How to swap an H22 into a CRX chassis using a Hasport mounting kit

This can be quite a difficult change if you try it without instructions or guidance. However, these step-by-step instructions can make it a breeze. An H22 engine in an 88-91 civic or CRX chassis exaggerates the old power-to-weight ratio theory for incredible acceleration.

Let’s start by assuming you’ve already removed the stock engine. We will begin this engine change by preparing the engine compartment. The first step is to remove the passenger side transmission mounting bracket that is welded to the frame. It will require the use of a drill with a large bit or a spot welding bit to drill through the factory welds and remove this bracket from the frame rail. After removal, use a grinder or similar tool to smooth the frame rail of any debris or sharp points left from the drill.

Next, bolt the passenger side drive bracket included in the Hasport mounting kit to the passenger side frame rail using the 12mm battery tray bolts and factory tapped holes. You will need to use a Sharpie marker or other marker to trace the outline of this bracket onto the frame rail. Remove the backing and grind or sand the paint from the area you traced to prepare it for welding.

Screw the bracket back into place and solder the bracket to the frame rail. Be careful to fully penetrate the solder, but do not burn through the factory frame rail. Once the area has cooled, spray primer over exposed welds and apply paint of your choice of color over the primed area to prevent corrosion.

Then comes the tricky part. Factory F / H series transmissions are very large and will require some modifications to the bottom of the rail under the newly installed bracket. It is easier if you lift the motor partially in place to see which area needs to be cut. After cutting enough space, you will need to fabricate a brace from sheet metal or similar material to properly reinforce the frame rail. This can be omitted, but be aware!

Now for some fun things. By now you will have overcome the fear of cutting your car, so this will be very simple. Use a medium sized mallet and make a large dent in the top of the firewall to make room for the huge H22 intake manifold. It may be helpful to partially lift the engine to get an idea of ​​where to “place” this dent.

Screw the rear Hasport bracket onto the lower cross member using the supplied hardware included with the Hasport mounting kit. On the timing belt side of your new H22 engine, remove the timing belt covers and unscrew the mounting bracket from the factory engine. Screw the new Hasport engine mounting bracket into place and reinstall the factory timing covers. Covers may need slight trimming to clear ticket port mounting bracket.

Remove the vehicle speed sensor from the H22 transmission and replace with the factory 88-91 civic / crx cable actuated speed sensor. This should snap directly into place. Bolt the Hasport cable to the hydraulic conversion lever assembly on your H22 transmission. Due to the large size of the H22 engine, you will need to shave off the outer power steering pulley or install a low-drive style crankshaft pulley that does not have a power steering groove.

Screw the included Hasport alternator bracket onto your h22 engine using the hardware supplied with the Hasport H22 mounting kit. Then screw the factory D series alternator bracket to the Hasport alternator bracket. The dipstick tube may need to be bent slightly to allow clearance. Using the remaining factory hardware, screw the original D-series alternator “backwards” onto your H22 engine. To facilitate installation in the engine compartment, you can wait until the engine is installed to screw in the alternator.

Now comes the fun part. The easiest way to install an H22 engine with a Hasport mounting kit is from the bottom. You will need to lift the car on a forklift and “lower” it to the engine. When the motor is almost in place, screw the rear motor “L” bracket in place using only the top two bolts. Leave the bottom two rear bracket bolts out until the other brackets are screwed in. You can now screw the timing belt side bracket into place, followed by the drive bracket. Just hand tighten them for now. Go back to the rear bracket that bolts the motor to the rear bracket and install the two bottom screws. Now tighten all of the engine mount bolts to factory specifications.

For wiring, you will need to modify the original motor harness to fit the Prelude motor. For simplicity, a new custom wiring harness can also be purchased. The shafts you will need to use are custom made by Hasport and will be installed using the H22 intermediate shaft.