So... the head on my '08 has been damaged for sometime from the plug on Cyl 3 coming out twice and taking the threads with it. Have about 150K miles on her, so if I fix her... figured it might be worth swapping in a low mileage engine from Asia.

Anyone done this? Any particular issues to watch out for? Found one that came out of an automatic... mine is a manual, but I don't think there are any specific engine differences.

 

Can you post a photo of actual engine (from the website you found it at?)
In general these engines may not have V-tec and/or drive by wire (they are using mechanical throttle and idle speed control valve); they also made to mate with CVT transmission
BTW these 85 HP engines have better fuel economy and not require throttle position programing if someone moves the throttle plate

 

 

Since it is V-tec the long block may work; the oil pan must be swapped from original motor as well as flywheel. Crankshaft is the same for At and MT (on american market)
The engine shown has mechanical throttle body; I hope that v-tec solenoid is the same