9| Honda K-Series
The Heir To The Engine Swap Throne Is Here…
Coming in ninth is the Honda the K-series engine, the successor to Honda’s popular B series. This engine family succeeded the B-series in all applications for the 2002 model year across all models in the Acura and Honda vehicle lineups. This engine design is certainly a technological step up over is predecessor. The most notable improvement is the inclusion of Honda’s next generation variable valve timing technology, iVTEC. The iVTEC (intelligent-VTEC) system still offers two cam profiles like the original VTEC system. However, iVTEC adds variable cam phasing to the intake camshaft and in some applications, the exhaust cam too. This allows the ECU to actively advance and retard the camshaft timing. The high-flowing cylinder heads feature roller bearing cam followers for smoother operation. Currently, there are a total of 25 variants of K-series engines powering nearly all of the Honda passenger car model lines. Since its release 10 years ago, the K-series has been met with mixed reception due to its limited availability and higher cost to acquire and upgrade (compared to the B series.) Still, the K series is gaining momentum as the “new” hot Honda swap, enjoying plenty of aftermarket support. Built examples have already eclipsed the 1,000 horsepower mark, proving its worth in the world of racing and high performance. When the cost of entry comes down, we expect to see more K-swapped projects on the road and the track.
Opinion
What’s Hot:
• “K” is the new B-series
• iVTEC technology improves upon previous-generation VTEC
• Clockwise crank rotation compatible with more aftermarket transmission solutions
• Coil-on-plug ignition
• Exceptional specific output
• Excellent head design
• Square bore and stroke dimensions
• Chain-driven camshafts
• Interchangeable head and block combinations
across the K-series engine family
What’s Not:
• Connecting rod upgrade required for serious forced-induction duty
• Still higher cost to swap and modify relative to the B-series
SPEC SHEET
| ENGINE | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Honda |
| Years In Production: | 2002-Present |
| Engine Code: | K20, K24 |
| Displacement (cc): | 1,998cc, 2,157cc |
| Bore & Stroke (mm): | 86mm x 86mm, 87mm x 90.7mm |
| Peak Horsepower (@ RPM): | 160 bhp @ 6,500 RPM, 201 bhp @ 7,000 RPM |
| Peak Torque (@ RPM): | 132 lb-ft @ 5,000 RPM, 170 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM |
| Block Material: | Aluminum |
| Head Material: | Aluminum |
| Compression Ratio: | 11.0:1 |
| Camshafts: | 302/305-degree (IN&EX, K20A2), |
| 310/302-degree (IN&EX,K24A2) | |
| Valves / Springs / Retainers: | 16 Valves, iVTEC |
| Throttle Body: | Single |
| Fuel Injectors: | Top Feed, High Impedance, 310 cc/min (x4, K20A2), |
| 270cc/min (x4, K24A2) | |
| Ignition System: | Coil-on-plug |
| Spark Plugs: | NGK |
| Applications: | 2002-2005 Honda Civic Si (EP3) |
| 2002-2005 Acura RSX Type S (DC5) | |
| 2006-2011 Honda Civic Si (FA5,FG2) | |
| 2012-Present Honda Civic Si (FB6, FG4) |