K20 with LHT400 Turbo -Step by Step

[MrLHT]

The K20 Swap has started. This is a 98 Civic Auto.

Stay tuned as we will update this daily and give tips and where to get parts.

Thanks for looking.

[TurboJdmEk]

cant wait to see it you guys do great work

[chet]

what are your plans for the car...stock motor, built motor, turbo size, etc?

also what kind of power level are you looking at?

[MrLHT]

The car is going to be a 100% Street car , The motor will remain stock for now so power levels will be in the 300 whp range.The turbo as plannned will be something around a Gt3076 with a .63ar.

More specs when the build commences.

[slowsohc]

This sounds awesome John. I will definatly stay tuned for this.

[jawbreaker]

I preidict the car will be 350 whp at 10 pounds of boost- and a torque monster ( for a honda):lol: but I guess we will have to wait and see -:evil:

[MrLHT]

We have started prepping the motor, We will start the pictures and discription next year.

[Alpha]

Sounds good. I'm sending you a PM in a couple minutes John

[montriko]

wat is the the price range to do a k20 swap in a 96 civic coupe?

[MrLHT]

There are a few options which affect the price range. Give us a call at the shop.

727 344 1800.

[montriko]

really jus want like a ball park price jus to see hoew much i have 2 save up 2 get k20 swap

[MrLHT]

They start at about $7500 with motor etc...

[MrLHT]

OK, Today Civic/K20 Started today around noon.
The pictures below are of the car as it came. We are supplying the engine, Custom Turbo and tuning.The car is also getting converted from Auto to manual. The Engine has already been removed and modification is under way.We will update with pictures and discriptions daily.

Stay tuned:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00144.jpg

Side shot:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00143.jpg

[Alpha]

Cant wait

[2g]

Can't wait to see the progress... sounds like an awesome project!

[MrLHT]

Today the prep work started for the K 20. The pedals are swapped over to manual , the radiater moved and the parts that wont be needed are removed. The radiator that came with the car is a dual core to it will be upto the task for cooling with the help of a SPAL fan we supply.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00148.jpg

Clutch lines for the K20 swap can be found from sales@suja1.com for $40.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00147.jpg

SPAL Fans are $109 availble at LHT.Best fan money can buy!
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00152.jpg

The motor is bolted in with the cables postioned. The Clutch line is connected and the radiator is installed with a custom bracket we built.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00151-1.jpg
As with all our work, we like to make think look like they came from the factory that way. You will notice in some of the pictures we re-route hoses and wiring to look tidy, this takes a little more time but is worth it.
Here's the motor installed.
More tomorrow...

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00145.jpg

[2g]

Awesome progress. Looks like its moving along. Looking good so far!

[marksaccord95]

honest question.

why put such an over kill turbo for a car with power goals of only 300hp? even in the 300hp range a (350-390) a GT2871R seems like a better choice.

Going to build the motor later?

[kenji]

John Wilson at LHT does some great work. I have worked side by side with John WAY back in the day ('97ish). He does some of the best work I have ever seen.

All of his transactions are carried out with honor and integrity. Trust me, you can not go wrong with LHT.

-kenji

[marksaccord95]

holy shit its kenji

where the hell u been man?

[MrLHT]

Thanks for comments.

Quote:why put such an over kill turbo for a car with power goals of only 300hp? even in the 300hp range a (350-390) a GT2871R seems like a better choice.

The Turbo we are using isn't really that big, Down the road more power will be required.This turbo will make 300whp alot easier than a GT2871R, Lower boost and have a great spool.

More pics later.

[Alpha]

Maybe I missed it but I dont see a turbo listed. Custom turbo is all I see. Either way I wouldnt want to see that small turbine wheel on this car. Sending you a PM John

[YARO]

The turbo as plannned will be something around a Gt3076 with a .63ar.

More specs when the build commences.
Heres some on the turbo

[Merv.JDMD]

I seen him picking up some parts at honda the day he was taking the car to you guys... The man had a cool aid smile going on! Now i can see why!

Motor/Swap is looking good...

