What Honda Accord has a k20?
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan known for its reliability, performance, and versatility. While the Accord is typically equipped with Honda's reliable four-cylinder and V6 engines, some enthusiasts have sought to upgrade their Accords with the high-revving K20 engine, a legendary powerplant from Honda's performance lineup.
What is the K20 Engine?
The K20 is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine developed by Honda. It is known for its high-revving nature, with a redline of around 8,000 rpm, and its impressive power output for its displacement. The K20 has been used in various Honda and Acura models, including the Civic Si, Integra, and RSX Type-S. The K20 is renowned for its strong performance, excellent throttle response, and high-revving character.
Fitting a K20 into a Honda Accord
While the Accord is not typically offered with the K20 engine, some enthusiasts have undertaken the task of swapping this engine into their Accords. This process, known as a "K-swap," requires significant modifications to the vehicle, including:
- Replacing the engine and transmission
- Modifying the engine mounts and wiring harness
- Upgrading the brakes and suspension to handle the increased power
- Tuning the engine and transmission for optimal performance
The K-swap process is complex and often requires the expertise of experienced mechanics or enthusiasts. However, the end result can be a highly capable and engaging Accord with a significant performance boost.
Benefits of a K20-Powered Honda Accord
By swapping in a K20 engine, Accord owners can enjoy several benefits:
- Increased Power and Acceleration: The K20 engine typically produces around 200 horsepower, a significant increase over the stock Accord's four-cylinder or V6 engines.
- Improved Handling and Responsiveness: The K20's high-revving nature and lightweight design can enhance the Accord's handling characteristics, making it more agile and responsive on the road.
- Unique Driving Experience: The K20-powered Accord offers a more engaging and exhilarating driving experience, with a distinct sound and feel that sets it apart from the standard Accord.
However, it's important to note that the K-swap process can be costly and time-consuming, and may require ongoing maintenance and tuning to keep the modified Accord running at its best.
Which Hondas came with the K20 engine?
The original K20 was exclusive to the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). It was inside Japan's Honda Civic Type R and Integra Type Rs from 2001 to 2006. The K20A also came in 2002 to 2008 models of the Honda Accord Euro R and Civic Type Rs from 2007 to 2011.
What accord has a K20?
K20A (i-VTEC)
| Engine | Application | Compression |
|---|---|---|
| K20A (High Performance) | 2002–2008 Honda Accord Euro R (JDM) | 11.5:1 |
| 2007–2011 Honda Civic Type R (JDM) | 11.7:1 | |
| K20A (Eco) | 2000–2006 Honda Stream (JDM) (RN3, FWD) | 9.7:1 |
| 2000–2006 Honda Stream (JDM) (RN4, AWD) | 9.8:1 |
Which is faster, K20 or K24?
Neither is definitively faster; the answer depends on the application, as the K20 is a higher-revving engine for track performance, while the K24 offers more torque and is better for daily driving. The K24's larger displacement (2.42.42.4L vs. 2.02.02.0L) provides more low-end torque and higher power potential with modifications, but the K20's shorter stroke allows it to rev higher.
This video compares the performance of the K20 and K24 engines: 58sGerb ProductionsYouTube · Dec 8, 2020
K20 (2.0L)
- Best for: Track use, high-revving performance.
- Characteristics: Shorter stroke, higher redline (around 780078007800-8000+8000 plus8000+ RPM), quicker piston speed.
- Advantages: Can be configured for very high horsepower, especially with factory turbo options on some variants, making it potent in a lightweight car.
K24 (2.4L)
- Best for: Daily driving, street use.
- Characteristics: Longer stroke, lower redline (around 680068006800-710071007100 RPM), more low-end torque.
- Advantages: Feels stronger from a standstill, makes for a more effortless daily driver, and has higher power potential with modifications due to its larger displacement.
Which is better?
- For most street cars, the K24 is often preferred for its superior low-end torque and a more usable powerband for everyday driving.
- For a dedicated track car where consistent high-RPM power is crucial, the K20 is the preferred choice.
- A common high-performance build combines the best of both by using the K20's higher-flowing cylinder head with the K24's larger block to get the torque of the larger engine with the high-revving nature of the K20 head, as explained in this YouTube video and this Reddit thread.
This video explains which engine is better for performance: 53sDust Runners Automotive JournalYouTube · Apr 29, 2019
What Hondas have a K20C1?
Civic Type-R
The Honda K20C1, better known as the engine powering the venerable Civic Type-R, is a powerful turbocharged 2.0L engine that for years has only been available as a crate engine for professional race teams.
