Tech Support - Blown Engine 08 Mugen

Q: Please help. I have a '08 Mugen with a couple mods, an AEM cold-air intake and Megan header. But last week I blew a hole in the block. Didn't think that was gonna happen any time soon. The car's obviously only a year old, but the first Honda dealer I took it to said, "Nope, the intake voids warranty." So I took it off and put my stock one on but need a cool dealer to take it to. Curious if you already had an article on a Mugen yet or something that will help out their decision on hooking up the car? Thanks a bunch.
Vincent Duran

A: If you were able to find a way to punch a hole in the block of a brand-new NA motor, you should probably fix it yourself. If you do decide to repair the car and continue to modify it, you can look to our past issues - we've featured plenty of FD2 Civics (including the Mugen RR Advanced) that you can draw inspiration from.

Q: I just want to start off by saying that I love your mag. I have been a fan since '02 and I haven't found another mag like yours. I have a 1993 Acura Integra LS, the problem is that my crank is totaled. I have done almost a full rebuild with a new head, pistons, piston rings, rods and rod bearings. I was thinking of cutting my crank but I went to the machine shop and the guy said I have to cut to 1.00mm, which I think is too much. I'm wondering if you can 7help with my problem if I should cut it or just get a new one? Also where can I find a new one? I am on a budget. Thanks for all your help; the mag is the best.
Gustavo Romero

A: In retrospect, at this point, it probably would have been cheaper to just go to the junkyard and pull another running motor to swap into the car. But since you've already invested time and money into the motor you have, you might as well finish it. We'd recommend either picking up a used crank from a junkyard or try to find a motor with a blown headgasket that you can pick up for cheap (LS should be less than $100 for a longblock that isn't running). If you have to buy new, the only option would be buying from the dealer, but the cost is going to be high.

Q: How hard is it to do a trans swap (auto to manual) on an '08 Impreza?
Jesse Kapsten

A: For us - about a 6.5/10. For you - impossible.