The K-series engine is a family of four-cylinder engines produced by Honda since the early 2000s. Here is a brief history of the K-series engine:
K20A: The K20A engine was introduced in 2001 as part of the Japanese-market Honda Integra Type R. It featured a 2.0-liter displacement, DOHC i-VTEC technology, and produced up to 220 horsepower. It quickly became a popular engine for racing enthusiasts due to its high-revving capabilities and responsive performance. In the US, k20a variants were made for the RSX Type S, RSX Base Model and the Civic Hatch EP3. The variant k20a2 was in the 02-04 RSX Type S producing ~200 hp, often seen with a silver value cover and a PRB intake manifold. The variant k20a3 was in the RSX Base Model and the Civic Hatch EP3, producing ~160hp often seen with a black intake manifold.
K20Z1: The K20Z1 engine was introduced in 2002 as part of the North American-market Acura RSX Type S. It featured a 2.0-liter displacement, DOHC i-VTEC technology, and produced up to 210 horsepower. It was also used in the Honda Civic Type R sold in Japan.
K24A: The K24A engine was introduced in 2002 as part of the Japanese-market Honda Accord. It featured a 2.4-liter displacement, DOHC i-VTEC technology, and produced up to 220 horsepower. It was also used in the North American-market Acura TSX.
K20Z3: The K20Z3 engine was introduced in 2006 as part of the North American-market Honda Civic Si. It featured a 2.0-liter displacement, DOHC i-VTEC technology, and produced up to 197 horsepower. It was praised for its responsive performance and fuel efficiency. Notice the shape of the RBC intake manifold, famous for generating the most flow and popular amongst car enthusiast to swap their PRB/PRC manifolds to.
K20C1: The K20C1 engine was introduced in 2015 as part of the Honda Civic Type R. It featured a 2.0-liter displacement, DOHC i-VTEC technology, and produced up to 306 horsepower. It is currently one of the most powerful production four-cylinder engines in the world.
Overall, the K-series engine has become popular among racing enthusiasts due to its high-revving capabilities, responsive performance, and reliability. It has been used in a variety of Honda and Acura vehicles, and continues to be a favorite among enthusiasts today.
These days, you’ll find K series engines in many older cars that used the B and D engines like the EK9 and Eg6 civics, DA and DC2 integra, and many other classic Honda cars. There are also some enthusiast that have dropped a K series engine in Nissan GTTs, Porches, and even the new GT86 and GR86s. The K engine is reliable, fun, and able to generate high HP with stock components.
K engine parts are also interchangeable too. PRB/PRC/RBC manifolds are interchangeable with some modification, and some interchange the k24 bottom end and k20 head. Reason being for the larger 2.4 liter displacement for higher torque, and the high flow of the k20 head.
Several JDM aftermarket companies such as Skunk2, KTuned, Spoon, HA Sport Performance, Hondata, among others, provide strong support for the K series engine.
