K20a3: Is It Worth Building?

[@VHBEngines]

The base model head cannot be turned into a real Vtec head and Vtec killer is a perfectly viable option depending on goals. Updating this bit of info in 2021 😁

[@hondatriple6]

So just swapping to k20a2 heads doesn't help k20a3?

[@jamesyoung5610]

@@hondatriple6 swapping a2 internals does

[@jonathanbellido8530]

Its it worth it to boost a ep3 with a greedy kit on 10 pounds to put down around 275whp?

[@andrewzee0074]

Got my A3 for 120. Dude wanted 300 for it but a friend helped me check it out and bring it down. First engine ever bought. Can't wait to build it.

[@LatinoAD]

I'm building a full k20a3 for close to 900hp as my spare engine for my awd eg sedan sir. Even the head is a3. Not changing it. I'm vtec killer with skunk2 tuner 2 camshafts

[@samholt2062]

I like what you call rambley lol because the small bit of information you put out helps me cause other people dont get that deep or precise in their topics so keep posting ill keep watching dont change anything about the way you make your videos iike them fuck the haters peace✌

[@adorno1010]

I wouldn't mind just a stock one in my sedan shit lol.

[@brandonhodges6952]

Just got my k20a3 with trans, harness and ecu for $200. Video helped with a lot of info, thank

[@crxsleeper18]

What I love the dohc zc. =]. I don't touch the b20a out of old preludes

[@Swifty2633]

the zc is a great engine for it age and lack of vtec. thicker rods than a normal d series too. not to mention the zc trans is the only equal lengh cv axle trans honda has made with lds thats a no torque steer combo for a built turbo setup.

[@danielb8378]

Bryce Macke agreed. I have 2 of them.both in crx's . Great little engines.

[@howardcrider10]

you should keep wearing that funny robe could be like the Hugh Hefner of the honda scene lol

[@VHBEngines]

BRUH that almost happened! i was in my draws an the robe is on the chair but i was like "naaaah lemme stop" lmfao

[@MrJmak223]

Are the valves in the A3 head the same as the valves in the A2? Need to know if higher compression flat bottom valves from Skunk2 will fit the A3 head of they are meant for an A2? To bump the compression higher?

[@gerald-oo-seven7014]

Subbed! Great video. Seen a few K20a3 engines in my area. Would definitely be an upgrade for me. Gonna make him an offer but now I have an idea of what’s reasonable. Thanks again. Now off to check out your other k series vids.😁👍

[@michaelf.3846]

What's built ons

[@aaronp9835]

If I swap an A2 head into my A3 block can’t I just deck the head for more compression?

[@k24juan_]

Thinking about going this route. Stock crank, stock rods K20A2 pistons(11.0:1CR) head, oil pump. Would the stock rods still be able to handle 8-8.5k rpm redline below 230whp?

[@k24juan_]

Nevermind. Just saw your redline/rev limit video lol. Good videos! Sub’d. 👍

[@s.s.s6009]

Hey I know I'm late but did you ever do this build and if you did how did it go for you?

[@robertbrathwaite4191]

Is it worth buliding a R18 engine?

[@luzierno]

so can you swap k24a4 rods and pistons into a a3 or do i need the crank as well. im planning on boosting my a3 but dont want to risk internals. or is the only option to upgrade internals the a2.

[@erickorellana7736]

Can I use k20z3 rod, crank, pistons on a k20a3. I got z3 internals laying around. Let me know.

[@KapOnE23]

So k24a4 with k20a2 head will be a 200 hp ??

[@exedracs4029]

A friend of mine was thinking about getting himself a K20a3! Perfect timing man thanks.

[@christopherrogers8316]

dooont do it lol k24s arnt much more,ull be happy u did, i came from a k20a3.....

[@aaronp9835]

I just got one with the K20a3 and it better be worth building I paid 1300 for it with 140,000 miles so I’m ready to do some mods. I wants 170-180 whp

[@alexanderjaviervazquezsant4530]

How it go

[@jonathansalgado9194]

How do you feel about boosting the a3 now? I’ve read a good amount of folks running 300+ without issues. And one guy 350whp for several seasons. Bone stock.....

