Newbie FAQ Addition #2
Engine Swaps
In theory, if you have the time (
and money), just about any engine swap is possible, just most will require extensive bodywork, engine bay work, pain, and suffering, so again unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket, most swaps with other Honda/Acura engines should not be attempted. On the other hand, there are a few exceptions to what can be swapped and what can't:
~All Possible~
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USDM Type I -> USDM Type II]: Can be swapped easily with no custom mounts or anything...just drops right in (works with Type I ECU, but works noticibly better with Type II ECU swapped also){also works vice versa}
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USDM Type I -> JDM Type I/II]: Same as above, just drops right in, nothing custom about it. {also works vice versa}
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USDM Type I -> EDM Type I/II]: Same as above, still nothing fancy. {also works vice versa}
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Type I heads -> Type II heads/intake manifold]: Possible with a few modifications, this would turn your Type I into a Type II...its just alot easier to do a complete swap than to modify all this.
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Legend Type I -> 96-98 TL/Inspire]: Totally possible, since the TLs from these years shared the same C32A Type I that the Legend used from 91-95.
~NOT Possible without serious money/time~
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Legend -> 96-03 3.5 RL/Legend]: Possible with money, and has already been done by member 'DV8' (do a search).
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Legend C32 -> NSX C32]: Requires SERIOUS money, since this C32 engine is wider than the Legends C32, and would require the rest of the car to be completely modified to accomodate this engine. The intake manifold isnt swappable from the NSX either.
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Legend -> 99-04 TL/Inspire]: Completely different engines...Legend uses the C block which is laterally mounted, TL/Inspire's use the J block which is completely sideways (transversely mounted).
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Legend -> 96-03 CL]: Same as above, the CL uses the J block also.
and remember, the Legend's engine is a 6 cylinder, and these heavy bodies need hp and torque...not really much point in trying to throw in a 4 banger from an Integra or Civic...unless your heart is really set on it and your pockets are burning your thighs.
But still, just about anything CAN be accomplished if you have the money, boredom, and time.
USEFUL Spark Plug Info (By MikeD
)
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeD
Spark Plugs & What They Say
Our spark plugs... usually the most hated stuff and sometimes kinda frustrating. Sometimes we can make this easy or we can make it hard. If it's hard then it's kinda annoying. Why? Well, let's start with easy. After running for a while normally, we should stop to take out spark plugs and look at how their condition is.
Now take look on the spark plug porcelain for the color and the condition of it. Plug colors tell the mechanic, how the engine runs and can be very important. Plugs change colors and the different colors can explain such things as if the engine is running too hot or if the engine is worn. The color should be read by looking at the porcelain insulator and compared to the plugs shown on the next few slides.
Standard Light Brown Basicially they should look tan colored!
A tan colored plug means that the engine is running normal and the air/fuel mixture is correct. This is the correct color a spark plug should be and it tells the mechanic everything is fine with the engine. The mechanic would install a new properly gapped plug. When installing a new plug, replace the old one with the same heat range. The plug below shows normal wear in the center electrode. A new plug would have square edges that helps the plug firing better.
Black & Sooty Engine runs too rich!
If you noticed that your plugs look like this, your engine runs too rich in the fuel departement or too cold of spark plug!
Black Dry & Fluffy Too much gas!
A black dry fluffy colored plug is caused by deposits from a carburetor, that is running too rich (too much gas), or excessive idling on some engines. Black smoke coming from the exhaust is a sign of a rich air/fuel mixture. The rich air/fuel mixture must be repaired before installing a new spark plug. Common causes for a rich air/fuel mixture are:
- Dirty Air Filter.
- Air Mixture Screw Or Carburetor Needs Adjusting.
- Choke Is Sticking. {obsolete but still valid}
- Carburetor Float Height Out Of Adjustment Or Float Is Sticking Open.
Black & Shiny If your sparks look like this, they are oil fouled!
