K20a3: Head Swap Only?

[@jerzx648]

Thanks for these videos. Just bought a ep3 and found a complete z3 head. I appreciate your wisdom.

[@abysscrow999]

I got one not long ago too and tryna do the same thing lol might throw a2 cranks pistons and rods aswell

[@mazdafy1428]

Is the crankshaft different?

[@JamesAnderson-fw5ew]

@@mazdafy1428no

[@TheWorstOfficial]

i watched a video where buddy with his EP3 sir with a stock k20a3 bottom end and a stock a2 head make 205 to the wheels all you need is a good engine management system and a good tuner

[@bobbybandz9194]

Dynos are a tuning tool,the numbers arent always so easily predictable.Your buddys numbers seem likely from a very "generous" dyno.What really matters is how the graphs stacked to previous one.Its only to measure change,the raw number isnt as important as people think it is.A 190whp K20 might mop a 220whp K20 up as it actually may make more power,but conditions or dyno differences gave different numbers.

[@G2Sracing]

What does it take to do a k20z3 head swap to an k20a3 block?

[@junechris]

I'm doing a K20A3 with a K20A2 head with stock A2 cams, considering Skunk stage 2 tuner cams and gonna do 10.5 to one forged pistons and forged rods and gonna likely have the crank balanced and ARP main and head studs and turbo'ing mine 10-12 PSI, with VTech killer rockers, and putting it in a 95 Saturn SL2 that has a Seibon carbon hood and Einkei RPF1 15X7's that weigh 9.8 LBS each. Not sure with Turbo'ing mine if I should go any higher than 10.5 to 1 compression, just to be safe in the long term.

[@charlestorruella8591]

You don't need a head swap just the a2 cams and a good intake and exhaust and your right at 200 a2 pistons and your close to 220 did all that and got 220 with kpro but because of my shitty wireing harness I torched a head and block wasn't bad but it now has another stock a3 as I rebuild the other but this time it's getting a3 h beam rods and possibly boost

[@Mjrowdy4more]

Have and 02 rsx k20a3 had a piston most likely touch a valve, could I use a head off a k24a1 just swapping it over and would I run chains for the k20 or the 24a1?

[@timscheuermann2554]

I am doing this swap this month i have kpro already and am doing a a2 head with new higher comp valves and i have a set of z3 pistons that are going on. gonna make the ep3 scream

[@orioncrawford3099]

I fcking love my Rsx Automatic

[@redcar101]

will it be reliable though??? or will a full internal swap be better? might as well get a a2...

[@averyalexander2303]

You will decrease the reliability of the engine by increasing compression ratio and power output. The reason I say that is that the K20A3 isn't designed to make as much power or rev as high as the K20A2. So the A3 has a weaker crankshaft, weaker rods, no oil cooler, no piston oil sprayers, and probably more differences that I am not thinking of at the moment. Honda wouldn't have spent money on those reliability and durability enhancements for the more powerful engine if it was of no benefit.

[@SeamanTech]

K24 RBB head to a K20A3 block .. will it give more power? The rbb head has 3 lobes both intake and exhaust

[@kareemallie2147]

really informative. Im realitively new to hondas why not just skim the head to increase the compression rather then dismantling the bottom end

[@jacksouthin6555]

Hi, your videos are super helpful thanks, im currently building an EP3 here in the UK, im on a budget and i have a K20a6 (same as the k20a3) and i am wondering if i can put a k24a3 head onto it, as here in the UK k20a2 heads are about $700 and the k24a3 heads are $300 Thanks man

[@VHBEngines]

The k series playlist has the best one to one comparisons but the short of it is yes you can

[@That_boostedhatch]

What head gasket would I use for a k20a3 block and z3 head

[@averyalexander2303]

Dumb question- Why wouldn't someone just get a K24A2 if they want 200 HP? You can get a K24A2 for around $600 at junkyards, probably cheaper if you look around. So even if you can get a K20A3 for $200, that still doesn't seem like as good of a deal since you would have to spend much more than the $400 difference to get to 200 HP with the A3? And the K24A2 has a lot more torque too. Thanks

[@VHBEngines]

What happens if your an ep3 owner and not trying to do a swap. Just one of many reasons

[@averyalexander2303]

@@VHBEngines Great point. I presumed that since you mentioned that you can get these engines for cheap, you were referring to doing a swap.