[@VHBEngines]

Tiny rods. Anything over 300 is a time bomb

[@touayaaj84]

Yes, a3 has lower compression then the other k20 engines.

[@ls10john70]

I have two a3 long blocks one disassembled with manely h beams never used and Ferra valves bronze guides ect with VTEC killer setup type s cams for sale lol

[@bhadz100]

any upcoming video for a k20/k24 frank build?

[@triniwarrior16]

k24a4 id like to see

[@MrJmak223]

Have you got any first hand knowledge of the K20A4 that comes in the EUDM CR-V? I'm in the UK and want to build a turbo CR-V without swapping the engine! The power seems similar to the A3 so would it be possible to turbo this engine? The cars a manual if that makes any difference. Cheers from the UK!

[@nightspirit1085]

Ive heard they can handle 12 pounds of boost on stock internals . You will need a really good tuner . If you want try finding a k20a2 crank . They have good balance so you can push more rpm and hp .

[@kenneil101]

hey bro you think its safe using an after market piston such as wiseco with higher compression rate than the a2 piston since i cant find them anywhere to purchase........whats your thought on that.....please respond want to do a rebuild on my rsx base 5sp manual

[@VHBEngines]

Kenneil DaCosta of course. You’d have to anyways if you want true high compression. The a2 route is just a cheap way to help match a2 output but not really exceed it

[@BlowinMotorsFrequently]

idk if its jus me but paying for head sounds crazy lmfaoooo 10:06

[@bluewanderer9903]

I have 30k mile ej9(ek 4 door saloon 1.4) full honda service history 1 owner from new, car is 20 years old and its mint and I dont use the word likely. I want to use k20a3 from a low mileage donor that will be getting k24. I want to keep a3 as it is no head swaps, what ecu do I use? Is it still k-pro I need to get? Thank you.

[@VHBEngines]

you can use the factory ecu as is just have to get the bypass from the dealer to get passed the key lockout issue.

[@bluewanderer9903]

@@VHBEngines oh I see, never knew that. I got this car from dealer that sold it new and they serviced and maintaned it, I will se if they can do that so. Thank you

[@ericslimp2726]

How about a k20a 3 block on a k24a4 head ???

[@williamsuarez5043]

Hey man so i got a k20a3 nd plan on working with what i got so from this vid my first steps should be too get pistons ? Next maybe even try go sway out the head ?

[@gazza5561]

I am thinking of doing the same build but which ecu would I need and is it worth changing gear box as well is so I’ll need shafts and hubs

[@dailycivicsi9295]

Thanks for the info man very helpful,I have a few bolt-ons but no kpro yet.sounds like I should start looking for a a2 head lol New subscriber

[@VHBEngines]

02si EP3 guy welcome

[@Carlos-su3nx]

02si EP3 guy so can you make it a2 just changing its top head?

[@gabrielrodriguez9026]

I’ll most definitely buy it if you have any on you, I’m doing a k swap on my em2

[@VHBEngines]

All work is currently built to order, and long blocks are pickup only. These are cheap when you do them yourself. If your coming to me for one it's far from cheap

[@Gettinbentoffroad]

What I’d say I have one just chilling in my backyard ran when pulled because I pulled it for a a2 in a ep3 I sold a while back needless to say I have a a3 here thinking of building it for my sedan.

[@VHBEngines]

Knuckle Head garage just finished a block along these lines. Should have it running Q1 next year kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3K9kmBufbONqJo

[@franciscovaldovinos1203]

Hi is building a k20a3 auto worth it I have a rsx base it's just ok so now what ....what do you think.

[@uveradandiaz917]

Great usable video, what city are you in?

[@dustinlloyd3783]

Fuck yeah!

[@dustin9258]

Are you assuming revving past the stock rev limit on the a3?

