Budget OEM Turbo K20C1 Killer? - K23 Tech Inspection

Budget OEM Turbo K20C1 Killer? - K23 Tech Inspection
By Brian Gillespie
Screw the new Type R, let's look at Honda's other turbo K-series from the first gen RDX. Honda's K23A1 has been largely ignored by the engine swap and performance community. No one makes ECU modifications, turbo upgrades or mount kits to swap this engine in to other Hondas. Why?
We've got our hands on one of these engines and we aim to find out if it is a Type R killer or a big turd.
Like us? We’d Love Your Support!
Help Support VTEC Academy by hitting up our store for gear at vtec.academy/shop/ or help us by sharing (it’s free!) this post or others with other cool Honda people.
Nothing but Hondas. That’s exactly what you’ll find at VTEC Academy. Because Soichiro Honda’s passion for motorsports and his company’s ability to express that in the machines they produce make a whole lot of sense. VTEC Academy is a place for Honda fans who feel the same way and who seek the most accurate technical information and commentary to continue that very legacy and make whatever Honda it is that they drive just a little bit better. And faster.
The editors and contributors of VTEC Academy are some of the industry’s most experienced and trusted, which means the informative, unique perspectives you need are all right here. And, like you, we’re also obsessed with Hondas. So, subscribe to our channel and hit us up at vtecacademy.com or, if you’re into social media, you can get your daily dose of VTEC Academy on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. We’re always on the lookout for cool, fast Hondas.
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.

[@raiderrichard7291]

The old man always hangin with the young men. Hes obviously schooling them.

[@gdiddly3957]

England didn't see this Engine nor the Cars it came in I don't think, But I'd certainly have a 2019 RDX k20C4.

[@IntegraDIY]

If only it was ever possible to mount a 6spd to a k23, we would be seeing easy turbo k swapped Honda’s everywhere. The funky k23 design is the reason I turned out the rdx, if it was a normal k series I would be driving one

[@AnDrEw122100]

K23 has an 86mm bore just like the k20 . So what are your plans I must have missed it in the video , you’re putting a k23 head on a k20?

[@lobaman123]

bryan is such a legend, hasport 4 life!

[@Lupelu831]

Damn my brain is about to explode. 🤯

[@ivogiev]

Great content, but which exactly K20 was that or it doesn't really matter? Cause here in Europe we have maybe what you have as base rsx - K20 with 156 bhp

[@VTECAcademy]

We're using a K20A3 from a US Civic Si or a base RSX. We don't think it matters, at least we haven't come across anything that appears to have an issue.

[@5STAR_CHOPS]

This is awesome. I daily an 08 RDX and love the way it feels. Mine is coming up on 170k and hasnt had a major hiccup yet. I would like to see what transmission options you come up with and if theres potential for this to be swapped in the older chassis. Keep up the good work guys!

[@audearing27]

Mine just hit 250,000 keep her running

[@jgc0064]

Mine hit 257,000 and still going strong with just a few typical maintenance repairs over the years but nothing major at all. 🤞. I’ve loved every Honda I’ve owned starting with the 86’ Accord sedan,90’ Accord coupe,99’ Accord,2005 Acura TL 6spd,2007 RDX and 96’ Accord coupe with 255k on it now and still daily it.

[@rzzillar90b54]

I have a 2009 RDX with 190K, 2 turbos later I still love it!

[@kchan333]

VW/Audi has been water cooling the exhaust with their manifold are integrated into the cylinder head. Honda doing this on the newer engines with integrated manifolds. Water cooling the manifold has benefits. The engine gets up to temperature much quicker during cold starts and reduces wear. It lowers the EGT and allows leaner fuel mixture for better fuel economy.

[@legros731]

Help with emissions when the engine warm up it is producing the most co² faster warm up make the epa happy

[@fortunesk89]

Water ports on exhaust manifold seems like issues down the road but I’ve never heard that while working at Acura

[@minilogoguy18]

This was probably the first engine to do this but all of the current generation Earth Dreams labeled K series do this as well as the L15 turbo family engines. Only thing with the new turbo engines that I've seen that have been a small issue is the coolant passage they made that's a small trench between the cylinders joining the coolant jacket. Had a couple of leaky head gaskets so I've already gotten pretty intimate with the new turbo engines lol.

