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How much HP can a H22 make?

The Honda H22 engine family, particularly the H22A used in Prelude and certain Acura models, is capable of more than its stock horsepower through careful tuning and forced induction. In stock form, most H22 variants produce roughly 200 hp, with variations by market and model. With thoughtful upgrades, you can push into the 230–260 hp range naturally aspirated, and well over 300 hp with turbo or supercharging. The exact numbers depend on variant, octane, fuel system, and the strength of the bottom end.

Stock baseline

Variant overview

Stock horsepower can vary by market and revision. The most commonly cited figures place the H22 in the vicinity of 190–200 hp for many US-market versions, with Japanese-market and later variants typically offering around 210–225 hp. Torque also varies by variant, commonly in the 150–165 lb-ft range, depending on spec and redline goals.

US-market H22A1 (early Prelude Si): typically around 200 hp with torque near 150–160 lb-ft.

JDM H22A variants (including some VTEC versions): generally about 210–225 hp, with torque around 160–165 lb-ft depending on spec.

Other market revisions: commonly in the 200–220 hp band, with slight differences in torque.

In short, the H22 family starts around two hundred horsepower in stock form, with variations that can push it a bit higher depending on the exact variant and market.

Naturally aspirated enhancements

Below is a look at common naturally aspirated (NA) paths to more horsepower. These upgrades focus on airflow, combustion, and management rather than adding forced induction.

Common natural aspiration upgrade categories

Engine management and fueling: ECU remapping, larger fuel injectors, and a higher-capacity fuel pump to support increased airflow.

Air intake and intake manifold improvements: cold-air intake, better plenum design, and optimized throttle body sizing for improved flow.

Exhaust and headers: performance exhaust headers plus a high-flow catalytic converter and cat-back system to reduce backpressure.

Valvetrain and head work: upgraded camshafts (including VTEC-appropriate profiles), valve springs, and porting/polishing to improve flow into/out of the head.

Internal components and compression: higher-quality pistons/rods and careful compression ratio choices to suit octane and tuning; these steps are usually pursued in conjunction with a complete build plan.

NA builds typically gain horsepower through careful balance of airflow, fueling, and ignition timing. Expect total gains in the 20–60 horsepower range from well-chosen bolt-ons and tuning, with more aggressive, properly engineered builds pushing higher—often in the 230–260 hp range at the crank for seasoned setups. Wheel horsepower will be correspondingly lower due to drivetrain losses.

Forced induction options

Turbocharging or supercharging the H22 is a popular route for dramatic horsepower increases. The exact output depends on boost, intercooling, fuel system capacity, and the strength of the bottom end. Below are typical ranges observed in well-planned builds.

Common forced-induction scenarios

Turbo setups on a stock or lightly upgraded bottom end: roughly 250–350+ hp at the crank, depending on boost and tune; wheel horsepower will be lower after drivetrain losses.

Moderate-boost turbo with supporting upgrades (fuel system, intercooler, ECU): often 350–450+ hp at the crank on a balanced, well-tuned package.

High-boost or built bottom end turbo: 450–550+ hp at the crank with substantial internal upgrades (forged rods/pistons, upgraded head studs, reliable cooling, and precise fueling).

Supercharger routes: typically 300–450+ hp at the crank, with similarly robust supporting systems required for reliability and drivability.

Forced induction dramatically increases horsepower, but it also raises demands on the fuel system, cooling, ignition control, and engine internals. Reliable power at the level of 300–400 hp typically requires a purpose-built plan, including upgraded pistons/rods, a strong transmission, improved cooling, and a tuned engine management system.

Other considerations for power builds

Beyond horsepower, several factors influence real-world performance and reliability. These considerations help ensure that higher power translates to usable, repeatable results rather than a fragile setup.

Fuel: high-octane fuel or a dedicated ethanol blend can improve timing margins and support higher boost or compression.

Cooling: upgraded intercooling for forced induction and improved radiator/oil cooling for sustained high-performance runs.

Fuel management: precise calibration, larger injectors, and a capable ECU or standalone engine management system.

Internals: forged pistons/rods, a strengthened crank, and properly balanced rotating assemblies to handle higher RPM and boost.

