Making our own 2.0T: Budget Turbo K23 K20 Hybrid Swap

Budget Turbo K23 K20 Hybrid: Making our own 2.0T
By Aaron Gaghagen and Brian Gillespie
Making a turbo K series from OEM parts could be a budget boosting swap. We figured out that the ports on the K23 head matched the head gasket from the K20. So, in theory the K23 head should fit the K20 block. In this episode we actually put them together to find out if it really does go together. Spoiler alert: the PRB intake manifold fits the K23!
Things didn't go perfectly though. We found some engine damage that was overlooked when we pulled the K23 apart. That's the problem with used parts though. We forge ahead anyway and get everything bolted together. Make sure you check out the next episode where we figure out the cooling and oiling for our budget turbo setup.
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DISCLAIMER:
VTEC Academy videos are for educational and entertainment purposes. We can not guarantee the modifications performed in the video are legal in your locality. Do not do any modifications to your vehicle that will void your warranty or in any way violate your local laws. We assume no liability for property damage or injury as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use the information provided at your own risk.

[@BiggySeth]

Well this is going to increase the prices of RDX engines substantially. LOL I'm so happy you guys finally got around to making a video of it! I use your initial video when it first came out to verify the same idea! Bought a k23 with its turbo for only $500! I finally got around to disassembling it and found that it has a couple Grand worth of enhancements for my Honda elements k24 if I were to buy things like the rods and the turbo individually. I'll be getting around to building mine when I move to New Orleans in a couple months! And I'll be using this video as a guideline in order to do it!

[@aragrox]

Its not, no easy manual trans option and no k20 oil pump without modifying the oil hole on block, I stopped there.

[@aragrox]

@Tony Stark I don't know, I was referring to oil pump. K20 oil pump is small in height allowing smaller oil pan for better ground clearance in ej6 body.

[@ai031191]

Awesome to see you guys still wrenching on the k23 I am patiently waiting to see someone make a plate for the block to match a manual trans. Would love to throw the whole swap in my hatch awd and all

[@hondaowner2995]

the base model RSX engine also has the Type s oil pump.. good tip for people not many people know

[@Gamer_Marcy_God]

And also 50 degree vtc

[@A.QPerformance]

@@Gamer_Marcy_God 50 degree vtc on a k24 is a big no. One mis-shift and piston collides with valve. valve drops, and ..........

[@joseestevez5211]

@@A.QPerformance that’s not true. Stop spreading misinformation. Ppl upgrade to 50* vtc on stock k24’s and every single person who runs 24/20 is running 50* vtc.

[@A.QPerformance]

@@joseestevez5211 problem does't occur untill you mis-shift. Normally the sofrware is limiting it go beyond 40-43 degree depending upon what was safe when building engine during claying process. But during a down misshift, as the engine is coupled with transmission, the Rpm go way beyond rev limit, like 11k which is not safe at all for even a build k24. Piston to valve contact happens and rest you know what come after...

[@i8thesheets]

@@A.QPerformance that's still not true.. you can just as easily get interference by rapidly changing rpm on a stock k24a with only 25 degrees. Advanced timing and more lift will always create a larger margin for error but it doesn't mean you're risking engine failure any more on those mis shifts

[@RhoadsChristopher]

The Honda K-series is such a great engine. I love how you can easily swap parts around like this.

[@CyberTerrorism]

Same goes for the all-mighty B-series.

[@Casey_and_Cars]

Basically all Honda engines, the early EW/D15's, D16A1, ZC, and later D series, Accord/Prelude A series motors, B, F, H, K. So many different oem recipes lol and all great motors.

[@crackpotfox]

Spalling is a fatigue failure of a bearing surface. The race starts to flake off and will very quickly take the rest of the system with it. Basically that cam is beyond worn out. I’m a bearing engineer.

[@VTECAcademy]

My understanding is the hardening process was the problem. It only happened to a certain range of years.

[@1stGenCRXs]

AD! Good man using the torque wrench! Drives me crazy when I see guys not using them. Great video on another Honda Frankenstein!

