FAQs

Which K series engines are best for this swap?

For most customers, a 2.4L Acura TSX engine is the ideal starting point. The K24A2 from the 2004-2008 TSX is the most potent K24 in stock form, and can also be built to make significantly more N/A power.

For Miata customers specifically, the K24Z3 from the 2009-2014 TSX is also a fantastic choice. Our K24Z3 swap is lower cost, and retains the factory Miata subframe thanks to the single exit exhaust port.

For a comparison of both Miata packages, see our blog post here. We currently only support the K24Z3 platform for the Miata chassis, and recommend a K24A2 for other cars.

Can I use a K20 engine, or a K20 head?

The only K20 engine block compatible with our mounts is the K20Z3, found in the 2006–2011 Civic Si. We no longer support the K20A2 or K20Z1 blocks because they lack the necessary intake-side bolt hole locations.

For most swaps, the K24A2 or K24A is the recommended starting point since these engines are less expensive, easier to source, and make more power than a K20.

A K20 PRB cylinder head is compatible with all of our swaps as long as a PRB-style intake manifold and PRB upper coolant neck are used.

Can I use the K20C1 from the Civic Type R?

No, the new turbo Type R engine shares no similarities with the older K series engines and is not compatible with our products.

Can I use an F series from the S2000?

No, none of our K series parts are compatible with an F series engine.

Can I use a JDM K24A engine or the K24A3 available in Europe and Australia?

Yes, both of these engines are nearly identical to the K24A2 available in the U.S. Customers purchasing a JDM engine should make sure they are receiving the K24A engine with an RBB cylinder head and a 200 hp rating. Depending on accessory belt configuration, JDM engine users may need to install a USDM water pump housing and alternator to be compatible with some of our products.

Where are the best places to find engines?

We recommend checking online salvage yard databases like car-part.com. JDM engines can be sourced from JDM engine importers around the country as well.

How much power will I make with my K24 swap?

Power output depends on the specific engine, supporting modifications, and the quality of the dyno tune. As a general guide:

  • K24A2 (1st gen TSX): With our bolt-on components, stock K24A2 engines typically make 220–230 whp.
  • K24Z3 (2nd gen TSX / 8th–9th gen Civic Si): With bolt-ons, these usually make 200–210 whp.

Builders aiming for more from a naturally aspirated setup often upgrade cams, head porting, and high-compression pistons, which can push a K24A to around 300 whp. For those going the forced induction route, a properly set up turbo or supercharger system can safely produce 450+ whp on a stock K24 bottom end.

Will you eventually make swap parts for the NC/ND Miata chassis?

Yes. Our NC swap is now available! The ND swap is coming soon.

Do you make swap parts for an FC, FD, Lotus, Datsun, Samurai etc?

If the chassis is not listed on our website, we do not currently have product offerings for it. All available products are listed on the website. As we add more vehicles to our supported lineup, they will be added to the website. Also, check out our Universal K Swap Parts collection for your custom project.

What transmission do I use with my RWD K swap?

Because all K-series transmissions are FWD, our swap packages include an adapter plate and flywheel designed to pair the K engine with the factory RWD transmission from the chassis you’re working with. For example, NA and NB Miata swaps use the Miata transmission, while E30 swaps use the Getrag 260 from the E30.

If a transmission upgrade is available for a particular chassis, it will be listed separately on our site, such as the E36/E46 transmission options for Miata swaps.

Clutch options are specific to the flywheel supplied with each swap package. Details are provided on the individual product pages and in the installation guides.

What kind of engine management software will I need?

Our first choice for engine management is Haltech, paired with the appropriate KPower chassis-specific harness (currently available for NA/NB Miata, 86, and NC). We also support Link and Hondata systems.

Our NA/NB Miata swaps are still available with electronics for Hondata KPro, and KPro remains the only option for our E30 swap.

Many customers have successfully used other standalone systems with their conversions, including Haltech, Link, Hondata, Megasquirt, and ECU Master. However, we only provide wiring solutions and technical support for Haltech, Link, and Hondata.

What engine wiring harness do I need?

We offer plug-and-play wiring harnesses for Haltech standalone ECUs across all supported chassis, including the NA/NB Miata, NC, and 86. We also offer a Link plug-and-play harness specifically for the 86 chassis.

For older Hondata KPro powered vehicles, we only support wiring your vehicle with a 2002–2004 Acura RSX engine wiring harness and charge sub harness (manual or auto). This can be sourced used, new from Acura, or replaced with our own aftermarket RSX-spec harness, built from all new components and designed with lengths more suitable for RWD applications. Regardless of harness choice, it must be pinned for a 2002–2004 RSX. The stock K24 engine harnesses are not compatible with these swaps for a variety of reasons.

Does the steering geometry change with any of your swaps?

No, we retain the factory steering rack placement in every swap to preserve factory steering feel.

Will my factory gauges work with my K swap?

Yes, all gauges work like stock with all of our engine conversions.

Can I retain A/C and power steering with my K swap?

We offer bolt-in A/C and power steering options for the NA/NB Miata chassis as well as the 86 and NC.

Is a radiator upgrade needed?

Stock radiators work fine for street cars, but for heavy track use we recommend upgrading to an aluminum radiator. N/A K series engines don’t generally have overheating issues.

How difficult is the wiring for a K swap?

It depends on the chassis. The E30 and 86 wiring is plug and play, while the NA and NB Miata requires the dash to be removed so some splices can be made. Our NA/NB all-in-one harness for the Haltech Elite 1500 greatly simplifies the wiring for those platforms. See our installation guides for detailed wiring instructions.

What exhaust will make the most power?

In every application we’ve tested, the K series makes the most power with a 3” exhaust. Every header or downpipe we offer is terminated with a 3” exhaust flange, and our Miata race exhaust is 3” diameter.

How much does a K swap weigh compared to my stock engine?

The K series is an all-aluminum four-cylinder, so most swaps reduce weight. On average:

  • Miata: about 20 lb lighter with a K24 compared to the stock engine
  • E30: roughly 150 lb lighter compared to the original M20
  • 86/FR-S/BRZ: about 140 lb lighter when replacing the FA20 with a K24 and full accessories

We’ll continue to publish weight comparisons for new projects as they are completed.

How are oil pan and hood clearances?

Our oil pans sit flush with the bottom of the factory subframes (or a bit above it in the E30 and 86). The only chassis that requires additional work for hood clearance is the NA Miata. We offer a modified K24 valve cover and a set of subframe spacers to get the engine below the factory hood skin.

Do your swaps fit right hand drive (RHD) vehicles?

Most components are compatible with RHD cars, including all oil pans, adapter plates, engine mounts, and flywheels.

We offer a complete RHD NC swap kit, and our 86 swap has been confirmed to fit RHD when using our RHD-specific header.

For Miata applications, we can also supply a subframe with RHD steering rack mounts if you’re installing a K24A2 swap. If you’re interested, email us before ordering at info@kpower.industries.

Do your swaps pass emissions testing?

All of our swap packages are designed for off-road and motorsports use only. They are not intended to comply with emissions testing requirements for street use.

What are your lead times?

Lead times vary by product. Please refer to our Lead Time page for the most up-to-date information before placing your order.

What parts do I need beyond the swap kit?

Most of our kits are complete solutions, but you’ll still need to add an engine and a selection of OEM parts. We carry many of these components to simplify your build, and also offer a range of upgrades you can install while you’re completing the swap.

Do you offer tuning support?

Yes. We provide basemaps for all supported ECUs (available for download) and can connect you with experienced tuners familiar with our products.