Vulgar Display of Power (Steering)
Can a non-power steering rack from a '99- to-'00 Civic be installed on a '96 GS-R? And if so, do I need to modify anything? I want to lose the power steering, but I don't want the same rack because I believe the non-power one would be much lighter and work better.
Do any DC2 Integras come without power steering? I didn't think they did. That's why I turned to the EK Civic. I know the first years of the Type-R didn't have it, but I think getting a hold of one might be impossible.
Kelsey
Via the Internet
Kelsey, parts are more readily interchangeable between the EG Civic and DC2 Integra than the EK and DC2. If you are looking for a manual steering rack, you'll need to turn to a non-power steering EG rack or a DC Integra RS rack. Both are bolt-on options for your GS-R.
The other option is to consider using your stock rack with a few modifications. The power rack is lubricated by power steering fluid. If you ditch the power steering system altogether and leave the lines going to the rack open, you'll find that the steering wheel will get progressively harder to turn as the lubrication fades away.
The fix is to loop the power steering lines together with a T fitting in the middle connected to a reservoir filled with power steering fluid. This setup will maintain the lubrication needed to keep the steering smooth and usable and you'll be able to keep your stock rack, as well as lose the 20 pounds of dead weight from pulling out the power steering system. Watch for a tech story on a setup like this in a future HT. - DB
Not Us
I recently read in the March issue about someone putting a K20 into a '97 Civic. I have a 2000 Integra GS-R and have been trying to figure out how to do the same thing. I know the process for the two should be the same, but I don't know where to start. Can you tell me what I need for the engine swap and if I am going to need any custom parts for the engine mounts? Also, is this going to be worth doing as far as horsepower?
TimKinch
We don't know which magazine you're reading, but we didn't swap a K20 into a '97 Civic in March. You may be thinking about the K20 swap I wish I was doing to my '96 Civic. We did cover a K-series transplant into a DC chassis Integra. You may recall reading about Hasport's white four-door, which received a K20A swap in the July '04 issue.
There are a few engine mount kits out there for the DC/EG chassis using a K-series motor. The mounts will have to be custom or aftermarket, though, because there are no OEM options like there are for B-series swaps.
In addition to the mounts, you will need the motor, ECU, wiring harness, shifter assembly and cables, axles and transmission from the K-series donor. Your radiator will also need to be modified to work with the K-series configuration.
K-series motors seem to have endless tuning potential that's not even matched by the B-series powerplants we've all grown to know and love. It will cost you a pretty penny to do, but if you can fund it, do it. You could even sell your GS-R motor to make up a good chunk of the money spent on the K. - DB