I guess given the replies here, I'd like to revise my response.

It sounds like a hard job and it won't have the best potential if you wanted to build it up. I still think you could put it into an older car and have gains. If you haven't done anything like this previously and there's no timeline, then you could learn a lot. Assuming you have most of the necessary tools, you could do most of this job yourself for a few hundred dollars in parts and maybe 100-200 in machine shop costs.

Personally, I'd still do it to see a more-than-basic engine swap. Sure, I don't get great potential with the car, but there's less money on the line if I mess the swap up. If you don't like working with your hands like I do, though, just disregard everything I said

 

yea marty? where can you get that for $500?

 

local junkyards, get one from a element. you get 160hp and 160tq and if you deside to slap a K20 type r or A2 head on it along with a new si intake manifold your looking at 230+hp with around 170tq, the A3 has weak everything in the bottom end.

 

I would pass on the engine. The K20A3 is not a great engine to build. Save up and go with the K24A2 out of a TSX. They have the highest compression of the K24's and come with a really nice 6 speed tranny. They make 200 crank hp and good torque. Then down the road you can swap a K20A or K20A2 head on there and be set.Just my 2 cents and trust meI knowabout the K series engine. Good Luck.

 

the k24a2 has the k20a2 head on it but the cams are not as performance oriented.

 

Very true,however, the TSX IM completely sucks, the K20Z3 RBC IM would be the best.Unfortunately the best results have beenwith this "mix andmatch" idea of different K series components.

 

Thats no lie. I have a 2003 K20 and the crank is kaput....can't find one and am ordering a rebuilt that hopefully keep my grandson in Citations for a few years.

 

Wow bud check the dates of threads i know your new but still...this is 3 years old bro.

 

You are right of course. I am new, and I did not look at the dates...I have a lot better things to do, but I ASSUMED that the site would clear out all outdated threads. The Ford site I also belong to and post threads and repair directions at clears out the unused sites.

Again, I am sorry. Moving on now. Have a good day.

 

The threads aren't cleared because, while the thread is dead, it still contains information, and may be able to answer a question someone has, or provide advice on a certain situation.