End Seal
- New NGK Platinum Spark Plugs
- Magnetic Sump and Gearbox Oil Plug
And I still have more parts to buy when funds allow!
The first thing I bought - a mint 50k H22A, which I heard, saw running, and did compression tests on before helping the owner remove it from the prelude's engine bay (Thanks to Ammo on PUK):
Compression test readings;
Very healthy readings
Whilst I was researching into the best components to use and waiting patiently for most of them to turn up from the States, this allowed me to sort out my garage. So here's where all the stress and head scratching will commence
From this:
To this:
Friends have mentioned it's like a mum-to-be preparing the nursery!
I have decided to rebuild the engine with all new seals/gaskets/pumps etc. even though it has only done 50K for a few reasons:
1) To gain knowledge on my first engine build (other than a SOHC 1.4 Astra engine!) and to learn more about this H22A with a hands on approach (best way)
2) I want to inspect the head/valves/pistons/bores/bearing oil clearances etc.
3) I need to remove the crankshaft anyway to remove the balance shafts.
My plan was to also rebuild to OEM spec. - reusing the standard pistons, rods etc. main reason being my budget! (however this plan has changed fairly recently - more on that later
)
The next few stages will be picture based so you don't have to listen to me waffle on - you know the general story of engine building anyway and I certainly don't want to preach as I am in no way a qualified or heavily experienced mechanic