[@danefsevigny9025]

It actually is, quite comon failure from the manifold gasket

[@christianxzowner2958]

what was the best set up you guys put together in your opinion..!

[@VTECAcademy]

That’s like picking your favorite kid!

[@averyalexander2303]

I really like that aluminium thermostat housing, I wonder where I can buy one? I looked up the part number (19320-RWC-A00), but the pictures show a plastic one.

[@getitdonegarage]

Finally the video I was waiting to see

[@VTECAcademy]

It's been waiting for you!

[@MR_IC]

Will a 5 speed or 6 speed transmission from an Acura rsx bolt right on to the k23 block?

[@charlesdemeary]

First time viewing, long time subscriber.

[@oyurcha1]

water ports in the exhaust manifold... isn't it also for water HEATING? The idea is to get the engine to the operating temp as quick as possible.

[@legros731]

Yes less emission warm up is the worse for emissions and catalyst converter work best hot

[@The_Mod_Scientist]

Im more leaning towards because it's a cast aluminum manifold. Honda was probably doing R&D for the single port heads before they made a final casting.

[@bosprocket]

isn't the exhaust mani aluminium? would explain the need for water jackets

[@danielwilliams214]

I think the k23 has really low compression.

[@decco7777]

Yes 8.8:1

[@bpturbo27]

I swapped d a k23 rdx block with a z3 k20 head , slotted starter, z3 k20 Lsd trans in an e.g. 1993 civic, with the stock k20 harness, turbo , gt 30 76r , Garrett, .... car fired up flawlessly first star up with rdx injectors first start ? Stock map , then the tuning ... , but it does work , it's been done years ago

[@ErKing-zj4pl]

What starter did you use exactly? I tried a k20z3 flywheel on a k23 RDX engine and the starter wouldn't match up at all.

[@VTECAcademy]

What ECU?

[@GickelsGaming]

I have an automatic, 2nd gen, 2002 AWD CRV equipped with a k24a1 I want to supercharge the damn thing so i dont have to drop and swap the engine, but theres ZERO engine management for automatic tuning. Ecu Master / Kpro is no bueno. VTEC Academy, WHAT CAN I DO? i dont want to fundamentally change the CRV from the stalk shifter / source a manual swap, but want to make the car more powerful for daily driving

[@Tixbomber]

You're sol with an automatic.

[@jgc0064]

HONDATA

[@mrcrxsi69]

There is tuning available. Derek Robinson has tuned one.

[@Serpentis666]

Drob is THE MAN! Excellent tuner, very knowledgeable and thorough with his e-tuning...

[@habh8r77]

09 boltons and flashpro tuned

[@bseries8826]

There's actually one at my local junkyard

[@randysanchez1397]

We haven’t tried this engine because of the awd trans and mating it work is more time than just using a k24/k20 from my experience at least but these engines market price is beautiful

[@TrackSol]

Love these detailed videos. Question: will a K20/K24 valve cover and dipstick fit on the K23 head?

[@DavidYingst_505]

so were you able to confirm if the timing cover is compatible with the newer z blocks?

[@ATAMasterShake]

Finally someone does this!

[@Abu_Teazy]

finally? someone tried back when the engine first came out on K20A.org

[@aundrek7515]

One topic I was hoping you covered was the acura exhaust manifold design which includes a form of variable geometry for the turbo

[@VTECAcademy]

I don't think it is the manifold so much as the turbine housing.

[@hanafiazha4933]

CRV turbo sir🙏🙏

[@patmald]

hondata has a flashpro for the rdx

[@himynameiztony]

What about using the k23 block, k20 head, with a custom manifold for the stock turbo?

[@himynameiztony]

Assuming the k23 block is stronger than the k20

[@VTECAcademy]

@@himynameiztony It is stronger, but it doesn't bolt to any transmission other than the RDX auto trans.

[@himynameiztony]

@@VTECAcademy boo. I've always wanted to take the k23 internals and put them into a k24 block (I believe they have the same deck height)

[@VTECAcademy]

@@himynameiztony Just a smaller bore. K20 size bore.

[@christianxzowner2958]

i overlook often at that CRZ in the back...love mine..

[@VTECAcademy]

So much space in that engine bay.

[@kenny6g6]

This video just started playing on my phone randomly. Thats creepy...

