K20A is a JDM/Euro type R motor. K20Z1 is the motor for 05-06 type S and K20A3 is the motor for all base RSX.

Where are you reading the VIN from to determine the car's a type S?

 

The vin plate on the dash, inside the door match so I'm pretty sure the car is a type s, but the motor is another story. I have read about the JDM type R k20a, but is there anyway to tel a difference between it and the base motor?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_K_engine

 

still doesn't help telling the difference. I have heard that the base models have plastic intake manifolds, is this correct?

 

The reason you stated for suspicion was that you thought K20A was the wrong code for a Type S engine. It is the correct code. Well, K20A2 is the correct code. But since your car does not have the steering wheel on the right-hand side, the place you looked it up must have left off the "2", so look it up someplace that knows the difference.

There are part numbers on everything. Head, block, intake manifold. Intake manifold numbers that start with PRB are USA Type-S; PRC is Type-R; RBC/RRC is Type-R Civic.

Yes, the Base's manifold is plastic:
https://www.ebay.com/i/173140058127?chn=ps

Now relax and :vtec:

 

You should snap a pic of it

 

If you really want to know exactly what the motor is and where it came from, look up the VIN on the motor. I forgot exactly where it is but if you get under the car and look around the oil pan you will see it.

 

ok new question, if this is at least a base bottom end, and I put new cams and valve train in it how high is safe to rev that bottom end?

 

As long as you have a type S oil pump I don't see why you wouldn't be able to rev it up to 8,500+ RPM if you wanted to. If the valve train is rated for it and if the motor will even make power that high...

 

Look at this thread (2nd post), then look at your engine:
http://forums.clubrsx.com/showthread.php?t=524345

A dollar says you now need something new to obsess over ;-)

I drew a red circle around it.

 

Do you have a picture of the engine ?

 

Just a quick update I pulled the valve cover and by the markings on the head and the cams only having 2 lobes on the intake and one on the exhaust, I have determined that I have a base motor of some kind. so now my plan is for a k24a2 swap.

 

:thumbsup: Good thinking.

I'd still check the number on the block, just in case someone cracked the original head and replaced it with one from a junkyard Base. But, yeah, when someone FUBARs one of these, it usually takes out the whole thing, so it is probably a Base all the way down.

I'm still unclear why you were originally suspicious, but good intuition on your part.

 

Haha wow man that's some shit luck. Someone swapped a base motor into a type S and didn't mention it upon sale? Fuck that guy.

Just out of curiosity does your rev limiter hit at 7,200 RPM?

 

No because they bolted all the type s stuff on and its still has a type s computer, I'm glad I found it because I was revving it to 8k, but I guess that will stop till I get my swap and cams done

 

That's shady..

 

thats gotta be the most unlucky shit to happen. i hope u didnt pay the price like it was a type s thru and thru. is it just me or as soon as i look at the engine bay and ESPECIALLY drive the thing id be able to tell immediately that its not a type s k20a2...and then ask for 3 grand off his asking price lol