regarding clutch play on mine, I should point out, that it feels exactly the same as the clutch I had in my LS when I first got it. Firm, but not stiff. So far, no issues with the setup, and there have been a few times where I have been quite rough on it. Taking it like a champ, and not a hint of the cable binding, and the clutch doesn’t get hot under abuse. Can’t smell it if it is, anyway. I have no complaints.
I got my swap from J-Spec Motors in Ashland, VA. Almost got one from Japanese Engine Import in Sterling, VA, but when I called the day before I was going to head up to get it, they told me they sold it. EVEN THOUGH, they said they were holding it for me, and KNEW I was coming the next day to get it. Sold it that day, and I told them to kiss my ass and that I was going to buy from a shop that knows how to treat customers. Called J-Spec, told the guy the scoop, was asking about $3,000 for the swap, I told him the parts I wouldn’t be needing, he knocked a few bucks off, and got it down to $2650 (which was $50 more than the other shop) but still within reason. He called me later, asking if I wanted one with an LSD trans, which I initially declined when the amount he was asking was out of my budget. He called me AGAIN, stating that he actually didn’t have any without LSD. I was about to back out, but he ended up making me one hell of an offer, one that I couldn’t refuse, by throwing in the LSD trans for only an extra $150 (where he was asking $350) So, for the price, there was no way I was turning it down. Told him I’d be there the next day to get it. I was a man of my word, and he was a man of his.
He did me a solid. Showed me all the paperwork for the old motor (I have it somewhere) verifying the KM (35,216km) which calculates to just a hair under 22,000 miles (21,882 to be exact). Even did a compression test on the spot. Each cylinder was in the neighborhood of 235psi and NONE were below 230. Awesome compression for a motor that isn’t even CLOSE to being due for its first timing belt. I replaced it all anyway, as it only made sense, but the fact that it wasn’t due for quite a few more miles is always nice to know.
ANYONE looking for a swap on the East Coast, check out J-Spec Motors in Ashland, VA. GREAT people. GREAT parts, and good deals on prices. They’ll have a booth at this year’s East Coast Honda Meet, come meet the guys. They have more than just Honda stuff, too. Nissan, Toyota, Subaru (especially. The owner is a HUGE Subaru fan. Owns a nasty STi) and more.
I’ll recommend them to anyone. As long as they are in business, I WON’T buy a swap from any other shop. They treated me too good for me to take my business elsewhere.
EDIT
pic above looks like the Innovative Kit. Mine looks a little “sturdier” than that, though, and mine is definitely from Innovative. Mine looks thicker, and the welds look neater. Mine is also probably newer, but that’s just being petty. lol.