[@RaiderOfTheLost]

Not your car not your problem👍

[@Prisonmike89]

You guys find an AC compressor that actually works for these engines? Seems like that is the only drawback to the K platform. Sweaty ass syndrome in the summer!

[@twitchykun]

When I was working at Acura of Escondido, I had fantasized about doing something like this when I first saw the RDX's turbo. Glad to see you guys actually pulling this off!

[@Bulldog_DK]

why mask on him wtf

[@isnowyazn]

@@Bulldog_DK?

[@minibikemadman]

I ran 15psi on my 07 rdx. 850s, 3in dp and a few other things on hondata...it moved out.

[@jameswilliams426]

Is it seated? There's a gap on the right from 5:54-5:58. Either way, excited to see how this works!

[@guttedxx]

I was thinking the same thing. Looks like that tab on right needs to be grinded a bit.

[@katzmotorsports621]

Glad I’m not the only one who saw that…definitely will be an issue

[@jameswilliams426]

@katzmotorsports621 I looked at a running k24, looks about the same. Guess it's just like that

[@Op1zilla]

Yep, I watched that old video of teardown k23t,ggz 👽👍

[@jimmysarit505]

Rdx owner watching this makes me happy how the k23 is getting some recognition.

[@VTECAcademy]

It's a bit of an unknown quantity, so it's exciting to try stuff out.

[@jgc0064]

Me too! 07 RDX with 257k running strong!

[@atflores85]

Cool idea but the problem is the aftermarket support for the k20a3 is non existent. Interested to see how you guys utilize the factory turbo and what you guys do for cooling and exhaust.

[@VTECAcademy]

You don't need to use a K20A3 though. If it works with the A3, it will work with a K24 block.

[@Justin_80]

Is it possible to put a 5 speed auto from the Accord or 05-06 CRV, into a 2002 CRV? If so, what all do I need?

[@VTECAcademy]

The 5 speed would require a new ECU. That would also require you to switch to a drive by wire configuration.You might ba able to switch to the 02-04 RSX ECU to make that work.

[@ripcity2869]

NEXT can u please turbo an R18??? Bullikid yt did but he halfassed it

[@victorcolorado6969]

Great video. Can’t wait for the next installment.

[@aoescool]

great to see you guys come back to this build.. and AD looking more comfortable. couple more builds you will be spitting knowledge like it's nothing

[@joeseda8102]

FYI: Spraying Starting Fluid on those gaskets and letting it sit for about a minute makes it REALLY easy to pull them off and keeps work area CLEANER.

[@VTECAcademy]

I’ll try that.

[@jamesgasper8630]

I have an 09 rdx. These videos fascinate me. Ive seen guys on the forums swap their k23 heads out to get a cyl head that allows them to run something more traditional than the td05hl. U can also get a compressor wheel with more blades but not much else in support. Keep these going i had some plans for the platform but nobody ever seemed to notice it lol

[@lcq4blackstar]

Blouch Performance Turbo and Turbo Lab America have the modified stock turbo options, 20T billet compressor wheel paired to 9 blade exhaust wheel. Have had the Blouch sitting in a box for almost a year along with ID1050's waiting to go on our 08 RDX. As of now only running Flashpro and CAI and it is loads more powerful than stock. With DP, FMIC, E85, Modded Turbo, CAI Jeff Evans EPA training videos says 380 on a customers RDX. We will have to see what Vtec Academy does on the fueling and engine management side for this budget build but the upgraded IM/TB and FMIC they are already most likely going to be running along with less drivetrain loss with the MT and smaller lighter wheels I think on race gas this combo with bone stock turbo will be around 270-280HP and about 310TQ my guess... Excited to see their build progressing!

[@jgc0064]

I have an 07 RDX that I absolutely love and has 257,000 miles with virtually no major problems. I’m running the HONDATA flashed ecu and I saw better mpgs and more performance. Acurazine has a so much information on this underlooked platform. I’ve always been a loyal Honda fan and never thought I’d own a CUV/ truck but this being Honda’s first turbo K I had to have it. Can’t wait to see where this goes!

