What is the engine code for a 2003 Acura RSX Type S?
The engine code for the 2003 Acura RSX Type S is K20A2. This identifies the 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline-4 used in the US-market RSX Type S, part of Honda’s K-series family.
Understanding the K20A2 engine code
The K20A2 designation is part of Honda’s K-series naming convention, where the “K” marks the family, “20” indicates a 2.0-liter displacement, “A” signals the variant, and “2” differentiates this particular variant from other A-series versions. For the RSX Type S, K20A2 denotes the high-performance version tuned for spirited driving and higher output compared with the base RSX engine.
Key facts about the K20A2 in the RSX Type S
Below are core attributes commonly associated with the K20A2 engine as used in the 2003 RSX Type S. The RSX Type S paired this 2.0L i-VTEC inline-4 with a performance-tuned setup for North American customers.
- Engine family: Honda K-series
- Engine code: K20A2
- Displacement: 2.0 liters
- Configuration: inline-4, inline-4 cylinder
- Valvetrain: i-VTEC with DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts)
These characteristics helped give the RSX Type S its distinctive, engaging driving feel relative to the base model.
Market notes and year-by-year context
In the early 2000s, the 2003 RSX Type S was the North American embodiment of Honda’s performance-oriented compact, and the K20A2 engine remained the standard for this trim in that era. While the K20A2 was the primary specification for the US-market RSX Type S, there were minor calibration differences across model years and regional markets within the broader K-series ecosystem. The base RSX (non-Type S) used different refinements within the same family, but the Type S retained the K20A2 as its core powerplant.
Summary
The 2003 Acura RSX Type S is powered by the K20A2 engine, a 2.0-liter i-VTEC inline-4 in Honda’s K-series. This code identifies the high-performance variant used in the RSX Type S for North American markets, reflecting its emphasis on spirited, responsive driving. For enthusiasts, the K20A2 remains a notable example of Honda’s early-2000s performance engineering within a compact package.
