I’m not a mechanic and I could not do this myself. The most automotive maintenance I’d done was tune-ups and break pad replacements. And that was back in the ’80’s. This project is only possible because of my luck in meeting the team at Enginetiks. This is a unique project in a number of respects, but the team supporting it brings a key characteristic to it: we share a personal desire for the result.

“Engineering without personality doesn’t have much value.”
—Soichiro Honda

Though I’ve been gathering the necessary parts and components through much of this year (2013), the K20 swap project officially kicked off the day we pulled the Toyota/Yamaha 2ZZ-GE engine.

Because of the work ethic of Casey and Sean, and Casey’s long experience with the Lotus chassis, the rear clam was off within an hour and a half of pulling in and turning off the engine.

Truthfully, the Toyota/Yamaha 2ZZ-GE engine had been quite performant and, with the exception of only two hiccups from sensor glitches (meaning no problem with the engine itself), extremely reliable. Such that it was with a little reluctance that I committed to the swap. Yet committed I am.

In keeping with the Hondaism of climbing up and kicking out the ladder behind you, I decided not to keep the 2ZZ in case the swap somehow disappointed.

While great to see tangible progress on the project, to have one of your few great pleasures in life have the life removed from it is simply unnerving. It certainly feels like an act of faith. Yet in reality, Casey and Sean have my complete confidence. Great thanks also to Ike for his support. Now the “fun” begins!