[MrLHT]

The car is now a 6 speed, The Slush box parts are out and the shifter box is mounted. The wiring has still to be done so the clutch saftey switch is functioning etc. The sealant has to dry over night before we could put the trim back together.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00153.jpg

Inside:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00154.jpg

The intercooler pipes will both be on the drivers side so this is how we modify the intercooler without giving up any flow. The intercooler is a Precision 600hp ( AS1025 - $375).We also don't really like the look of the super tight 180 deg bends.
The intercooler will be mounted tomorrow and the intercooler piping will be built. We will use 4 Ply Vibrant silicone connector in blue and all piping will be polished.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00158.jpg

[MrLHT]

The turbo and manifold are bolted on so we can build the downpipe. The downpipe is a full 3" with recirc wastegate which is under the manifold. There will be a heat shield over the turbo to keep the heat from damaging the hood or surounding paint, there is also a small on the downpipe seen in the picture below.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00156.jpg

Side view:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00159.jpg

Tune in tomorrow.
Piping and fuel regulator is next. Thanks for stopping by( San Deigo,lol).

[Alpha]

Looks great. Alot more room than an RSX :lol:

[2g]

Keep the pictures coming, looks great!

[kenji]

holy shit its kenji

where the hell u been man?

I've been around. Just really busy.

How have you been?

-kenji

[60-1EK]

John Wilson at LHT does some great work. I have worked side by side with John WAY back in the day ('97ish). He does some of the best work I have ever seen.

All of his transactions are carried out with honor and integrity. Trust me, you can not go wrong with LHT.

-kenji

Pot calling kettle black....lol. +1 for John and his work and for both of these OG guys that really have progressed the sport!

[DAMPACHI]

You guys do some nice work ;)

[MrLHT]

You guys do some nice work ;)

Yes you do! For those that didn't get the homur , Paul works at LHT.:D

[MrLHT]

Well the turbo and manifold are mounted for the last time. The downpipe is finished and braced to the block also.
The oil feed and drain are completed, We use and recomend #3 for the feed and #10 for the drain. We use stainless line with A+N fittings, No rubber hose and clamps. A male #10 AN is welded to the block for the drain so theres no leak issues.The fuel system is also completed, we used a Areomotive regulator for this, to keep it clean we used the stock rail as it will no problem for the HP range intended, We will upgrade the fuel pump.
We also build a stainless heat shield to cut down on radiating heat from the turbo, this is also polished for show.
The intercooler piping is under way, We make all our piping from aluminum, This is not only very light but helps disapate heat. All the piping will be polished to a mirror finish once completed. We use 4 ply Vibrant connector and stainless clamps which will also be polished.

Enjoy the pics, and thanks for looking.

The regulator and lines"
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00166.jpg

The Downpipe and drain:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00164.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00163.jpg

Side :
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00162.jpg

[quickex99]

Man... That looks awesome!..

[Matt M.]

looks good.I love the work you guys do over there.will defidently do business with you guys when its time to turbo my baby...and I have the cash of course.

[Steez]

Sick!

[VOD]

You guys do some nice work ;)

i thought he was just giving him self a hand job...
but you guys truely do some good shit

[smoke3]

are u using the stock fuel rail?

do u make premade intercooler piping for k20 swap integras

[integra]

Ekk1 or Ekk2 mounts and did you change the rack and crossmember or no?

[MrLHT]

Yes . We used the Ekk1 mounts with the stock cross memeber.
The stock fuel rail will be used.

All the intercooler piping is finished including the intake . The piping will now be polished . The piping has support brackets so not to stress the silicone connectors and cause leaks in the future, You can see one in the picture below on the right of the intercooler..The Tial Wastegate is mounted on the intercooler piping leading back to the thottle body.
Stay tuned"
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00167.jpg
The Intake tube also has a support bracket so the Silicone connector doesn't take all the weight of the intake and filter,We Use K+N Filters on all our turbo builds.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00169.jpg

Top view:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00168.jpg

[hondamike504]

:nworthy: very nice work

[jawbreaker]

this set up will own all k swaps- it is so clean even nicer in person- I cant wait to see dyno results

[YARO]

Thats so sick and clean..

[clean teg]

plus one on the dyno

[nabilboy]

nice work and clean to... i might come to see how much will kos to for mine. i got 2004 civic lx auto.. i'm thinking 2 swap k20a2 but i'm looking for trani right now.is it gonna be different price 4 automatic or manual becoz right now i got single cam automatic.

[Merv.JDMD]

looking good guys.....

[opiumdaze]

wow sick as hell

[Michael.]

what would all this price out to? ive called before about pricing for a k swap into an EG, which they said was around 9k in and out the door...

[Merv.JDMD]

what would all this price out to? ive called before about pricing for a k swap into an EG, which they said was around 9k in and out the door...

Your best bet would be to go out to the shop and talk to john.. Good guy and lots of help.