[@averyalexander2303]

@@VHBEngines Also, I think that at least in a lot of situations, swapping a K20A3 to a K24A2 would be a better idea than building the A3. The cost would probably be lower, and then in the future you can build the K24 and make even more power.

[@giraykharizzma7737]

Head swap is like plug and play ? Kpro needed too ?

[@davidb3814]

Love your content bro. What’s your opinion of a turbocharged k20a3 with a2 crank forged pistons and rods with a3 head with BC valves and springs? I ask because this is my current setup.

[@VHBEngines]

It'll make plenty of power

[@lscstudios4637]

How much hp?

[@davidb3814]

@@lscstudios4637 looking for 500 WHP pump gas only

[@alexdlion4180]

Is it possible and feasible to put a k24a2 head on a k20a2 block...and what would be the pros and cons?

[@VHBEngines]

K series playlist

[@miguelsonico9409]

can i put a jdm k20a pistons and head in a k20a3 block and stroker?

[@davidjordan2611]

So you said a a2 head on a a3 will get you to 170 thats only 10 hp more than stock a3 plus bolt ons get you to 200 hp iys cheaper to just buy a a2 to begin with. I have a a3 and i figured id put the best of the best bolt ons on it then when thats done id purchase a a2 and swich everything over. Id do it that way to utilize my bs a3 while i get good parts one by one .

[@VHBEngines]

David Jordan 160 is not the same as stock. Whp am hp are different

[@javonharris8257]

This might be a stupid question but are bolt ons and a head swap pointless if I want to keep the auto transmission? Trying to get some power while keeping a comfortable ride

[@VHBEngines]

Really comes down to a cost vs power gained scenario. If you can do it on a decent budget, sure, but most people that do that spend a couple thousand dollars and wind up.super unsatisfied with results

[@RichardJenkinsFxCreations]

Since i cant do the work for a piston swap myself i wonder how much it cost for a shop to do it.

[@VHBEngines]

Richard Jenkins that’s a complete rebuild. It’s gonna be expensive

[@RichardJenkinsFxCreations]

@@VHBEngines i have a 2006 rsx. Is it cheaper to buy the k20z engine rather than a complete rebuild?

[@takoorpersaud3683]

I have a rsx type s with a k20a3 motor cuz the k20z1 motor was shot . Can I swap the head to a k20a2 ? Bolt on and run fine with no issues?

[@VHBEngines]

Tune

[@aaronp9835]

So if I put a K20a2 head and cams on my k20a3 block with bolts and a k-pro be reliable when properly tuned?

[@VHBEngines]

Aaron P ....why would it not

[@leopoldbutters2990]

VHB engines just wondering for when i get this prelude what all would i need to make a h23 vtec?

[@VHBEngines]

Leopold butters someone posted that in the comments on my h23 video. I may have pinned it

[@itsnotseptember...]

How much would a shop charge to swap the a2 head on to the a3

[@VHBEngines]

everyone has their own prices for their own reasons. no way id be able to tell you that

[@hdksb2]

K20a3 or b20vtec ? I had a base Rsx full bolt ons , rbc and type s tb, running on a2 cams with a3 rockers lock mod, type s injectors and kpro I made 187 whp.

[@paidenjenkinson8488]

I have the same set up I’m running 220 lmao what’s wrong with urs

[@davidfernandez4870]

hello I have a question about the operation of the vtec, I have a k20a3 and I want to do a head swap; my biggest question is if it works in true vtec or nothing else in admission? And if it were good, what could be done to obtain the true vtec? thanks man

[@VHBEngines]

David Fernandez true vtec is only in those heads. Hit my k series playlist. Lots of options there

[@stockishsrt4512]

i have an ep3 si with a k20 a3 can I put a k24 head on it and if soo what do I need to do it

[@VHBEngines]

Justin Font yes

[@LukemanHakim]

are u talking bout k20a2 head or k24 head? i have k20a3 stock on my car now, workshop offer $100 for k24 rocker assembly. is it the same as k24 head swap? thanks

[@VHBEngines]

a2

[@LukemanHakim]

thanks you. guess i'll stick to k24 swap. as k20a head is the same price of a k24 top n bottom.

