Performing Engine Swap

[TurtleNSX]

Hello Everyone,

First of all I would just like to say Happy New Year!

I am in the process of acquiring all the parts I need in order to swap in a 3.2L engine and the 6 speed transmission into my 1992. This is definitely going to be the biggest project for my NSX for 2009!

Has anyone ever done this before, and what sorts of difficulties am I bound to encounter in this process?

Right now I was specifically wondering if I will need to use a different aftermarket ECU like the AEM EMS, as Chris from SOS brought it to my attention that the fuel injectors for the C32B will be incompatible with my C30A's ECU. This makes sense, but what if I also had the ECU included with the engine I'm purchasing: will my upgrade process be easy and not require me to purchase extra fuel injectors if the stock fuel injectors are also included with this engine? is the wiring harness different?

I've already planned to purchase the SOS exhaust adapter kit for my current B&B Exhaust, and some Taitec (NA2) Headers I already have lined up for this upgrade. I also already have the O2 extension wire for these headers. I'm curious to see what other prime members would recommend me to also purchase to complete this swap as quickly as possible.

Any help at all on this topic would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping to perform this swap with minimal downtime and wanted to sort through potential problems before my car reaches the shop.

I also just wanted express a great thanks to Chris at SOS for helping me out with my series of questions about this project so far.

Thanks to everyone in advance for all your help! Happy New Year!

-Dan

 

[docjohn]

Biggest issues from just the engine running standpoint is your throttle by cable ecu vs the by wire setup in the newer motors.depending on your year of 3.2 motor you may need to eliminate the ulev air system which is additional piping on the motor.I swapped a 2000 motor into my 96 and kept my ecu/ wiring harness,but could not use the 00 TB and ended up reusing the 96 TB.This is due to the 96 ecu being calibrated for slightly different diameter fittings vs the newer TB's.Chris at SoS ,Larry B,and Mark B(nsxtech) all have solid experience in motor swaps.So the short answer is you should try to get the ecu/wiring harness for the 3.2 l motor as well as matching TB.Of course you will also want true headers and not reuse your oem (chevette) ehxhaust manifolds.

 

[TurtleNSX]

Thanks for your help doc!

The engine is going to be coming from a 2004 NSX and the ECU for that specific engine will also be provided. I am not completely familiar with the workings of the TB system, but for the newer models, will it be a separate computer from the ECU seeing how these newer models are throttle by wire instead of by cable? I wanted to make sure I had all the parts I needed if I chose to go the throttle by wire route. Chris at SoS said it might be difficult to retrofit the later model wire harness as he believes the harness in the cabin may be different. Would the mechanics working with me on this one encounter any extreme difficulties/issues with this by any chance?

Thanks Again!

-Daniel