Does F20C have VTEC?
Yes. The F20C engine, as used in the Honda S2000, employs Honda’s VTEC system on the intake cam, delivering a two-stage lift profile. There is no VTEC on the exhaust cam.
The F20C is a high-revving 2.0-liter inline-four designed for the S2000’s performance-focused character. Its intake-only VTEC arrangement provides a low-rpm torque feel while unlocking strong high-rpm power, contributing to the car’s signature 9,000 rpm redline and exhilarating top end. Below, we explain how this VTEC setup works and how it fits into the engine’s design.
How the F20C's VTEC is configured
The following points summarize how VTEC is implemented in the F20C.
- Intake-cam VTEC only: the exhaust cam uses a fixed profile with no VTEC engagement.
- Two-stage lift: a low-lift profile for early rpm and a high-lift profile for mid-to-high rpm, activated by the VTEC mechanism on the intake cam.
- Engagement occurs in the mid-range, typically around 5,500–6,000 rpm, depending on operating conditions.
- Maximum rpm/redline is around 9,000 rpm in the S2000's F20C configuration, reflecting its high-rev design.
In practice, this intake-only VTEC allows the engine to deliver a broad torque curve while still revving to the high speeds that fans of the S2000 expect.
Context and comparisons
Unlike newer Honda engines that use i-VTEC (integrated VVT with VTEC on both cams), the F20C sticks with a classic intake-only VTEC arrangement and a fixed exhaust profile. This design choice underscores the S2000’s focus on pure, high-rev performance and driver engagement rather than multi-cam VVT complexity.
Summary: The F20C does have VTEC, specifically intake-cam only VTEC with a two-stage lift profile and no VTEC on the exhaust cam. This configuration is central to the S2000’s renowned high-revving character and driving appeal.