[@isnowyazn]

@@jgc0064ALL original 257k miles?? Has the engine or trans ever been through any heavy servicing and/or overhaul?

[@xTruthxWithinx]

So you're telling me I could turbocharge my TSX on the cheap?

[@stevelee5724]

Chur man that was cool. K24 for my Cortina....

[@2strokeFORever]

I'm very excited to see how much power this makes

[@DanRoBurton]

Have you swapped a K23A1 into anything yet? I wonder if it would fit into '94-'97 Accords.

[@VTECAcademy]

We have, we put it into a 93 Honda Civic hatchback. And yes it would fit in the 94 it is 97 accord. And we didn’t use the whole K23A1 engine. We used the head on a K20A3 block.

[@Michael-nu3fm]

Ad is is a cool ass dude I was blessed to be able to chill with him when I was Arizona

[@brianmessemer2973]

I like this channel 👍

[@jaredloudermilk4472]

Bob Ross and Brian killing it as always

[@ChiefRickyRC]

Could you explain what you're doing, why, how it's gonna work, whats the power increase, and what the heck do you mean same this and that? I understand mostly, but someone who isn't a Vtec librarian has no clue.

[@DrewLSsix]

They showed you step bys tep, im nit sure what else they can say to clarify things, they won't know the power until it's tested.

[@expensivetechnology9963]

#VTECAcademy AD is something we don’t see that often. A calm masculine man of few words. Still waters run deep AD - it was a pleasure to learn from you.

[@jeremywalker2460]

There's no such thing as building a k-series on a budget you do realize this right. You can build a turbo B series for less than a k series swap.It will B reliable but K will not

[@VTECAcademy]

We disagree about the budget. We swapped our EG for about 3K which is about the same as a b18C swap. vtec.academy/civic-eg-budget-k-series-swap-part-1/

[@LoudGuitar14]

Always assumed that there had to be parts that swapped. Glad to see VtecAcademy proving that is true. Can't wait to see what kind of power this makes

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks! Now to find a chassis to put it into.

[@zerepdivad]

@@VTECAcademy EF is always the answer

[@fraink1100]

Can I combine the the k20 a2 head and use the k24rbb bottom?

[@N0ENEMIES]

I love the content of the videos but damn, you guys have been doing this long enough to edit them better and just tighten it up a little bit though.

[@FR11]

only time I like getting schooled.. thanks for the R&D guys!

[@anthonyfa18]

Any updates on this build

[@VTECAcademy]

Not right now, but hopefully in the near future.

[@anthonyfa18]

@@VTECAcademy I really want to see how the motor runs in buget EG on the track and dyno number, also swapping k23 pistion in k20 block

[@mikea5205]

Does AD do any side work? My Civic needs some work and I live in Phoenix.

[@VTECAcademy]

I'll ask. I know he has dome some swaps for people.

[@getitdonegarage]

Keep this going I have a RDX engine and a base rsx model and a TSX so I'm drooling rn

[@FamspecPerformance]

Fan, freaking tastic... I am going to do this too for my channel.

[@deko9151]

Got schooled again 🙏

[@UnkRCP]

all these years i never would have thought that they bud up. dang super good info as im looking into another fa5

[@Wiltgenfab]

Damn this is awesome. I may have missed it but did you guys rotate the engine to make sure it’s all working together?

[@emmanuellrodriguez5684]

Can you do a teardown on a G25A4 engine 2.5L inline 5 from acura TL

[@hseriesonlymonctonnb1181]

Just soak cam in trans fluid if there’s light surface rust will wipe off then polish it

[@bgee461]

You guys are absolutely the best

[@trackshun]

A honda enthusiast must ask himself, is the production of Honda motors a puzzle, a riddle, a mystery? When you look at the compatability and interchangability of this manufacturer, these cars can be made into such machines.

