Lude Generation

I have found a prelude with 64000 on the clock on a 95 with digital dash, mine is a 94 with the previous dash and I want to swap but I didn’t really want a mismatch of engine miles and on the clock miles so....
How much work is a direct engine swap? It’s the same engine H22A2 but has done 50000 miles less than mine and has the digital dash with the correct mileage on it.
I have never done an engine swap so I’m not sure how long this would take to complete?
I’m in the process of getting a new garage local to me to store one in but I would like to know what the process of removal to replacement is?

Cheers In advance guys

I did an H22 swap once, it was quite easy - just undo everything and label it/take pics, pull engine, drop in new one, reconnect everything.. my mate and I did mine in 2 afternoons.

Couldn't comment on non-EL dash to EL dash swap, I'm afraid.

c_doughty1 wrote:How much work is a direct engine swap?

I'd say around 2 days work and having a meaty breaker bar and an engine hoist are absolute essentials. Mind you that is not having any problems with bots or finding broken bits like engine mounts, threaded/missing bolts, torn boots etc..

c_doughty1 wrote:’m in the process of getting a new garage local to me to store one in but I would like to know what the process of removal to replacement is?

The rough process off the top of my head is:

Up to you how much of the bonnet, wings and front bumper you wish to remove
Take off battery and undo loom from alternator
Remove alternator wiring from over the engine
Slacken hub nuts and wheel nuts
Jack car up at the front and get some axle stands under the regular jack points
Remove engine & gearbox oil, power steering fluid and coolant
Wheels off, undo bottom strut bolt and take off strut fork
Undo upper arm nuts in engine bay and pull knuckle forward
Take out passenger intermediate shaft bolts
Remove drive shafts (best use new set rings when they go back in)
Remove air intake and all hoses
Remove radiator
Disconnect the wiring loom from all the connectors on the engine inc battery and other guff
Undo gear linkage
Remove all vacuum hoses from intake manifold
Undo fuel line form fuel rail
Remove exhaust manifold
Undo all engine mounts and L-shaped rear mount strengthener
Pull engine out of the engine bay

Fit new clutch kit
Fit new timing belt kit
Servicing kit
Think about water pump and other fiddly bits to do like hard to reach oil seals etc...
Do the above in reverse then fill with new fluids


The swapping of EL dials is very easy.

Merlin wrote:

c_doughty1 wrote:How much work is a direct engine swap?

I'd say around 2 days work and having a meaty breaker bar and an engine hoist are absolute essentials. Mind you that is not having any problems with bots or finding broken bits like engine mounts, threaded/missing bolts, torn boots etc..

c_doughty1 wrote:’m in the process of getting a new garage local to me to store one in but I would like to know what the process of removal to replacement is?

The rough process off the top of my head is:

Up to you how much of the bonnet, wings and front bumper you wish to remove
Take off battery and undo loom from alternator
Remove alternator wiring from over the engine
Slacken hub nuts and wheel nuts
Jack car up at the front and get some axle stands under the regular jack points
Remove engine & gearbox oil, power steering fluid and coolant
Wheels off, undo bottom strut bolt and take off strut fork
Undo upper arm nuts in engine bay and pull knuckle forward
Take out passenger intermediate shaft bolts
Remove drive shafts (best use new set rings when they go back in)
Remove air intake and all hoses
Remove radiator
Disconnect the wiring loom from all the connectors on the engine inc battery and other guff
Undo gear linkage
Remove all vacuum hoses from intake manifold
Undo fuel line form fuel rail
Remove exhaust manifold
Undo all engine mounts and L-shaped rear mount strengthener
Pull engine out of the engine bay

Fit new clutch kit
Fit new timing belt kit
Servicing kit
Think about water pump and other fiddly bits to do like hard to reach oil seals etc...
Do the above in reverse then fill with new fluids


The swapping of EL dials is very easy.

Ok....sounds a little daunting.

I'm not sure I could do it.?

It isn't easy by any means but it is doable.

Is there anyone that I could ask for assistance when it's time to swap?

You can but ask. Your info doesn't show where you are.

I'm in Kirkby in ashfield, nottinghamshire

Do it, you'll learn loads from the process. I did an engine and box swap on my Audi coupe 2.2 21 years ago with no experience at all really. Just dive in, it's all like big mechano really.

Vtecmec wrote:Do it, you'll learn loads from the process. I did an engine and box swap on my Audi coupe 2.2 21 years ago with no experience at all really. Just dive in, it's all like big mechano really.

I do want to do it but I would really like a knowledgeable hand if I can get one