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The Honda K-series engine is a line of four-cylinder four-stroke car engine introduced in 2001. The K-series engines are equipped with DOHC valvetrains and use roller rockers on the cylinder head to reduce friction. The engines use a coil-on-plug, distributorless ignition system with a coil for each spark plug. This system forgoes the use of a conventional distributor-based ignition timing system in favor of a computer-controlled system that allows the ECU to control ignition timings based on various sensor inputs. The cylinders have cast iron sleeves similar to the B- and F-series engines, as opposed to the FRM cylinders found in the H- and newer F-series engines found only in the Honda S2000.

Similar to B series, the K-series car engines have two short blocks with the same design; the only difference between them being the deck height. K20 uses the short block with a deck height of 212 mm (8.3 in) where K23 and K24 block has a deck height of 231.5 mm (9.1 in).

Two versions of the Honda i-VTEC system can be found on a K-series engine, and both versions can come with variable timing control (VTC) on the intake cam. The VTEC system on engines like the K20A3 only operate on the intake cam; at low rpm only one intake valve is fully opened, the other opening just slightly to create a swirl effect in the combustion chamber for improved fuel atomization. At high engine speeds, both intake valves open fully to improve engine breathing. In engines such as the K20A2 found in the Acura RSX Type-S, the VTEC system operates on both the intake and exhaust valves, allowing both to benefit from multiple cam profiles. A modified K20C engine is used in motorsport, as the Sports Car Club of America Formula 3 and 4 series that run in North America both use a K20C engine, with the Formula 4 engine not having a turbocharger. These are gaining a following in the import scene, but also among hot rodders and kit car enthusiasts, because they can be put in longitudinal rear wheel drive layouts.

Another significant difference between K-series engines is the alignment of the crankshaft to the center line of the bore. The K20C1 engine block has an offset alignment. Engines that do not have their crank shaft aligned to the bore are known as Desaxe engines. On the K20C1 engine this allows the power stroke to have more leverage and less thrust waste on sidewalls.

K20

K20A (i-VTEC)

Honda K20A (i-VTEC)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Production	2001–2011
Layout
Configuration	I4
Displacement	2.0 L; 121.9 cu in (1,998 cc)
Cylinder bore	86 mm (3.386 in)
Piston stroke	86 mm (3.386 in)
Cylinder head material	NSH 14
Valvetrain	DOHC 4 valves x cyl w/ i-VTEC on some models
Compression ratio	See left for specific application.
Combustion
Fuel system	Fuel injection
Management	ECU
Fuel type	Petrol
Cooling system	Water-cooled Piston Oil Squirters (K24A)
Output
Power output	See left for specific application.
Torque output	See left for specific application.
Dimensions
Dry weight	403 pounds (183 kg) (with gearbox), 275 pounds (125 kg) (without gearbox)

Applications

Additional notes

K20A Spec R engine (FD2 Civic Type R)

• Chromoly flywheel, higher-tensile strength connecting rods, high-compression pistons, stiffer valve springs, higher-lift hollow camshafts with more duration, and 2007–2011 cylinder-head intake-port and exhaust-port surface polishing used in NSX-R. The JDM K20A type-R engine block would be removed from production assembly line by an experienced Honda engine technician to torque the connecting rod bolts to factory specification by hand using micrometer to measure connecting rod bolt stretching. Then the JDM K20A type-R engine block would be returned to the production assembly line to complete the engine building process.

K20B (i-VTEC I)

• Injection Pressure: 10 megapascals (99 atm)
• Center Fuel Injection with swirl guide
• Air-Fuel Ratio:
  • Normal driving cycle: 65:1 (ultra-lean combustion)
  • Acceleration/High load driving cycle: 14.7:1 (Stoichiometric)
• Deep Piston Cavity formed in top of Pistons
• Intake Manifold code: PPD
• Application: 2003–2006 Honda Stream Absolute

K20Z (i-VTEC)

Honda K20Z (i-VTEC)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Production	2005–2015
Layout
Configuration	I4
Displacement	2.0 L; 121.9 cu in (1,998 cc)
Cylinder bore	86 mm (3.386 in)
Piston stroke	86 mm (3.386 in)
Valvetrain	DOHC 4 valves x cyl w/ i-VTEC on some models
Compression ratio	See left for specific application.
Combustion
Fuel system	Fuel injection
Management	ECU
Fuel type	Gasoline
Cooling system	Water-cooled
Output
Power output	See left for specific application.
Torque output	See left for specific application.