[@ijacamo]

Great information! This would be an interesting project for my tsx

[@ernestopiris-grau1383]

Nice video. Hey I saw in Spain back in 2003 a 2002 civic hatch with turbo diesel K series from factory. Yes,from factory.

[@BMXsXeCRX]

What throttle bodies bolt up to the PRB? Will the base model RSX tb work? I have my eye on a k23a1 but will have to eliminate the DBW for my EF. Will an 03-05 (manual) Accord ECU and 2005 RSX throttle body work for me with this or should I get the RDX ECU (even though it was AT)?

[@forzaflyracer3473]

Now I know what im looking for in my Element.

[@markusferguson222]

So in theory the turbo from the rdx should also work for the k24's as well since the head is almost identical minus the valve train? Right?

[@VTECAcademy]

The turbo bolts on a K24 if you bolt on the RDX head. The RDX valve train is like the K24A1 and A4.

[@CDOES]

This is fantastic! And could potentially open the door for many a swap!

[@VTECAcademy]

Exactly!

[@kanielmullings]

Can I swap a k 24a2 to a k24z3

[@whostolemyVTEC]

Thanks for another informative video, can’t wait to see what this will end up going into

[@HondaStreetGarage]

needs a 02 civic si waterpump

[@VTECAcademy]

We opted to use the RSX type S so we could use the water port to feed the turbo cooling.

[@Thatcntwiththecivic]

I didn't know there was a K23 engine that existed never mind a turbo version! I'm planning on going frank on my UKDM stock 153k mile k20a2 with a k24 bottom end.

[@VTECAcademy]

First gen RDX in the US had a turbo K23.

[@spoolinekrhdhulk-urban-c-w5709]

@@VTECAcademy jdm stuff don't talk shit like half the chris auto moty visited movie menent got my dad kicked out of his Dr he was hit by drunk driver and other things I helped and I have sponsorships so I hope I can get my dad good r and I get my presidential jobs or he does jdm too thanks Great job

[@RagingBullNuts]

K23a1 only comes in the first generation RDX.

[@PeterFeltersnatch852]

@@RagingBullNuts Brian already said that 🖕 I mean ☝️ there

[@RagingBullNuts]

@@PeterFeltersnatch852 Kinda. He stated “had” I stated “only”. Here’s a hole for that 👌.

[@clovm9810]

So stocked gor the remaining episodes

[@brentheilman8910]

So you put the k23 head on the k20a3 block? 😊

[@VTECAcademy]

Yes, the stock K23 block doesn’t fit any manual K series transmissions so in order to use it we swapped it on to a base RSX/EP3 Si block.

[@sinusshephard5314]

Interesting

[@VTECAcademy]

It could be if it works!

[@OntarioSecret]

Ad’s smile makes it all for me , awesome build guys

[@MrTomekat]

Can you please make videos for the 2019 Acura ILX k24v7. It gets no love for support mods.

[@VTECAcademy]

We have a couple of this engines.

[@MrTomekat]

@@VTECAcademy is there any interchangeable parts? Looking to upgrade my camshafts and intake manifold but unfortunately no one makes them. Any ideas?

[@rgreerjr]

My man Tej Parker out here working on Honda's now. I guess once you been to space you cant top it so you just gotta find something to do.

[@aaronjoseph9588]

FINALLY, Was planning to try this with an a3 block if no one did this, but could not get someone to sell just a k23 head

[@VTECAcademy]

We bought two complete engines. Although we can't use the engines the RDX rods are petty beefy, wo they will find their way into a future project.

[@vtecmissle]

@@VTECAcademy why cant the rdx block be bolted in?

[@dbuffz]

someone makes a really cool tensioner cover with an AN bung for the oil return that would work really will with that setup

[@VTECAcademy]

Yeah we were trying to keep the solution under $100.

[@vanhasydan4754]

Would the K23 head/turbo work on a K24? My thought is a more broadband engine that can make good power yet still be able to handle driving in the mountains with a load but still be reasonable for daily intown driving?