[@VHBEngines]

watch my k24 video. also just to let you know. the k24a4 head is just as useless as the k20a3 head. the k24 also has weak version if you didnt already know

[@LukemanHakim]

i meant the k24a2 in the oddysey absolute. 3 lobe cam. thanks. aite,will check your k24 video again.

[@hithereyea8333]

Ok so here's a question hopefully I can get an answer I have a type s running an a3 with an a2 ecu that's how I bought it had no clue because a shop did the swap to replace the a2 for previous owner wasnt modded as far as I can tell but and didnt notice because when I test drove it it still runs like an a2 with vtech I went from an ep3 to that and the difference was obvious so I didnt question it idk how it hits vtech like it was I can find an answer to it with out Hondata which they would have had to mod the ecu. Hes what I need to know if I swap the head for an a2 (I bent a valve) should I have any problems because as far as I can see I could do a straight swap and it should still run correctly since some how it was running right with out the true vtech head. I'm not crazy theres probably a power loose I didnt notice but it was like day and night compared to the ep3 I totalled 2 months before I bought the rsx and I'd rather pay a little extra for the a2 head but cant afford to just do a straight swap I need the car and a head swap is the only option I can do right now

[@VHBEngines]

Hi there Yea the day and night difference is most likely in your head and the difference in vtec isn’t the only difference. Compression is also the difference and it’s a big one from the a2. If it’s running without issue that’s great but I would imagine it actually does have issues from improper amounts of fuel being delivered. If you slap the a2 head on it should operate vtec correctly but still going to be off on fuel because of how low the compression is. Do the swap and it’ll probably continue to run as it has. Tune it if you want it to be at its best

[@hithereyea8333]

@@VHBEnginesthx yea that's kinda what I figured I'm gonna get hondata sooner or later idk how they got it to run the way it was with the a2 ecu in a stock a3 everything I read says it should work but theres a huge difference in power from the ep3 I was drive it's hard to imagine what its going to do actually having the a2 head on it cuz I cant believe how much more I was getting from it over the ep and turned out to be the wrong engine and no one has an answer to why or how

[@KassyArturo]

I have base rsx with k20a3 I want to drop in the k20a2 heads what exactly do I need to change or modify I would like a list if made alot of research everyone says it's a waste of time and money and most information is scrambled and just confuses me can any one tell me exactly what I need

[@VHBEngines]

Arturo & Kassy Saenz bolt the head on and tune

[@KassyArturo]

Do I need k pro or type s ecu

[@FLManDan]

I just swapped my head an cams last night. You need a k tuner before you do anything.

[@sandalkid2351]

I know the head revs out to about 6k now if I have a stand-alone ECU can I rev it out higher. Please let me know , please get back to me. Thank you. Anyone

[@hawkeegan]

I know this has nothing to do with heads but I’m thinking about tuning my base...is k-tuner a good option?

[@Soicy_Tre]

Hondata or k tuner will be fine man

[@aaronp9835]

I/rh/e with types tb, rbc im with a2 head and cams will make 200whp??!

[@nightspirit1085]

You also need to change the crank shaft

[@nightspirit1085]

The a2 has a balanced one , making it smooth durning rpms

[@tylergray7122]

@@nightspirit1085 how about actually doing some reading, or even just listening to the video you pinecone. You don’t need to swap the crank to swap the head, the crank and rods will handle 8200-8500rpm no problem.

[@nightspirit1085]

@@tylergray7122 the crank on the a2 is better balanced then on the a3 lol . You would know that if you read more about the engine .