[@VHBEngines]

def a great option if you already have a chassis with the a3. also didnt mention cam upgrades because i forgot, lol. anyways oem cam swapping is the recommended route though i cant remember which off the top of my head right now -_-

[@gopnik9967]

VHB Engines I'm a muscle car guy...I've only owned v8s and I bought a 7th gen Si with a k20a3 and I can't find very many parts for it or the instructions are wonky. Thanks for the video.

[@stevezee6286]

VHB Engines Thanks for these videos. They are fun to watch. I have an a3 in my ep3 right now. Replaced my galled cams with some skunk2 stage 1's along with a reflash. The a3 has potential with bolt-ons for a fun daily engine. There are a couple pull videos on my page. Thanks!

[@averyalexander2303]

Just FYI, it's the K24A2 cams that's recommended for these engines. Others are said to cause timing chain tensioner problems.

[@bobbybandz9194]

@@gopnik9967 they got parts coming out their ass for any K series lol relatively easy motor to wrench on and build.I have a classic SBC myself,these Ks are the SBCs of 4 cyls....no reason to struggle with one

[@K1DWOLF]

Love Your Channel SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE FAM> THANK YOU

[@peacemaker0071]

Finally ! You sir earned a sub! Excellent job!

[@casimacias9583]

Would you need to get a type s ecu for the type s head jw I have a A3 and wanted to do this but didn't know if I had to get the ecu or I could just drop it in and go lmk please and thank you

[@VHBEngines]

id imagine you would

[@dannyb20vtec28]

Ya, you most likely will need the type S ecu because the type S head has VTEC on both intake and exhaust cams.. a3's do not...Kpro may by pass it if you tune it.. either way you still need Kpro and a tune for that setup to run right..VTEC still won't hit like you want it to. A3 blocks have lower compression than type S bottom ends

[@alexrenault3620]

A3 makes a good swap too A2 valve train and cams K20a pistons Custom exhaust and intake Rdx injectors call it a day

[@AxeMarko]

Alex Rogowski And, what do you get? How much horse power? :)

[@dannyb20vtec28]

The setup he listed should be good for 200 hp or more ...if it had full bolt ons and Kpro definantly more..and those are oem parts he listed as far as internals go...that would be a clean setup.. go even bigger injectors and run e85 ..should put down even more power

[@alexrenault3620]

This set up WILL make 250 hp at sea level on a dyno jet with hondata s 200 etc or whatever u support! I have a few peeps running this set up 😁😀

[@dannyb20vtec28]

Alex Rogowski that setup you listed will not make anywhere near 250 ...your trippen...your Dyno must read off af... That setup will barely make over 200 maybe 220

[@alexrenault3620]

dannyb20 vtec stick to ur crvs Stock K20a2 with intake mods and standard exhaust will make 235-240 generally (with custom tune 😂😂😁) If u want check dyno graphs of cars for sale Yeah they will make the 220 u listed if ur talking whp All of the builds obviously have custom tunes Go ask ur local tuning place for info Thanks

[@dannyb20vtec28]

Here's my opinion. K20a3 setups aren't the best at making power but if you drop that setup into a light chassis it will be quick as hell..idk what chassis your running but if it's an old school civic or teg it will pull It doesn't make much horse power but I can garuntee it will make more torque than a b16 or a gsr setup.. plus the a3 is a newer motor than b series setups so chances are it's pretty healthy.. you can even slap high comp pistons and a type S head or z3 Si head so VTEC kicks on both intake and exhaust cams.. now your making power...it's all about your budget and preference..if that a3 bottom end ever shits out you can go k24 block and make even more torque.. I stick with my b20vtec setups they never let me down.. just my 2 cents.. or go h2b

[@streetfighter9237]

K20a3 in a ek hatch a good swap?

[@itsatrap4986]

The a3 is not even worth it, especially on stock heavy ep3 and rsx chassis and requires more work to convert to eg/dc. Stock b20v is way easier to achieve and cheaper to make about similar power between them. If you compare a poor man's a2 vs a b20v, you will practically need a a2/z1-3 head and bolt ons are more expensive. A stock p72/73 and a b20z block with PLM race header, 3" intake with vstack and tune should make about 180/140. A poor man's a2 makes what 190? Or like you said go h2b. Look how much Kpro is. $700?