[@VTECAcademy]

Yes it would. K24As and K24Zs.

[@vanhasydan4754]

@@VTECAcademy kittos

[@rajsinghgilll]

Hi Brian, can you redevelop and stock the tsx dual ecu harness to run kpro please, CL7 and CL9 owners worldwide need it

[@VTECAcademy]

Doesn't K-Tuned make those?

[@rajsinghgilll]

@@VTECAcademy they discontinued years ago, maybe you could bring them back for the tsx/accord euro r world wide community?)

[@ivogiev]

How about valve cover from the K20A3 - will it work or not with K23A1 head?

[@VTECAcademy]

It works.

[@mandoman9163]

Awesome content. I can't wait to see this build in action I have one of these cylinder heads and I've been waiting to see what to do with it. Good job AD💪🏽

[@VTECAcademy]

Yeah, we need to figure out which car we can fit this in now.

[@findtherightbeat]

@@VTECAcademy Please put it in the EG sedan 🍻

[@jaytomos8174]

Why does he think everything is funny? Has he never been on film working?... I found it annnoying enough that i couldnt watch the vid any longer! Please never again

[@james37474]

I’m vary excited for this build

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks, us too!

[@legs_11.82]

nuts

[@user-fx8bk3fo8u]

Damn right they did. You can frankenstein the hell out of b series and k series.

[@david929190]

I would have cleaned up the rusty cam. I've had one just before and it looked a lot worse than it was

[@bryansenulis7242]

Can u use a k24 bottom and that smaller displacement turbo head together? If so that b game changer

[@VTECAcademy]

That's our plan if this works out.

[@bryansenulis7242]

@@VTECAcademy thought the new turbo honda motor was a 1.3 or 1.4 liter motor....so that baby head fits on the 2.4 k motor? Im bit confused

[@BMXsXeCRX]

Are you thinking about the 2016-2021 Civic with the L15b7? 1.5L. I can’t imagine that head would fit on a K-series. Worth checking out for sure.

[@that_kid_hermz]

@@BMXsXeCRX This would be one hell of a swap for the 10th gen. I would love to swap this in my FC1.

[@taisananikone4418]

Hey brother. The snap on torque wrench does angles too

[@Americium-241]

I feel like the k24z7/r40 head is better than the rdx

[@VTECAcademy]

It is definitely a better head, but it does not come with a turbo attached to it.

[@adamb1400]

I wonder if this will fit in an EM2 chassis! If I ever had to drop my K24 again this would be a perfect upgrade.

[@VTECAcademy]

We are going to try it in an RSX. If it fits there, it'll fit an EM2

[@KJW742]

This is sweet!

[@Straightep3]

Will that turbo manifold fit a k24A2 head? Ive been wanting to add something like a factory turbo to my stock A2 in my EP3.... something reliable without heat issues

[@VTECAcademy]

No, not really. The K23 manifold has water ports in it and make it specific to the K23 head.

[@aaronjoseph9588]

Do you guys happen to have the stock cam specs for the k23?

[@VTECAcademy]

No, but visually they look like the CRV and Accord cams from 2003-2007

[@Alexbuilt]

that rusted cam can be easily cleaned

[@VTECAcademy]

We tried, but the surface had pitting.

[@cali_cal]

I say use the stock intercooler from the rdx and have that sticking on top of the eg

[@VTECAcademy]

With a big hood scoop?

[@cali_cal]

@@VTECAcademy nah, close flush would be nice but we don't know how much is going to stick out. i'd rather see a hump on the hood than a scoop for a civic. imho

[@VTECAcademy]

@@cali_cal It'd be a 4 or 5-inch tall hump. Taller if you want air to flow down through it.

