Lude Generation

Hi everyone,

I am in the beginning stages of a big overhaul on my 93 BB3. I have bought a 96 BB1 import as a donor vehicle. Mainly for the engine which is a H22A2 and a few other parts that got damaged after I had a lovely lady in a Landrover drive into me (Landrover 1, Prelude 0).

Basically this is the first time I have done anything like this to any of my road cars. I have no worries of my ability to do it, but on the other hand I am a bit worried. But hey, it's going ahead anyways.

Just a few things that i'm concerned about,

1. I'm not sure if the VTEC works, but I'm sure I can test it when it goes to my unit. Or is it possible to do it on axle stands? If it doesn't work, is it an easy fix?

2. Is the wiring loom the same on both engines? As in the part that comes from the block of connectors above the passenger side wheel.

3. Obviously I will have to change the ECU, but does that mean that I have to change all the wiring behind the dash too?

That's it for now, any help would be much appreciated. Many Thanks

Vtec faults are usually simple - it's basically signal from the ecu to a solenoid on the side of the head. If that's ok, check the filter strainer on the vtec spool valve is clean and that your oil pressure is good.

I think you should just be able to take the engine and box out complete, in one piece with engine wiring loom still on the engine and then plug/play when you drop it into the BB3.
Note you'll need to swap the exhausts radiator, intake system and vacuum lines, as well as the engine ECU. Not sure if the h22 driveshafts are also updated??? Would be worth checking.
Front brake discs and calipers are bigger on an h22 lude, so swap them also.

I think the one additional wire that you need tor vtec should already be in the chassis loom on your bb3 at both the plug in the engine bay and the ecu, but you can check for this before you start if you like. Just cross reference the wiring at the ecu plug between each car and/or the service manual.

One thing to note... you say your donor car is an import, but that it has an H22A2 in it? If it's an import, it should have an H22A. That means it also has a knock sensor and I'm not sure if the wiring for that would be in the chassis already, it may well not be...

Hi Just out of interest what difference would it make, if any, if I was to put a 2.0l gearbox onto a 2.2l vtec lump?

The gearing is a little off (a bit long), other than that it will work fine.

Just wondered if it would provide any more power/speed. I'll probably stick with the standard gearbox.

a gearbox wont give you more power buddy

Ah ok. My bad. Cheers anyhoo.