I have 2002 civic dx with a d17a1 and its old. I picked up a d17a2 and was wondering if its a direct swap. Do I need the ecu for the d17a2 because its vtec? Or do I need another tranny?

I'm thinking all I need is the ecu and its a direct swap, any input?

 

My basic knowledge might be able to help with your newer Civic chassis. You would need the vtec ECU, in addition to wiring in vtec (it is like two wires total). Otherwise, everything else should be compatible.

 

Ok, ill give it a shot

 

I think if you just use the engine itself (block and head assembly), it will bolt in exactly and run like a DX (no VTEC). Later you can swap the ECU and wire up the VTEC, and swap to EX-type exhaust for higher performance.

 

I was thinking the same. Same motor, just a different head. I can get the ecu and harness probably, so all I need to do is plug and play I believe.

 

I doubt the motors are exactly the same. vtec motors are known to have oil squirters on the under of of the pistons for cooling where as non vtec motors do not.

 

Really? I didn't know that. I need to do some more research.

 

Not saying this isn't true, but I'd love to see some evidence of this. A quick search didn't turn up anything, but this seems cool!

 

d17a1 is 9.5:1 compression and D17a2 is 9.9:1

Found thus on 7thgen forum, I don't have proof, but that's what my search came up with.

 

Also found this

blocks are identical aside from the stamp. Pistons on the A2 are slightly different than the A1 -slightly higher compression - but that's it. Hell the heads are the same casting except the that VTEC oil passage isn't drilled out and the rocker assembly is different.