[@heyhihello8310]

Why would you reuse those cams? I'd be quite worried all that pitting would eventually screw up the rest of the engine. Even if it cost, say 500 for a set of really nice, uniformly worn, used set of cams, isn't that way more worth your while than using cams that have deep enough pits you could eat soup out of them....? Shit if I spent even as little as $1 to have this engine built for a car of mine and I found out those were the kind of camshafts the shop I had paid to build that engine put in it, I'd want a hell of a lot more than my $1 back 🤨

[@VTECAcademy]

I consider this build temporary. We have found some that were not pitted and will replace them.

[@victorvega8800]

Perfectly as described!

[@EduardoChavez-f6m]

So RDX Head don't fit on a tsx block?

[@hondatrix]

Try that timing chain tensioner oil drain thingy..or make a DIY option for us...

[@VTECAcademy]

The ones I saw for sale were kind of out of our budget.

[@hondatrix]

@@VTECAcademy Get the aluminum blank version and tap/weld an AN onto it. Worth a try…. I’m just waiting on mine shipment to arrive then will do it but with the US’s biggest factory on lockdown again, it could be a while….

[@PeterFeltersnatch852]

@@hondatrix what factory?

[@chrisparish4668]

Good stuff 👏

[@cannonroberts5129]

Finally!!! Nice job guys

[@georgeespinoza6710]

Would you be able to put rsx type s heads on a rdx for some extra power ? Or would the Oem rdx be better ?

[@Zubawoo]

That’s very interesting since the 06 got the type r cams which are a bit more aggrssive but by putting the rsx head on ur Rex u might have to change ur whole exhaust system since it goes from 4 exhaust pipes instead of one like on your 23 which is the same as the 24. I might be wrong though what do I know

[@msknuked]

🔥 💪🏽

[@racemiiklutch4246]

Swapping skin color black to white

[@omfgg3tlost]

I’d think if you wanted to you may be able to fit vtec cams in there and do a vtec killer setup

[@VTECAcademy]

I'm sure you could.

[@jaimehurtado2138]

Would be awesome to see an attempt to make this work in a rsx! Factory parts turbo setup in an rsx😍🤩🙏

[@VTECAcademy]

We will try the engine in an RSX and see if it fits.

[@abregochristopher]

Will a k23 fit in a 9th gen accord coupe?

[@ambitionmotorperformance7436]

I would like to know and see if the k23 block can be used?

[@VTECAcademy]

Only with a K23 transmission of some sort of transmission adapter.

[@lazydadsgarage]

I'm confused. Why the lower displacement bottom end with the 2.3T head?

[@VTECAcademy]

It was cheap and we had one. If it works we will do a K24. I have another RDX head with about 500 mile on it. Probably do higher compression pistons too.

[@Serpentis666]

Wow! I always wondered why no one was doing this any sooner… I’ve seen a few people with an oil return going on the timing chain side of the block lately and hearing it’s a great solution then a line going to the pan… forgot the guys name who I saw that came up with this originally but now being copied because I guess it works really well…

[@VTECAcademy]

The oil return into the timing chain cover was a good idea.

[@manlb9254]

So would this bolt on to a k24 from early 00’s? Have an S2K and couldn’t mind a k24 swap when the f22 goes lol but i do have a k20a2 sitting in my garage.

[@VTECAcademy]

Yes. It ould bolt to a K20A or Z and the K24A or Z engines.

[@manlb9254]

@@VTECAcademy how different are the coolant passages on the left side of the head? K23 vs k20/24? My application would be rwd so all that would be against the firewall.

[@VTECAcademy]

@@manlb9254 Very. You would need to do some fab work.

[@yeeksquad6558]

Did I miss him putting sealant on the headgasket or

[@VTECAcademy]

Why would we do that?

[@dannyr3346]

Da fuckkkkkk is a valve terrain 😂😂😂

[@eenabutter]

Quick question do you know if you can use the crank and rods from the k23 in the k20a3 as well?

[@VTECAcademy]

No. The piston would work, but the crank and rods can be put in a K24.

[@eenabutter]

Thanks for the response I appreciate it I have an ep3 si I'm thinking of doing this to

[@AllInDMK]

What timing chains was used?

[@VTECAcademy]

The chain matches the block. K20A3.