Applications

1. SAE BHP measurement changes from 2005 to 2006. Thus, reducing the 2006 Acura RSX Type S rating from 210 hp (160 kW) to 201 hp (150 kW) on paper.
2. ^ SAE net Rev 8/04
3. The RBC is not a variable-length intake.

Additional notes

K20Z3 (as fitted to Ariel's Atom 3.5)

• The K20Z3 has Honda's traditional performance VTEC on the intake and the exhaust cams, as found on previous generation of engines. Variable cam timing technology is included on the intake but not the exhaust cams. The added timing control corresponds to the "i" in i-VTEC.

K20C (Earth Dreams VTEC Turbo)

K20C (Earth Dreams VTEC Turbo)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Production	2015–present
Layout
Configuration	I4
Displacement	2.0 L; 121.8 cu in (1,996 cc)
Cylinder bore	86 mm (3.386 in)
Piston stroke	85.9 mm (3.382 in)
Cylinder block material	Aluminium
Cylinder head material	Aluminium
Valvetrain	DOHC 4 valves x cyl w/ VTEC/i-VTEC
Compression ratio	See left for specific application.
Combustion
Turbocharger	Single
Fuel system	Direct fuel injection
Management	ECU
Fuel type	Gasoline
Cooling system	Water-cooled
Output
Power output	See left for specific application.
Torque output	See left for specific application.

Applications

Additional notes

• Earth Dreams Technology
• K20C1: First Honda Type R engine to be built in the US at the Honda Anna Engine Plant in Anna, Ohio. First time Honda has used a turbocharger on the TYPE R.
• K20C5: All Acura RDX sold in China (manufactured by GAC Acura)
• Although the K20C4 in the Acura RDX and the K20C6 in the Acura TLX share the same internals, they are named differently due to different engine mount points to accommodate the sedan body of the TLX.
• The VTEC mechanism is available only on the exhaust valves.
• K20C1 engines have an offset of 8mm on the crankshaft from the centerline of the bore.
• K20C8 (Acura Integra Type S): Engine is identical to the K20C1, it is named differently to accommodate different mounting points.

K20C & K20Z (Earth Dreams i-VTEC)

K20C & K20Z (Earth Dreams i-VTEC)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Production	2016–present
Layout
Configuration	I4
Displacement	2.0 L; 121.8 cu in (1,996 cc)
Cylinder bore	86 mm (3.386 in)
Piston stroke	85.9 mm (3.382 in)
Cylinder block material	Aluminium
Cylinder head material	Aluminium
Valvetrain	DOHC 4 valves x cyl w/ i-VTEC
Compression ratio	See left for specific application.
Combustion
Fuel system	Port Injection (Multi-point Injection)
Management	ECU
Fuel type	Gasoline
Cooling system	Water-cooled
Output
Power output	See left for specific application.
Torque output	See left for specific application.

Applications

K23

K23A (i-VTEC Turbo)

Honda K23A (i-VTEC Turbo)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Production	2007–2012
Layout
Configuration	I4
Displacement	2.3 L; 140.4 cu in (2,300 cc)
Cylinder bore	86 mm (3.386 in)
Piston stroke	99 mm (3.898 in)
Cylinder block material	Aluminium
Cylinder head material	Aluminium
Valvetrain	DOHC 4 Valves x Cyl w/ i-VTEC
Compression ratio	8.8:1
Combustion
Turbocharger	1
Fuel system	Fuel injection
Management	ECU
Fuel type	Gasoline
Cooling system	Water-cooled
Output
Power output	240 hp (180 kW) @ 6000 RPM
Torque output	260 lb⋅ft (350 N⋅m) @ 4500 RPM

Applications

Additional notes

• This version of the K engine uses a Mitsubishi TD04HL-15T turbocharger with a dual path turbine housing, optimizing low end response while allowing better high end flow. Maximum boost pressure is 13.5psi. The engine includes i-VTEC and VTC technologies and comes mated to a version of Honda's 5-speed automatic with SH-AWD (note: SH-AWD was standard from 2007-2009 and optional from 2010-2012).