[@streetfighter9237]

Might as well do a full z3 swap

[@dannyb20vtec28]

ITSATRAP ! Ya I sold my b20v a while back.. but that setup pulled hard. Full bolt on b20v on e85 in a gutted ej1 chassis. No ac, no power steering.

[@itsatrap4986]

What header and how much power did it make?

[@mariopic]

maxspeeding rods makes a3 forged rods now looks like my stock of a3 motors will be getting all boost stuffed in to them want to find a3 cranks limit

[@VHBEngines]

BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! 😱😱😱😱😱😱

[@mariopic]

i know lol right got exited to ordered a set faster then u can say take my fkn money lol only prob i need a shell to slap the motor in to now fml

[@davidjuarez3916]

Yoooo you for reals about this?

[@VHBEngines]

@@davidjuarez3916 they do make them now. They are no longer in stock in the us. The cost over 300 and have to wait for them to come from China. Talked about it a lot recently. They gave me a discount code for their website (Maxpeedingrods)

[@HostileHern]

Okay so let me get this stright right ... so the k20a3 is the same as a2 just the internals are different for the most part right ? Another thing I wanna go turboooo would I just build the internals of the a3 and slap a turbo on it ? (I know there’s more to it just don’t want to make this a very long post) i found one for 150 that’s why I’m asking seems like the way to go since a2s in my area are going for 2k plus

[@VHBEngines]

You need the crankshaft out of an a2. Only one company recently started making rods for the a3 but they went out of stock pretty fast. If you have the type s crank there are fuck tons of rod options. If you wanna see a detailed comparison between the blocks look in my k series playlist. Also if your looking to buy a crank I have access to remanufactured cranks for $396

[@dcNovations]

I ran 11.2s on a k20a3 bottom they work

[@MitsulliOn]

david cee Head?

[@dcNovations]

Mitsulli.On tsx mild hand port

[@rsxonprogress9488]

I have a k20 a3 stock on my rsx and i want to make put cams to gain more hp but what else would i need? My car has 270k and is still running with no knocks or blue smoke

[@VHBEngines]

k series playlist

[@alextaylor4786]

great video! thanks for all the info, new subscriber here. i just have a question and it might sound stupid but i'm just getting into trying to do my first build. you said i can just buy the k20a2 pistons and but them in the a3, but you also said you could buy the k2 head. so im just wondering what if i bought the whole k2 cylinder head assembly.. would it not come with the k2 pistons in it already?

[@VHBEngines]

ok so you def need to familiarize yourself with engine components and where everything is. pistons are in the block. the head sits on top of the block.

[@alextaylor4786]

@@VHBEngines okay thanks, lol ya i know i'm trying to do some research. pretty noob here. so i still need pistons. should i even bother with better rods?

[@st3v3nb915]

All I need is cams and hondata I have full bolt ons 👍🏽

[@thatguyslush5779]

Steevn _ which cams?

[@chris_xing8332]

Hey i have an a3 auto and ive only heard of on guy try ro do the swap and he said it all messed up becuase it was auto. I want to do the head swap but keep the auto trans because it a daily do you think its possible

[@VHBEngines]

dont see any reason why it wouldnt be

[@Johnny-ey1gw]

i have a base acura rsx 2003. i feel it has decent enough torque and power. but i would like to know how to get the most of my car. i dont want a 300hp monster i know its not really possible but how can i get it to at most 250 260ish? any advice?

[@VHBEngines]

John Venegas watch the k series playlist

[@korbchaipitrasatorn7501]

@vhb engines, I have k20z2 and would like to do k20z3 head swap, do I need to tune my ECU? I will keep stock piston (9.8:1 CR), hoping to make around 170hp

[@VHBEngines]

Korbchai Pitrasatorn yes

[@purocangrinag]

You’ve probably answered this question but I just can’t find it lol are k20a2 cams a drop in on a a3 ? I have pitting on one lobe on each side and a friend is offering me free type s cams thanks In advanced brother

[@VHBEngines]

Course I have. No their not. Go look in the k series playlist

[@bucasbill2592]

Would you still need kpro if you are using a2 head or pistons with the a3?

