2002 Acura RSX - Do I need a clip to swap k20a2?

You guys are clueless, I'll try to shed some light on this.

you need both the tranny and the motor, the 5spd tranny won't fit on a k20a2, to clear up what flounder said. So, you need the full swap (motor+tranny+accessories+axles), and the ECU.

Now, as for price, a K20a2 motor+tranny runs anywhere from 4K to 5K depending on what you get and who you get it from. Also, since you're going to have to pay for labor no matter what swap you put it, you might also want to think about a K20a, Type-R motor from Japan. Those will run you 5K to 6K, also depending on what you get and who you get it from.

I got my K20a for $5500, and it had 9 miles on it. It was BRAND NEW! the valve cover had some scratches and grime that I cleaned up, but that was it. You can't tell anymore now, unless you get like 6 inches from the valve cover.

Just so you know, the benefits of the K20a are:
Type-R Cams (gives about 8hp alone, and complements any bolt on)
Type-R pistons w/higher 11.5:1 compression and lighter weight
Type-R Valve springs and retainers (allows a 8800RPM recommended rev limit)
Type-R valve cover, and Intake Manifold cover
Type-R Intake Manifold (bigger runners, oh yeah)
Type-R Throttle Body (may or may not be different)
Type-R 4-2 Exhaust Manifold (Although you'll need the Type-R 2-1 Down pipe/Catalytic Converter, just gut it out on the inside, will look OEM on the outside and will make it a race header on the inside)
Type-R Flyweel (lighter is better)
Type-R LSD
Type-R gears and Final Drive

Cams alone with installation will run you $1000, and so will the LSD; for a total of $2000 extra for those two things alone (if you decide against the K20A).

Overall feel will be a car with 10 more HP than what a K20a2 will feel like, and it will handle way better, not to mention it will be easier to launch. The gearing improvement will also help your top end.


Now, what did you mean by a "clip?" Do you mean the entire front clip? The only other difference the front clip will bring is a Type-R front lip, Type-R headlights, and the front suspension, brembo brakes, and front wheels. If that's what you where wondering about, then don't bother. The headlights and lip are nice, but the suspension+brakes+wheels don't do any good unless you have the rear to go with it.

Good luck, and have fun.

Oh yeah, my installation was just over $1000, but I paid top dollar to get it done right the first time. And it was.

Oops, one more thing, you'll need K-pro as a must for either, that's another $1000. PM me if you'd like, so I can tell what I can do to help you on that.

Depends on what you get. Some people define a clip in one way, and some in another. Same goes for a swap, some define it as one way, and some in another. It plainly depends on what you get, and what you need. Some will justify using certain parts (like a 5-spd tranny with a K20A, or a K20A3 block with an K20A head), and some won't settle than anything less than a certain thing. You can get good deals, it all depends. Whatever you do make sure you do your research, there maybe drawbacks with every configuration (good for boost and not good for NA, or vise versa, good for power but bad for realiability, etc). There is just a mecca of information, as I tried to give. You can read a small amount and learn only so much, and be satisfied, and you can read for days, weeks, months, years, and then finally be satisfied. Then, there are those that only give one or two sentences when they say they are trying to help you, but they really don't care one way or another. I like dialog, and I like learning. I'm not afraid to give my opinion on a matter, and I'm not afraid to admit when I'm wrong. Others, just like to talk, insult, and waste your time.

Good luck, and enjoy.