Installation so far…
This is not the build guide, just some pics of what I’ve been doing….
I’ve been rather busy over the last few weeks converting my car. I took a week off work which enabled me (with some help) to get the kit fitted and I’ve spent some extra time doing some maintenance work etc.
There has been some real highs, some frustration and a few lows - but she’s in and working. All this will be detailed at a later date in my build guide. But I thought I’d post some pics just to keep the keen followers going.
The last time the Rover K would be running in my S2.
“Take a perfectly good car, add two enthusiastic car nuts, stir in some spanners and a Honda K20 engine. Apply grease and switch the blender on.”
My brother is always happy to get his big wrench out… (He’s very kindly offered me his garage to complete the job)
Hands dirty already - this is me after removing the boot lid, passenger seat, bulk head trim etc.
The rear sub-frame with the clam removed.
My friend Derek removing the flexi-exhaust (huge thanks Derek!!). Derek spent his day off helping remove bits - what a hero!
Now you see it…
Now you don’t.
The K20 SunSpeed gear linkage.
Day 2 - Tony came down to give me a hand (big thanks to you also Tony)
The fuel rig - the above arrangement has now been changes slightly. A little more fettling on the bracket was needed.
Cranes a-go-go. Lifting the Honda K series in.
Level her up.. my brother’s garage floor is perfectly level, so is the chassis, only seems right to do the same with the engine.
Sub-frame back on - I make that sound so easy. Minor modifications made, am confident that its not weakened anything.
Sort out the plumbing and wiring.. just a quick note that I have the temp, speedo etc etc working via the old ECU, required some reading and surfing but all works fine. This includes the intertia switch.
Since this picture was taken I’ve added more heat wrap to cover the bottom of the manifold around the 4 into 1 section. This should protect the intermediate bearing and the in board CV boot.
She rides!!
Also on video Honda Elise Running [8MB]. No messages saying the MAF sensor isn’t working, the K20 doesn’t have one.
The old ECU wired in to drive the temp guage and speedo sensor.
Fitted new wheel bearings, toe-links (not pictured), brake discs and pads, fitted the calipers and re-connected the hand-brake. Fitted the gear linkage, clutch line and throttle cable.
I’ve not got much left to do, its all about juggling time at the moment. I’ve got to fill the gearbox, tidy a few things up, fit the body work, tighten the hub nuts and road test.
To be honest its been an education doing this project and very enjoyable - hugely rewarding when the engine fired up. I have had a few tentative moments when I’ve wondered what am I doing here but those have evaporated and I’m pleased with my install so far. I think day three was the worst, I was working alone with what felt like a mountain to climb, but as with everything else you just put one foot in front of the next and you get there. Can’t wait to drive it.
The full install guide will be built over the next few months.. so watch this space. I have over 100 pics to sort and obviously a bit of typing to do.