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Engine Swap Information

Emissions and Legal Issues

In most (if not all) cases, Honda Hybrids remain emissions legal, thanks to the low emissions levels of Honda engines. However to stay emissions legal, you will have to retain all the emissions hardware that came with the original chassis/engine or, even better, uprade the emissions hardware to the one that comes with the new motor. 

The essential hardware that is required for legal emissions are: 

  • catalytic converter of the correct type
  • properly functioning O2 sensor
  • properly function evaporative emissions hardware
Due to the different emissions testing standards in various states, a hybrid may not pass certain emissions requirements. For example, California vehicles have to pass a visual inspection in addition to the emissions tests. 

Staying legal is not difficult too. Most states require that engines can only be replaced by engines of the same or later model-year vehicles. Hence, it is easier to find replacement engines for older cars than for newer cars. Some states keep a record of the engine serial numbers so make sure you update your vehicle registration with the new serial number. 

One last thing. Make sure the engine has proper paperwork when you purchase it. Serial numbers are required to be on the engine, so that it is easily traceable. With the prices of certain engines skyrocketing due to the large demand, there is always a market for illegally acquired engines. I know of at least one HP list member who had his hybrid Prelude engine confisticated as it did not have a serial number.

Generation Specific Information

Detailed information specific to different models/generations and how each hybrid works out.

Honda Civic

 

Engine Wiring

So you've managed to shoehorn that engine in. What next? You'll have to wire it up of course! Use these wiring schema to make sure you have everything wired up correctly.

ECU Pinouts


B16A3 in EG Civic

There are 6 lines to check on.
 
Engine Side ECU Side
Desciption Wire Color Pin/Connection
VTEC Solenoid Yellow/Green A4
VTEC Oil Pressure Sensor Blue (passenger side harness) D6
VTEC Ground Black chassis ground
Knock Sensor Red/Blue D3
Evap Purge Power Yellow/Black 12V power (hot in ON or START)
Evap Purge Solenoid Red A20
 

B18C1 in EG Civic

Check on the following 7 lines to see if everything is there and if they are hooked up right.
 
Engine Side ECU Side
Desciption Wire Color Pin/Connection
VTEC Solenoid Yellow/Green A4
VTEC Oil Pressure Sensor Blue (passenger side harness) D6
VTEC Ground Black chassis ground
Knock Sensor Red/Blue D3
Evap Purge Power Yellow/Black 12V power (hot in ON or START)
Evap Purge Solenoid Red A20
Secondary Intake Solenoid Pink/Blue A17

 
 
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