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I don't have an insight... yet :D but I am really considering one. The one thing that came to mind though is making it even better. The insight uses the first generation of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist. The first gen civic hybrids (2003-2005) use either the 2nd or 3rd gen of the IMA and the 2nd gen civic hybrids use the 4th gen of the IMA which has amazing MPG and performance. Since the 2nd gen civic hybrid only came in a CVT form, it may not be possible to swap it into a manual insight. anyways, thoughts? Has anyone tried to swap either of these engines into the insight?

Welcome to CleanMPG.

That kind of power train swap would be a project of academic proportions that even Honda would not contemplate.
Besides, there's a radical leap in systems control and integration between the first 3 generations and Gen 4 that any adaptation of the kind would be limited to the first 2 or 3 generations.? In any case, stay tuned for the upcoming "family hybrid" platform as it comes closest to marrying the generational differences the best. :)


Cheers;

MSantos

Too bad it won't ever come with a manual transmission. :p

In my opinion, swapping engines in a MT Insight would ruin the car. The key to its great mileage (in the right hands) is lean burn, which no current generation Honda drivetrain has in this market. You would wind up with a more powerful car buth the odds are than the FE potential would take a sizeable leap backward.

A CVT Insight might be a better candidate. That engine is non lean-burn capable, which is why you don't see them doing the 80+mpg of the MT vesion except with the most skilled driver under the best conditions. Still, 50/50 chances that you get better FE. Power would be better, though.

I'd agree with the others. On top of spending a ton of money and time doing the swap, your going to get worse mileage. You will, of course, have more power.

shucks, well i guess that idea is out the window. im glad i asked though, just figured the insight might benefit from some newer tech. not having to think about that also makes the idea of an insight even better.

If you pulled it off, we - not you would be asking the questions as it would be incredible.