[@VHBEngines]

1000% need to tune anything that drastically changes the engine

[@harry4420]

4 bangers has a video of 330hp k20a3.. is that daily driveable you think? Or worth putting that much $ into getting that much hp on that motor?

[@harry4420]

It’s all motor btw

[@VHBEngines]

i know the video of the del sol your talking about. for that thing to be making that kinda power the guys have to have been replaced with a type s crank and forged rotating assembly. head also. it may be a k20a3 block but not in the places it matters. go through my k series playlist for all the routes you can take

[@jona10silva]

Hi Any k20/24 builds coming up? I have a k20a jdm and my friend is going to give me his TSX k24a2 motor. Any tips would be helpful. Thank you!

[@VHBEngines]

Jon Silva I made a video for the k24. Check that out

[@tommychism3904]

If you swap your K20A3 head for the A2 do you have to do a ecm swap?

[@jeffy69696]

Yes

[@AxeMarko]

Hi, man. Love your videos. I have a question, and it would be so nice if I can get a answer for it. I'm looking all over the internet, there is no concrete solid answer. Is it possible to swap just a A2 head with Type R ECU, with Hondata? If not, what do I need to do to make it happen? I own Civic Si '02, 175bhp. I would like to hit 200hp and to have VTEC, the ,,old one". :D Please, tell me. You would be so helpfull...

[@VHBEngines]

AxeMarko uuh yea it can be head swapped but you'll need more than that for 200whp

[@AxeMarko]

VHB Engines That's a start! :D In your opinion, what can I expect with just a head and ECU swap? I'm just trying to hit Type R stock preformance. Maybe later I will get cams from Type R too. I just wanted to know if I can swap head/ECU and nothing more for the car to work as it shoud, with just that inside. The problem is, I'm from Serbia. There's only one Si in my country, and i own it. The guy bought it brand new from USA in 2002. And nobody really knows what's inside and where is the difference between EP3 UK and USA, so I'm sitting here learning about the models. If you have anything, any advice, I'm listening to you. :) PS. I saw the ,,K20A3" clips, and if I get the rods too, do I have to change anything else with it? Thank you so much!

[@VHBEngines]

AxeMarko as to your original question I don't see why that wouldn't work. As to how much power you'll have to search for some dyno videos using headawap as your key phrase. The rest of your questions are answered in my k series playlist. Good luck

[@AxeMarko]

VHB Engines Thanks, man. As soon as I do something, I'll send you the results. Keep the videos coming, great stuff. ;)

[@adamudulutch9290]

I have a k20a3 eg hatchback and it is fast as is but I need more give some advice to get more out of it?

[@VHBEngines]

Momrocco plenty of options. Hit the k series playlist

[@adamudulutch9290]

Alright I’ll check it out thanks 🙏

[@sargeghost151]

Are you still selling that a3 block with the a2 pistons?

[@VHBEngines]

Should have another one available soon

[@adrianavalencia8902]

Do you think it's worth my cousin putting type s rods and pistons and a k20a2 type s head? Is that basically an a2 ??

[@VHBEngines]

ayyjay guess we'll gotta be careful with the jdm k20's. one is essentially an a3 and the other is the R. The R has higher compression pistons but the rods may be the same as the a2. The pistons are a direct swap over to both the a2 and a3 rods

[@VHBEngines]

ayyjay but yea if your swapping internals into an a3 from the a2 you'll need the crank as well and yes that'll essentially make it an a2 if your also head swapping

[@adrianavalencia8902]

VHB Engines yeah he has an si coupe a3 and he also has an a2 type s with a nasty body and electric problems , he doesn't know if he should swap engines or just heads and internals , a3 block only has 68k miles opposed to the a2 that has 200k miles , do you think it would basically be a lower mileage a2 if he put type s rods and pistons and also swap heads on the a3??

