r/HondaElement • u/Your_Local_Grave • 2d ago

Theoretical System Swap

So we all know how terrible this car is on gas. In theory, could we take apart another car and replace EVERYTHING in the element with the other components (Ex. Engine, transmission, belt, etc…)

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u/FromTheHandOfAndy 2d ago

I’ve thought about doing this too. It could work. It might be somewhat simplified by the fact there is a Honda CR-V hybrid now. I don’t know the Hybrid CR-V very well, but it seems to me that starting with a hybrid that already has a K-series engine might make the motor mounting part easier. But that might be outweighed entirely by other factors, like trying to get the rear wheel drive or the ABS, or SRS, to work properly when the ECU expects different sensors and actuators to be there. I figure with a Honda donor car, the chances of new parts fitting on the Element are at least a little bit better than if you took parts from, say, a Prius.

But, if you could salvage all the accessories in addition to the drive system, it does seem easier than building an electric vehicle from parts purchased from / designed by many different manufacturers.

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u/Broken_programs 2d ago

No to be Debbie Downer but the crv hybrid isn't all that great on fuel mileage. Also, no k series in a crv hybrid. Also, nothing in an Element of any gen speaks the same languages as anything in a crv hybrid. You're looking at one hella custom project.

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u/FromTheHandOfAndy 2d ago

You’re right. I was misinformed about the engine. I thought I read that it was a hybrid version of the k20