[stealth cl]

what would be a ballpark price of installation of turbo kit on a K...onto an existing swap
just curious
i would call shop, but its sunday

[smoke3]

i estimate my swap to be around 5 maybe 6k put then agian im doing it all by my self. i already have a complete type s motor i picked which included everything except axles which i cant use and hasport mounts everything else was included. all i have to do it fuel lines and mounts

[MugenR]

if I still had a honda I would be all over this. nice job!

[slowsohc]

Yes . We used the Ekk1 mounts with the stock cross memeber.
The stock fuel rail will be used.

All the intercooler piping is finished including the intake . The piping will now be polished . The piping has support brackets so not to stress the silicone connectors and cause leaks in the future, You can see one in the picture below on the right of the intercooler..The Tial Wastegate is mounted on the intercooler piping leading back to the thottle body.
Stay tuned"
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00167.jpg
The Intake tube also has a support bracket so the Silicone connector doesn't take all the weight of the intake and filter,We Use K+N Filters on all our turbo builds.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00169.jpg

Top view:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00168.jpg

Wow John. You guys are doing an amazing job.

[MrLHT]

if I still had a honda I would be all over this. nice job!

You'll be back, I strayed away a couple of times but I came back every time.

We have had a lot of things going on at the shop but we'll be back on the LHT400-K20 real soon.

Stay tuned.....

[Michael.]

You'll be back, I strayed away a couple of times but I came back every time.

yeah trust me on that one too! im trying to get back into a civic hatch, i miss my 92 Si WAYYY too much!

know anyone who wants to buy my jetta vr6? or would LHT like to do a prototype turbo build on it? lol

[MrLHT]

Bring the Jetta by, We can turbo pretty much anything.

OK, Here's another update:

We needed to run the IAT in the charge pipe after the intercooler so we can data log and tune by the real air temp. The Air temp sensor usually pushes into the rubber intake hose on the OEM peice. To prevent it blowing out under boost we came up with a Dia that would cut a thread onto the houses and tapped the thread into a pad on the piping.Problem solved. See pic.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00171.jpg

Next, There isn't many places for a boost sorce, so we added a vacume bloack inline of the booster. There is one etra one for the future if needed.Problem sloved.
See pic.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00172.jpg

We also build an LHT 3" exhaust with an inline resonator , Magnafolw muffler and finished off with one our 3" slash cut tips. The tip doesn't need to be bigger than the piping unless you want the "megaphone look" To add with the show quality look we polished the whole thing. The exhaust size is recomended for anything over 270whp, it will help spool up.
See pic:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00174.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00178.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00176.jpg

[Michael.]

have you all done any VW kits? expecially with the vr6's? i dont have many funds right now, (poe college kid) haha but hopefully i can find a job somewhere flexible with my class schedule!

[MrLHT]

Well, we're still doing the small things that don't look too exciting. The wiring is undeway and we're building the catch can and breather can.
The piping is now fully polished and looks amazing, We are using Blue connector and we'll polish the stainless clamps to add to the show look.

[MrLHT]

Some shots of the piping and boost controller.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00194.jpg

The Profec B is centered so a gauge can be install either side.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00195.jpg

[Durdan]

very nice, john. alwaysloved your work!

[MrLHT]

Thanks Taylor.

Well below is a shot of the piping installed for the last time, The over flow tank has a custom bracket to postion it in the right spot and looks very clean.
The thottle cable bracket is modified and a GSR thottle cable is used.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00212.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00213.jpg

All the Misc wiring has to be cleaned up and secured. There is still little things left to do, but it's starting to come together.

[MrLHT]

OK, The vehicle is pretty much ready to go.
After a few little problems , IAC valve stuck open at 2200 rpms . We found out this happens on the k series, It's warrantied from our Engine supplyer so no worries.
We built a catch can and a breather can seen in the pics. We also cleaned up some of the wiring and hoses which will show on the before and after pics.
To finish of the whole package we supplied the customer with a JDM valve cover and spark plug cover. This is at no charge to the customer , we feel this was the only thing missing to make this look at it's best.We take great pride in our work and love what we do, I hope it shows in the finished product.
The dyno will be up next week.

Thanks for looking everyone.

This the catch can routed between the block vent and the intake manifold
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00219.jpg

This is the valve cover breather.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00220.jpg

The day it came ( Before)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00144.jpg

After:
K20 LHT Turbo ,Auto to manual with some magic LHT Touch.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00224.jpg

[2g]

Whoa... amazing work. Awesome fabbing!

[MugenR]

that is some good stuff right there. well done!

