The handling of a Lotus Elise combined with the power output, reliability and frenetic character of a Honda i-VTEC engine – a match made in heaven? Very much so, and something that can be carried out by the home mechanic with a conversion kit from Stark automotive.

Stark automotive are the sole UK retailers of complete Honda K20A2 DIY conversion kits for the Lotus Elise, using the engine from the 2001-2005 Honda Civic Type R.
The DIY kit parts in the kit are exactly the same components as used in our in-house cars and are covered by a 12 month warranty (subject to terms and conditions).  The kit retains the Elise’s original alarm and immobiliser and is fully reversible.
 

Suitability: The kit is suitable for all Rover engined Elise variants (Elise S1, 111S, S135, S160, S190, Motorsport Elise, Exige S1, Elise S2, S2 111S, 340R) but not Toyota engined vehicles and the kit does not have the option of air conditioning. The fitment is designed around and intended towards the UK spec ‘K20A2’ engine, however the JDM market ‘K20A’ unit can also be used with minor differences. Due to the conversion being designed to retain the perfect Elise weight distribution, the engine mountings may not be suitable for aftermarket or Integra-based inlet manifolds.

Performance: The kit using a standard UK spec K20 has proven outputs of 235 bhp and 169 lb-ft. In an Elise this standard engine provides approximate performance figures of 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds, 0-100mph in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of around 160mph, all with Honda reliability.
Our demonstrator car received top-rated reviews from the motoring press, including a cover feature from ‘Performance Tuner’ and a five-star verdict ‘Driven’ test from EVO Magazine (see here).

Build: Offering 7 day per week mechanical support, we will be there to assist with any aspects of physical installation, and guidance notes are provided to get you started on wiring modifications. This enables the enthusiast to build a Honda powered Elise at minimal cost with the confidence that there is a UK based team always willing to assist.

The kit includes a 48-page colour pdf manual (laminated handbook optional) providing concise step by step instructions on every aspect of the conversion. This covers useful tips in advance of your installation, through to recommended insurers, maintenance and servicing of your replacement engine. 

Purchase: The kit is available as either a complete parts bundle or separate components depending on your requirements. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a quote for any individual parts of partial kits, however details of the ‘Full Kit’ contents can be seen below.
With the exception of the engine, fluids and filters, everything mechanical required to fit the Honda engine is included in the 'Full Kit', which retails at £3375 + VAT.

Fully insured UK delivery is £49.95 (+ VAT), please contact us with your full address for a delivery quote outside of the UK.

Mounting kit: Nearside engine mount, offside engine mount, front and rear engine torque steadies (pre-fitted with rubber bushes), front and rear torque steady chassis brackets (front not shown). These optimised parts are designed for the best mounting without excess weight. Constructed from mild steel, each part is plated or powder coated black for corrosion resistance.

Driveshafts: Custom driveshafts have been specifically developed for our Honda Elise kit using high-grade (300M) tensile steel shafts coupled to brand new CV joints (with uprated outers on S1), using vented boots and racing-specification (high-temperature) grease. These are supplied fully built with racing CV grease and torqued tie-lok clips and no exchange parts are necessary.

Gearshift assembly: Adjustable to suit personal preference, the shift linkage gives an incredibly positive and direct gear change using self lubricating bushes on the rockers. The original gear change cables are replaced with high quality items, custom made specifically for our application. These give a smooth feel and follow the optimum route to the new linkage.

Cooling: Full set of coolant hoses, length of induction hose, all clips &joiners included. Hoses feature a huge choice of colours (some as optional extras).

Sump baffle: Custom designed and CNC machined from high-grade aluminium to suit the K20 sump. This is an essential part of the conversion to prevent engine oil starvation. Liquid gasket is also included for sump refitting.

Fitting parts: Other fitting parts include spacers, thread adaptors, blanking plugs and all custom fasteners required.

Custom exhaust manifold: The custom designed manifold is optimised for use with a naturally aspirated Honda K20A2 and is constructed from 304 grade stainless steel. The system gives best possible peak power whilst keeping heat away from transmission areas by utilising 1&2 and 3&4 cylinder pairings. The manifold includes a de-cat pipe specific to the kit (intended for off road/track use) which mates up to a standard Elise exhaust system.

A sports catalyst is offered as a good value for money kit option. 

Please note: Due to the huge aftermarket range available, we cannot guarantee fitment of the manifold with all Elise exhaust systems. Most systems do however fit fine if they are of the common ‘central silencer box’ design (ie. standard Lotus, 2bular etc) and not ‘off-centre’ (ie. Janspeed).

Clutch: Braided clutch hydraulic adaptor hose with a length of bundy tube.

Heatshielding: Highest quality Nimbus and Cirrus sheets with all cutting templates required for fitment. Also includes assorted rivets and repair washers required for fixing.  

Fuel system: Anodised fuel pressure regulator, replacement high-flow filter (cartridge upgrade optional), fuel hose & jubilee clips included.

Ancillary drive belt: Included for non A/C equipped engines.

Electrical: Wiring instructions for retention of a Honda/Hondata ECU are included free of charge with the purchase of a kit, with only relatively basic electrical knowledge and all donor connectors being required. Wiring support and advice is also available via email if necessary. Please note: Due to variations in car and engine specifications, the wiring instructions are intended as a general help guide only, and any electrical difficulties are not covered as a feature of the install or warranty, however friendly advice is always available.