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Which K20 is in the RSX?

The Honda RSX, also known as the Acura RSX in North America, is a compact sports car that was produced from 2001 to 2006. At the heart of the RSX is the K20 engine, a high-revving, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder powerplant that has become a favorite among enthusiasts for its performance and tuning potential.


The K20 Engine Lineup


The K20 engine family consists of several variants, each with its own unique characteristics. The specific K20 engine found in the RSX is the K20A2, which was the higher-performance version of the K20 used in the RSX Type-S model.



  • K20A2: The K20A2 engine found in the RSX Type-S produced 200 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque. It featured a high-revving design with a redline of 8,000 rpm.

  • K20A3: The K20A3 was the base engine used in the standard RSX model, producing 160 horsepower and 141 lb-ft of torque.

  • K20Z1: This variant was used in the Honda Civic Si and produced 197 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque.


The K20A2 in the RSX Type-S was known for its responsive throttle, high-revving nature, and impressive power output for a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine of its time.


Key Features of the K20A2


The K20A2 engine in the RSX Type-S had several key features that contributed to its performance:



  • Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC): The K20A2 used a DOHC design, allowing for more precise control of the intake and exhaust valves, resulting in improved airflow and higher revs.

  • i-VTEC Valvetrain: The i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system allowed the engine to switch between a low-lift, low-duration cam profile for low-rpm torque and a high-lift, high-duration profile for high-rpm power.

  • Forged Internals: The K20A2 featured forged connecting rods and crankshaft, making it more durable and capable of handling higher levels of tuning and modification.

  • Lightweight Design: The use of lightweight materials, such as an aluminum block and head, helped to keep the overall engine weight down, contributing to the RSX's nimble handling characteristics.


These features, combined with the K20A2's high-revving nature, made the RSX Type-S a popular choice among enthusiasts who wanted a well-balanced, high-performance sports car.

Which K20 has VTEC?


The K20A3 employed i-VTEC on the intake camshaft, optimizing valve opening for improved combustion at low RPMs and maximizing intake potential at high RPMs. The K20A2, used in the European Civic Type R and USDM Acura RSX Type-S, had i-VTEC on both intake and exhaust valves.



What engine series is the RSX?


K-Series
The Acura RSX's 4-cylinder K-Series engine features intelligent VTEC or (i-VTEC), which electronically adjusts valve lift, valve timing and cam timing, giving the 2.0L engine a flatter torque curve and smooth power transition relative to previous VTEC implementations which only adjusted valve lift and valve timing.



Are K20 and K24 the same?


Are the K20 and K24 Engines the Same? No, but they are from the same family.



What cars have a K24 engine?


The following is a list of all the cars that have come equipped with a K24 engine in the United States:

  • K24A1: 2002-2009 Honda CR-V.
  • K24A2: 2004-2008 Acura TSX.
  • K24A4: 2003-2005 Honda Accord, 2003-2008 Honda Odyssey, 2003-2006 Honda Element.
  • K24A8: 2006-2007 Honda Accord, 2007-2011 Honda Element.



Did the RSX come with a K24?


The RSX came with the 160 hp (120 kW) 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder K20A3 engine throughout the entire production run.



How much HP can a K20 handle?


And we make 500 on them pretty regularly. But like I said he only wanted the C470. So we left it there um but yeah so that's how much power we can make out of a K20.



What k20 is in the RSX?


K20A3
K20A (i-VTEC)

EngineApplicationRedline
K20A32002–2006 Acura RSX6800 RPM
2002–2005 Honda Civic6800 RPM
2002–2005 Honda Civic Si USDM6800 RPM
2002–2005 Honda Civic Type S EDM6800 RPM



What K20 is in the RSX?


K20A3
K20A (i-VTEC)

EngineApplicationRedline
K20A32002–2006 Acura RSX6800 RPM
2002–2005 Honda Civic6800 RPM
2002–2005 Honda Civic Si USDM6800 RPM
2002–2005 Honda Civic Type S EDM6800 RPM



What engine does a RSX type S have in 2002?


DOHC 2.0-liter engine
The new RSX Type-S is powered by a high-output version of the DOHC 2.0-liter engine that incorporates an even higher-performance i-VTEC system - helping to produce a remarkable 100 horsepower per liter (200 horsepower @ 7400 rpm).



Which K20 engine is the best?


if you really want the best k motor ever, get a k20a type-r motor and mate it with a k24a1, along with aftermarket internal parts. you will have in your possessions, the worse honda weapon that other honda-haters will fear of, the devastating power of i-vtec WITH mad torque.


Kevin's Auto

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.