[@adrianavalencia8902]

VHB Engines or do you think a3 and a2 rods are the same and the pistons are what make the compression higher ??

[@VHBEngines]

ayyjay no the a3 rods are tiny pieces of shit. The reason you need to swap the cranks is because the journals on the rods are smaller. A2 rods won't fit the a3 crank. I'd jus say rebuild the a2. Opening both engines to swap stuff around would be kinda pointless

[@coleglokk]

What should I do to make 300 on a boosted a3 to my it reliable

[@VHBEngines]

Rods

[@coleglokk]

@@VHBEngines which rods? Sorry I’m new to this😂

[@dc5v529]

I think it would be better better to k24 swap it.

[@251_Performance]

If it weren't for @VHB Engines video about @MaXpeedingRods new K20A3 connecting rods, most people on here wouldn't have any clue there was any company making forged connecting rods for the A3! IF I'M IN ANY CONSIDERATION FOR THE GIVEAWAY OF THE SET OF TURBO PISTONS AND I, BY SOME ABSOLUTE MIRACLE, WIN THEM, I WILL DONATE THEM BACK TO VHB ENGINES'/CHRIS'S CHANNEL IN ORDER FOR HIM TO BUILD A TURBO A3 WITH THE MAXPEEDING RODS CONNECTING RODS!!! #nofreeshitcrew #vhbenginescrew #notificationcrew #payingmembercrew

[@KingJaffeJoe]

@VHB engines , I know this is an old video but I’m right at the point to purchase an engine and this video has me questioning some of the choices I made. If you have time for a suggestion what would you recommend for a 2005 5 speed LX coupe ? I caught the car dirt cheap and want to turn it into a sleeper

[@VHBEngines]

King Jaffe boost the sohc or k swap. Building the block and boosting what you have will probably be cheaper or the same as a k swap and will def be more powerful

[@KingJaffeJoe]

VHB Engines Thanks for the quick response , I guess I got some more research to do

[@Johnny-ey1gw]

can you swap engine from 03 CL with rsx?

[@michaelf.3846]

Bolt ons?

[@VHBEngines]

Michael Fassett intake, header, exhaust etc

[@miatafan]

My civic is at 230,000 miles, I really want to put another a3 and transmission in it when they finally blow because it’s already gutted.

[@zepp213791]

i want real vtec from 2 lobe cams to 3 lobe swap, is that even possible? i'l put in a2 ep3 cams and rocker assembly to a k20 jdm economy? tnx!

[@touayaaj84]

zepp 21379 k20a2 head is the best head for all the k20/24 series

[@richieb74]

Lol low compression. You Honda guys are spoiled it’s like 9.8 to 1!!! No it’s not 11 but damn good. VTEC isn’t worth that much. A few hp at high end. What’s really impressive is something like dodges hemi. 10.9 in an iron block pushrod engine!

[@LUVgamingOrDie]

I blew my whole savings on a k24a2 and si trans lol

[@VHBEngines]

ouch

[@Eightbitgen]

Someone thats is hording these blocks may have doubled their money if the rods are not unobtanium.

[@VHBEngines]

🙋‍♂️😁 Seems like they been on the market for a month. Apparently no one has given them the right push. I’m just waiting a bit to see if ima hear from them. If I do ima push like crazy

[@Eightbitgen]

@@VHBEngines can't blame you at all. really though if these are real I wouldn't mind picking a a3 block in throwing it in my ek since i bought a new DD.

[@VHBEngines]

@@Eightbitgen i usually get’m between 80-150$. I figure at that rate there’s plenty I can make use if

[@Eightbitgen]

@@VHBEngines Yeah a quick search local marketplace showed 150-200 for long blocks. so thats not a bad price.

[@Tbrick563]

Ep3s we’re trash and even Honda knew it lol

[@Repsol000]

Could you imagine living in a city where they make all the Honda and everyone drives Hondas....I do.....Mvill