A black wet shiny or glazed colored plug, is caused by burned oil that is leaking past the piston rings or valve guides / seals and burns in the cylinder. This engine will have blue smoke coming out of the exhaust. It is a sign, that the engine will need rebuilding. Two strokes that have this color spark plug are burning the transmission oil from the crankcase. If a new spark plug is installed, it will foul and quit working. Common causes for this problem are:
- Worn Piston & Rings.
- Worn Valve Guides / Seals.
- Worn Cylinder Bore.
- Crankshaft Seals are bad or cases, that need lapping (if on a two stroke engine with a tranny).
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Whitish Too lean of a mixture!
If they are whitish, you're running too lean a fuel mixture and / or wrong ignition timing, or too hot of spark plug. When you see this, your engine is about to blow up!
A white colored plug is caused by the engine overheating. Failure to repair this engine will result in severe engine damage. Common causes for this are:
- Incorrect Spark Plug (too hot heat range).
- Low Octane Fuel.
- Timing Not Set Properly.
- Cooling Problems, (dirty cylinder fins, no or low water if water cooled, low or no engine oil).
- Carburetor Air/Fuel Mixture Too Lean (too much air).
- Leaking Crankshaft Seals. (no oil, base or head gasket leaks, or crankcase leaks on two stroke engines).
Hit Plug Fatal !
The plug below shows what can happen when something hits the spark plug. Something from inside the engine has hit the plug and this problem must be repaired before running the engine further. Make sure the spark plug is the correct length for the engine.
Detonation Plug Engine damage !
Excessive detonation has caused that the porcelain on this plug to break away. If this engine is allowed to run, engine damage can occur. Make sure the fuel octane is high enough for the engines requirements.
Carbon Plug Misfire !
The plug below has carbon across the plug gap. This is usually caused by carbon that is loosened and it lodges between the gap causing the plug to misfire.
Preignition Failure Engine damage !
The plug below was caused by pre-ignition and failure to repair this condition what will cause damage to the engine. Check for the following:
- Over Advanced Ignition Timing
- Correct Heat Range Plug
- Lean Air/Fuel Mixture
- Cooling System
- Lack Of Lubrication
Worn Out Plug Engine running poorly!
The plug below is worn out from being used for a long period of time. Notice how the center electrode is round and worn from use. A spark plug that is worn takes a lot more voltage to fire and can cause the engine to run poorly.
Now the harder stuff...
A spark plug doesn't make your engine run hotter or colder. The terms hot or cold refer to the temp of the tip of the spark plug itself. The plug must keep a temperature of, between 752°F & 1652°F. If it gets too hot, then it can fire off the air/fuel mixture at a wrong time. This can cause the detonation and/or pinging, which will put a hole in your piston {That's really not good!}. If it gets too cold it will not burn off the carbon and fuel deposits on it's tip and the plug will foul out (stop working) not good either.
The heat range of a spark plug is controlled by a length of the center electrode. A longer one is hotter bc it takes more longer for the heat to flow thru it to the cylinder head. As you might think, the cooler plug has a short center electrode.
To get a true plug color reading, you should run your engine on a level road, at the throttle setting that you want to test, for about 1-2 miles, then kill the ignition, pull the clutch in and coast to a stop. Then pull the plug and look at it. It might sounds hard, but sometimes a really good way to test it.
As for the engine ages and more oil gets past the rings a hotter plug may be in order. If you ride at low speeds all times, a hotter plug will keep the plugs from fouling. If you love high speeds, a cooler plug may be just the ticket. Don't be afraid to pull the plug out and give 'er a read! It's always worth it .
Ok, that was the info about our spark plugs. I hope I could help you a lil bit. After you checked out your spark plugs and their condition, make sure you got the right color of condition. That's also very useful for the feature. Now you know... It's very important. Maybe you should consider (if not yet) to buy Platinum plugs. More info you can read here... Platinum Spark Plugs. Good luck. -Mike
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