[@tylergray7122]

@@nightspirit1085 I didn’t say it wasn’t better, I said you don’t HAVE to swap it to do the head swap, the a3 rotating assembly does just fine. I’m aware, I HAVE 2 a3’s, I run an a3. There’s nothing wrong with running an a3 rotating assembly. Educate yourself

[@sulfat97]

hello bro, i got an rsx base (k20A3) , what can i do to add good clean hp? i dont wont to burn the engine tho :D aint got much money for this job (around 1200-1500 usd)

[@VHBEngines]

sulfat97 keep watchn these k20a3 videos

[@thatguyslush5779]

Would a k24 a2 head be worth it?

[@VHBEngines]

Photos by Slusher k series playlist

[@anthonyobrien9569]

Would a z3 head work also?

[@VHBEngines]

Anthony O'Brien course. The point would be any true Vtec head

[@devilshour5506]

Hey Chris love the videos, keep up the good work. Had a question about my a3 in my ep3. Thinking about the a2 head swap w/pistons but will I need to get a2 ecu and program keys?

[@VHBEngines]

Andrew panon you’ll need to be able to tune so you’ll need k pro

[@devilshour5506]

Gotcha thanks for the heads up

[@aaronjoseph9588]

Y'all think an rdx k23 head could go on?

[@VHBEngines]

Never looked into it 🤷‍♂️

[@mr.droppinhertz6577]

Do you mean 170 wheel hp?

[@VHBEngines]

Yes. I almost always exclusively speak in terms of what you put to the ground. Just engine hp by itself is irrelevant

[@Mik3Mcflyy]

Question brother, what timing chain do you recommend on a k24 head on a k20 block?

[@VHBEngines]

stock k20

[@Mik3Mcflyy]

VHB Engines Thanks man. The head swap went great.

[@VHBEngines]

MikeMcflyy hmu when you get the numbers back. If you took video I’ll toss it up with links to your social

[@Mik3Mcflyy]

VHB Engines Will do brother. I didn’t take many videos. Idiot. I should have. I bought everything OEM from timing chains to tensioner, gaskets, head bolts. You name it. Final results are k20a3 bottom with k24a2 head and z3 rockers and cams. Skunk2 mani and buddyclub heads that came with the car when I bought it back in October. My IG is @mikemcflyy if you want to check some of the build. I should have posted it on KZbin 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@DaVo559]

MikeMcflyy what were your numbers? I just assembled similar parts interested in your build followed you on the gram

[@evilkutty]

K20a3 with z1 head , anybody ??

[@kaorikind2]

After hearing this, might as well just got k24a2.

[@VHBEngines]

Kaori Kirkland the k24 is the best to build. Don’t have to worry about the nonsense of not being able to swap over stock internals because of different cranks. If you haven’t seen my video on the topic search vhb engines k24

[@kaorikind2]

No worries i see your videos a lot you definitely know what you're talking about. I just dont understand why someone would go through all this trouble, after all the machine work amd upgrades theres no way it could possibly be easier or cheaper

[@VHBEngines]

Kaori Kirkland 🤔 if your. It building an engine that needs machine work it’s not a bad deal. I’ve picked up multiple a3’s at under 150$. If you take into fact that an a2 costs well over a thousand dollars it’s very worth the effort

[@kaorikind2]

I can see your point. Although there is the k24a4 option which can be found for cheaper. Man so many options gotta love honda for that

[@HondaVlogs]

I've honestly realized that many of Chris' talks aren't meant for "perfect build" but to have options for things you have in your lap. If you on FB marketplace or Craiglist and find a A3 short block under 200 working, then this video becomes pretty intersting. If you have a full k20a3 and wanna do something, now you're adding more money. All in all though, it's more of if you have an A3 you're not totally outta luck and don't have to feel like you have a dud of starting point.

[@lovehurts4324]

What if I have a 2015 si can I put a a3 head on it and will it give me better results

[@VHBEngines]

yes youll make more power. with bolt ons and tune id say that 200whp isnt out of the range of posibility. could take it a step further and do the vtec killer. i fell pretty confident youd land around 210-220whp that way