[clean teg]

wow thats all i can say

[me]

:thumbup: :thumbup: Nice Work :thumbup: :thumbup:

[InsaneCivicCoupe]

looks like shit!!!! you guys should just close up shop....




jfwy... looks awesome!!! great work guys!!! :thumbup::thumbup:

[Alpha]

I wouldnt expect anything less from you all :thumbup: :thumbup:

[hondamike504]

you guys ROCK:headbang:

[little jon]

Wow The Swap Came Out Nice!!! Hey John You Guys Did A B20 Turbo On My Boy Little Mike's Red Crx But Now He Has A Green One. Well We Both Work At Autoway Honda. I Want To Turbo My 94 Si. Can U Pm Me When Ur On So We Can Talk About Working On My Car?

[CIVICJDW]

Fantastic work. It looks like it came off the Honda assembly line like that.

[KARLJACOB777]

John, Are You Sure Your Not German?

Fantastic Work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ha, No. English, born and bred.

Thanks for all the comments guys.

[C-Cali]

:redxdance:cry::cry:I WANT THIS!!! damn ...amazing

[UpInYa]

ru selling this one?whos driving it

[stealth cl]

what would you guys charge for installation of a turbo kit, on an existing Kseries?

[0 0 0]

no ac?

[BigBodySmith]

K20 LHT Turbo ,Auto to manual with some magic LHT Touch.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k231/lhtperformance/DSC00224.jpg

BEAUTIFUL :love:

[slowsohc]

Couldnt agree more. Great work everyone it is a piece of artwork.

[efrenchk20]

The car is awesome!! better than i could have ever imagined, driving it is an experiance words can't explain
now its like a jet fighter thanks for giving me more than i expected you do the best work jon

Eric

[MrLHT]

Thanks for the response Eric, I 'm glad you are happy with the car.Let us know if you need anything in the future, We are more than happy to help.

The car made 300whp and 224TQ at 9lbs , There is way more in it for for a true daily driver the car is a real blast.

[BaNdItO]

do you have pics with the bumper on???

[MrLHT]

Didn't get any pictures before it left. The car will be comming with us to some shows we attend this year, I will try and get some pics.

[na200whp]

Finished work looks very nice. Very well done.

Steve

[MrLHT]

Thanks Steve,
Good luck with your project, 10s is just round the corner.

[civicSi07]

Saw the car in person yesterday, and it is very very clean. you guys did awesome work on this mans car. its just sick!

[Steve C.]

wow, you guys do awsome work!

If i ever hit the lottery i know were to go!

[mrmetallica]

PM'ed

[MrLHT]

K-20 swaps are not cheap, but they are the future when more part become availble at a lower cost.

[chet]

its nice to have so many OEM honda vehicles running around with k-series motors now...

in a few years, the price of these swaps will be way more reasonable.

[1jdmhatch]

just saw this car in person yesterday it came in the shop at honda i guess he had a 1 on 1 with a manhole cover and the oil pan didnt turn out that good but its soooooo nice good job guys..

[SEEKERone]

I am the tech from Honda dealer in Bradenton who worked on this for the oil pan issue. the owner had "encountered" a manhole cover and shattered the aluminum pan.
the dealership has previously done work on his car. So when he called with his problem, i stayed after hours to make sure the car got parked inside of the shop overnight. Our parts department was able to source another pan and when it arrived, we called the owner of the vehicle. He picked up the pan and drove to LHT to have a new fitting welded on (for the turbo drain hose) LHT took care of him quickly and he returned the pan to me. I am impressed with the work done by LHT and by the fact they were able to accomodate his emergency.

the owner of this car was very lucky in the fact the had the hit occured an inch and a half higher, there would have probably been major damage to the oil pump and the block. He is considering raising the vehicle.

[MrLHT]

He sure lucky the manhole cover didn't hit theoil pump or crank.
Thumbs up to you Steve for being the Tech that did the work on his car, Glad it worked out.

[MrLHT]

This car as well as many other LHT cars can be seen at NOPI this year.
Alanta Motorsports Sept 15th and 16th.

Yes all the LHT cars will drive there ( No Trailer queens here )

[manifoldmike]

thats some great work. good idea with modding the intercooler endtank.

top notch welding!

[h22forme]

omg.

[MrLHT]

Thanks guys, We take pride in every car we do .

[HonkeyDong]

You'll be back, I strayed away a couple of times but I came back every time.

We have had a lot of things going on at the shop but we'll be back on the LHT400-K20 real soon.

Stay tuned.....


Wow, you couldn't of been more right. Look at him now with the s2000, lol.

btw you were referring to scott

[MrLHT]

Maybe....

[D2G_CUSTOMZ]

Hey Do You Mind If I Put A Advertize For Our Show In Here?