Lubrication: reliable oiling strategies, high-quality oil, and, if needed, an oil cooler to prevent heat-related issues.

Drivetrain and transmission: clutch, differential, and gearbox considerations to handle increased torque and maintain drivability.

Consulting with experienced tuners and carefully reviewing build goals are essential, as the best approach depends on your intended use—daily driving, track days, or drag racing—and your tolerance for maintenance intervals and cost.

Summary

The H22 engine family typically starts around 200 hp in stock form, with variations by market. For natural aspiration, well-chosen upgrades can push the engine into the 230–260 hp range at the crank. Forced induction—turbo or supercharging—offers substantial gains, commonly placing output in the 300–450+ hp range, depending on the level of internal strengthening and supporting systems. Real-world results hinge on the exact variant, the quality of the build, and meticulous tuning. For anyone pursuing higher power, a clear plan, quality parts, and professional tuning are essential to balance performance with reliability.

Is H22 better than K24?

The main differences are that the H22 is a more straightforward swap that offers great stock torque and power, making it a good daily driver, while the K24 is more versatile for high-power builds with greater long-term potential, though it requires more extensive and costly modifications. Choosing depends on your budget and goals: the H22 is better for simplicity, while the K24 is for performance-focused projects.
This video compares the driving experience of H22 and K24 engines: 49sKiwiCarLifeYouTube · Mar 27, 2022
H22

Pros:
- More torque than most other four-cylinder Honda engines.
- More affordable and easier to swap, especially if simplicity is key.
- Powerful enough as is for a great daily driver, and can be potent with turbo upgrades.
Cons:
- Peak power potential is lower compared to K-series engines.
- Can be more expensive to acquire than a K24 engine itself.

K24

Pros:
- Higher potential for peak power, especially for extreme builds.
- More versatile and modern platform for long-term projects.
- Generally more readily available than the H22.
Cons:
- Swap is more expensive and involves more complex modifications.
- Stock engines typically have less power than an H22 unless specifically tuned for performance versions (e.g., RBB heads).

This video discusses the differences between H-series and K-series engines for engine swaps: 1mMytonYouTube · Mar 8, 2017
Which to choose

Choose H22 if: You want a more direct and less complex swap for a daily driver that already has good torque.
Choose K24 if: You are building a project car with high-power goals and are willing to invest in more complex and expensive modifications for greater long-term potential.

Which is better, H22 or H23?

The main differences between the Honda H22 and H23 engines are their displacement, power output, and performance characteristics, with the H22 generally offering higher horsepower thanks to its VTEC system, while the H23 has a longer stroke and can be more affordable. Key differences include the H22 having VTEC and more horsepower, while the H23 has a longer stroke, lower redline, and is often more budget-friendly.
H22 vs. H23

Feature	H22	H23
Displacement	Smaller stroke, larger bore for its stroke.	Larger stroke, smaller bore.
Horsepower	Higher, often around 195195195-200200200 hp with VTEC.	Lower, typically around 160160160 hp.
Torque	Less torque compared to H23 at low RPMs.	More torque at low RPMs.
Redline	Higher redline due to shorter stroke.	Lower redline due to longer stroke.
VTEC	Standard on most models, which allows for a power boost at higher RPMs.	Not standard on most models, though some variants exist.
Tuning	Great starting point for high-power builds due to its higher stock output and VTEC system.	Good for budget builds, especially for those who don't plan on boosting.
Cost	Generally more expensive due to its popularity and performance.	Often cheaper and more readily available.

Choose the H22 if you want higher stock horsepower, the performance benefits of VTEC, and are willing to pay a premium.
Choose the H23 if you're on a tighter budget, want more low-end torque, and plan on building a project engine without heavy modifications like turbocharging.

How much HP can you get out of a H22?

–300 whp
Without knowing what you've done or will do to your car, results will vary. Assuming you're not boosting, here is what I've learned over time regarding limits on stock internals: Horsepower Limit (on stock internals): ~270–300 whp (approx.

Can you turbo a H22 engine?

Short of the K-series motors, the H22 has the most torque out of any Honda four-cylinder motor and backs it up with 200-plus hp. Bolt a turbo setup onto a stock H22 and it becomes a very potent machine. Build a turbo motor out of an H22 and it's unstoppable.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.