K24

K24A (i-VTEC)

Honda K24A (i-VTEC)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Production	2001–2016
Layout
Configuration	I4
Displacement	2.4 L; 143.6 cu in (2,354 cc)
Cylinder bore	87 mm (3.425 in)
Piston stroke	99 mm (3.898 in)
Valvetrain	DOHC 4 Valves x Cyl w/ i-VTEC
Compression ratio	See left for specific application.
Combustion
Fuel system	Fuel injection
Management	ECU
Fuel type	Gasoline
Cooling system	Water-cooled
Output
Power output	See left for specific application.
Torque output	See left for specific application.

1. ^
   Automatic: 7100 rpm
   Sequential Sportshift: 7300 rpm
   Manual: 7600 rpm
2. ^ 2400 rpm While in fuel efficiency mode. 4500 rpm in performance mode.

Additional notes

K24A2 and K24A3 (2006-2008 Acura TSX)

• Increased intake flow:
  • Intake valve + 1 mm oversize (Intake valve head measures 36mm, but valve seat still measures 35mm)
  • Intake cam High lift lobe with 0.9 mm more lift and 12 degrees more duration
  • Throttle body increased from 60–64 mm
  • Radius on some intake pipes increased from 70–80 mm
• Increased exhaust flow
  • Exhaust Head pipe increased from 60–65 mm
  • Higher flow catalytic converter
  • Main (single) exhaust pipe increased from 54–57 mm
  • Rear (twin) pipes increased in diameter from 42.5 to 45 mm
• Block improvements:
  • Additional air passages in crankcase for reduced pumping losses
• Others
  • Stronger connecting rods
  • Under-piston oil squirters

K24Z & K24Y (i-VTEC)

Applications

K24W & K24V (Earth Dreams i-VTEC)

Honda K24W & K24V (Earth Dreams i-VTEC)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Production	2013–present
Layout
Configuration	I4
Displacement	2.4 L; 143.8 cu in (2,356 cc)
Cylinder bore	87 mm (3.425 in)
Piston stroke	99 mm (3.898 in)
Valvetrain	DOHC 4 valves x cyl w/ i-VTEC
Compression ratio	See left for specific application.
Combustion
Fuel system	See left for specific application.
Management	ECU
Fuel type	Gasoline
Cooling system	Water-cooled
Output
Power output	See left for specific application.
Torque output	See left for specific application.
Dimensions
Length	30cm

Direct Injection, i-VTEC (intake camshaft & valvetrain)

Applications

Please note: The K24W1 in the 2013-2017 Honda Accord had a raised power output of 189 hp and 182 lb•ft in the Sport Trim due to a different exhaust setup.

Legacy

The Honda K-series engines have built a significant legacy, widely regarded as some of the most influential and celebrated four-cylinder engines in automotive history. The engine’s reliability and performance, coupled with its lightweight aluminium construction and chain-driven timing system, solidified its reputation as a benchmark in engine design. This engineering excellence made the K-series a revered engine amongst people, setting a new standard for four-cylinder engines. As a result, it gained widespread praise for being durable and tuneable, quickly becoming a favourite among car enthusiasts and professional tuners alike due to its potential to handle both everyday driving and high-performance applications.

The K-series engine’s impact extends beyond factory specifications, with its wide adoption in the aftermarket scene. The K20 and K24 variants, in particular, are often used in engine swaps and high-performance builds due to their ability to handle and withstand significant power upgrades. This adaptability, coupled with their success in motorsports like time attack and drag racing, cemented the K-series as one of the greatest four-cylinder engines of all time.

The engine remains a benchmark from its long production run to this day, continuing to influence modern engine design and tuning practices.

References

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External links

• Honda engine pages: i-VTEC DOHC, 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC
• K Series VTEC Breakdown: K Series VTEC Breakdown

• Honda engines
• 2001 introductions
• Straight-four engines
• Gasoline engines by model