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K20A Base or K20A3?

5.4K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Them Witches  
#1 ·
Hello everyone, I'm new to the K20 engine series, and wanted to see if i can be pointed in the right direction in regards to information I am seeking.

Here is the deal I recently bought a 02 Acura RSX for $600 bucks with a K20A3 that has 201,000 miles on it. A few weeks after purchasing this vehicle I got a K20A which I got for free from a neighbor due to him not having any paperwork because he lost, so no one would buy the engine from him because there was no way to show proof of it having low miles. by the way its not the type R basing it of the cover being similar to the K20A3... My neighbor says the engine came out of a JDM 2002-2005 Honda Civic Si.

My question now is would it be worth it swapping in the K20A or just keep the K20A3? I have read all the info I came across in regards to the potential that can be achieved from a K20A3. Is the K20A the same as a K20A3 or is there more potential in the K20A?

If this has been asked before please just link the posting, and again I am new to the K series engines.
 
#2 ·
I don't think there was a 6th gen JDM Si. That engine is more likely from the Integra. Same engine with the exception of cams. I believe USDM cams are two lobe on the intake side, and 3 on the JDM models. You can pop the valve cover off to confirm. Oil pump may be different as well, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

If you want additional power, don't bother. If you just want to swap and have an engine with lower mileage, go for it.
 
#3 ·
thanks you for the info. I was suspecting that it would be the same in regards to power but was not 100% sure because I was hoping that this engine had more potential 😄😄...... Could you could answer this for me... a few days ago I came across a posting I have been trying to find... were some stated a K20 could be converted to a K20A2 are they referring to this base K20A or the type R K20A?
 
#5 ·
If you are looking to extend the enjoyment of driving your car put the K20a (econo) engine and drive it. If you are after noticeable power gains, I would look for a K20a2 or a K24a2 before those go up in price anymore. Alot of people are either not aware or not worried, obtaining Honda parts pre 2011 is going to slowly become harder and harder as the popularity increases with the K24 and K20 swap going into everything. Also K24 swaps typically like to use PRB and PRC parts. This year more parts have gone to backorder or discontinued due than ever. Myself and others have started buying back-up parts as often as we can to get ahead of the rising wave. Something to think about.

I have extra many oem parts in storage now. I also just bought a 2008 K24a2 complete longblock for $800. I am after a K20Z3 transmission now.