It happened again!

[Matt Timion]

I asked a simple question about the Japanese version of the Honda Fit/Jazz engine and the viability of swapping it into my fit (someday, not right away).

Well, the usual response occured, asking me why I'd even consider such a swap, and that I'd never make the money back.

http://www.fitfreak.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8714

ARGH... no one EVER tells racers that they'll never make the money back for a $300 intake or a $2000 body kit.

[BEN_EJ8]

Theyd probably be all for it if you spent well over 5k on a k20 swap :p

[omgwtfbyobbq]

I wouldn't be surprised if quite a few sites are run by special interest groups who want to see certain products promoted. It's pretty easy to pay someone, or a couple someone's, $7/hour to browse the site every hour and post "encouragement". You'll probably be able to do it, but it'll take a while before the cost is reasonable, and you'll probably need a half-cut, maybe even from canada since iirc the epa is cracking down on engine imports?

[Matt Timion]

I wouldn't be surprised if quite a few sites are run by special interest groups who want to see certain products promoted. It's pretty easy to pay someone, or a couple someone's, $7/hour to browse the site every hour and post "encouragement". You'll probably be able to do it, but it'll take a while before the cost is reasonable, and you'll probably need a half-cut, maybe even from canada since iirc the epa is cracking down on engine imports?

I emailed an importer today to ask about the viability of doing it. Waiting for their reply. Did the Jazz come out in Canada too?

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Not according to wikipedia, just came out in north america at the same time? I think a lot of engines are coming from Japan via Canada to circumvent importing issues.

[kickflipjr]

swap for LESS horsepower?!!??! you must be some sort of wacko :D

[AlexK]

Hi Matt,
I can't find the fuel log for your Fit. I am interested in its efficiency. When I bought my Yaris I was seriously considering the Fit. The main reasons I didn't buy one were availability and a Honda salesman told me the Fit uses a timing belt and not a chain. I later learned he was wrong.
I am happy with the Yaris and from the tests I've read the Yaris gets better mpg than the Fit. Do you think it's true?
I'll be in Japan next month. Want me to take a picture of the engine compartment of a Japanese Fit? Not sure how I would be able to do that but I could try.

[onegammyleg]

HI AlexK -¨a Honda salesman told me the Fit uses a timing belt and not a chain. I later learned he was wrong. ¨

You listen to car sales men ??? O dear

[Matt Timion]

Hi Matt,
I can't find the fuel log for your Fit. I am interested in its efficiency. When I bought my Yaris I was seriously considering the Fit. The main reasons I didn't buy one were availability and a Honda salesman told me the Fit uses a timing belt and not a chain. I later learned he was wrong.
I am happy with the Yaris and from the tests I've read the Yaris gets better mpg than the Fit. Do you think it's true?
I'll be in Japan next month. Want me to take a picture of the engine compartment of a Japanese Fit? Not sure how I would be able to do that but I could try.

The Fit is on a boat between Japan and the USA right now. The Fit itself is using zero gasoline for this trip, so I guess it's getting infinite mpg right now.

FIT FTW!

seriously though, it'll be here in like 3 weeks.

I do have to agree with onegammyleg though... car salesmen usually don't know anything about cars. It's rather sad actually. they know a lot about fiancing though...

This is the first I've heard about the Fit having a timing chain. I'd be happy either way though, as my civic and my wife's CRX both had timing belts and we have never had a problem. Now that I know how to actually replace them, it isn't too scary.

[JanGeo]

my xB has a chain

[DaX]

Yeah, I called two of my local engine importers asking if they thought they might be getting any Honda L13 engines...and they couldn't seem to find anyone with an answer for me.

[Jack]

The Fit is on a boat between Japan and the USA right now. The Fit itself is using zero gasoline for this trip, so I guess it's getting infinite mpg right now.

FIT FTW!

seriously though, it'll be here in like 3 weeks.

I do have to agree with onegammyleg though... car salesmen usually don't know anything about cars. It's rather sad actually. they know a lot about fiancing though...

This is the first I've heard about the Fit having a timing chain. I'd be happy either way though, as my civic and my wife's CRX both had timing belts and we have never had a problem. Now that I know how to actually replace them, it isn't too scary.


WOW!!! does that mean you can add 3000 miles to your first tank? That will help you out.

[AlexK]

I tried searching the internet to find out if the Fit had a chain or belt but was unsuccessful. The Salesman told me it had a belt. I figured if he was going to lie to sell the car he'd say it has a chain. I don't like to have to change a belt every 60k miles (it's a major PITA). I had a VW rabbit diesel engine self-destruct once from a broken timing belt so I am sensitive to that.

The xB has the same engine my Yaris has (along with the Echo and xA).

The Fit is a very cool car. The Honda dealer told me there was no way I could buy a 2007 Fit with manual transmission... they are all sold out and won't be making any more. That's probably BS but what can you do when the dealer says they don't have a car to sell? I bought a Yaris instead and it's actually nicer than the Fit in some ways (ride quality, low end torque, better mpg).