[@glenmaralfonso]

Hey sir, guys I need your help. I have an FA5 and the gear selector mechanism came apart. The bolt that held the mechanism fell into the transmission so I had to crack the transmission open to take the bolt out and replace the whole mechanism. So I went ahead and did that how ever I can’t seem to seat the drivers side cv axle All the way in. It has about an half an inch gap. Any solution would be great thank you 🙏🏼

[@Gregg0112]

In the rust belt I’ve replaced those water jacketed exhaust manifolds because the the corrosion crawls through the gasket and gives you coolant leaks all over back there

[@NathanSorochan]

"and a 10" - this is my gift to any honda people I know. "Here's a few tens".

[@Gregg0112]

Don’t forget about the variable vane turbo. Last exhaust manifold I replaced I dropped the motor and trans because the turbo is a behemoth

[@Billy-uq4yx]

Stoked for this to go in budget eg! Would be interesting to see if the cams out of a tsx or rsx would work/would be an improvement

[@VTECAcademy]

The RSX base cams might work. But they may not be an improvement. I'll have to check that out.

[@Billy-uq4yx]

Right on cheers from Canada love the channel learning lots lmao

[@pedernordberg5573]

Interested to know if the timing chain cover fit on a second gen tsx. Kpower industries is using k24z3 in Miata swaps but they have to make custom timing chain cover. This might be an easy button.

[@SoulEraser000]

Thanks for the videos. Keep it up. Recommendation: Maybe have a topic for the midnight oil and title the video as such so people know what they're in for.

[@VTECAcademy]

Midnight Oil is almost always a free-for-all with the viewers determining the what we talk about. I would like to do something more organized with it though.

[@SoulEraser000]

@@VTECAcademy Sounds like a good idea. Also this video was interesting though, honestly didn't even know there was a k23. I guess people just know the more popular engines

[@josedaniel9656]

I wish the mad more upgrades for my rdx almost stuff are discounted

[@4EverSuzuki]

So from what I gather is being said the K23 transmission Bell housing is not the same as the J series?

[@jerrythao5281]

Hell yeah! I have a RDX and ive been wondering about Frankenstein possibilities.

[@patrickkerce2060]

V6 trans and flywheel should work. If not look into the diesel euro hondas

[@Robbo2g]

Good video guys

[@LoudGuitar14]

Interested in see what you guys can do with this considering the potential this block should have. The hard thing is the lack to trans options. But that hasn't stopped VTEC Academy before

[@hondaland_]

This is awesome. And homie has 7 of them. Wow. Is he going to do a give away? Just kidding. Will those dished pistons fit in a k24 to make a k23 out of an accord engine and then add that head for bolt on plug and play factory turbo?

[@Tixbomber]

No. K24 is 87mm bore. You'd be better off using the K24 block, and putting the K23 head on it, anyway.

[@theejoeylee]

I wanna see an Acura ILX R20 block with a R18 head with some boost, thrown in an EG EF.

[@BrianGillespie_brianathasport]

Those engines are piling up in the salvage yards.

[@theejoeylee]

@@BrianGillespie_brianathasport cracked blocks or You saying they should be super cheap

[@VTECAcademy]

@@theejoeylee They should be cheap.

[@NinaMango789]

If in like a year I see you guys with this in an rsx or something I'll geek

[@martini818200]

I can’t wait for the next video in the series you have my full attention’s

[@motersickel]

I wonder if the internals,Pistons, rods crank would work in a k 20 or 24

[@crz_e845]

Omg I’ve been trying to find this info for years

[@anthonyfa18]

I know u can use a rdx rods and crank fit in k24 blocks

[@billcivicsff6808]

Sooo did we ever get a running motor? I think just the intake manifold swap it would work perfect for an FA1 or get you hands on a type r… track car

[@VTECAcademy]

Not yet, working on it.

[@jimmywyrick7245]

Anybody know if 8th gen si front brakes,spindles and sway bar will work on a 9th gen civic

[@Tixbomber]

No to all 3.

[@BiggySeth]

So I think there is a potential to using a k23 for a really good budget k24 Frankenstein build. Instead of buying new, rods, oil squirters, turbo, turbo mounts, manifold ect. You can just gut a k23A1 block and take the head and swap it into a cheep k24a4 or something. You can find k23s all day with turbos for 500-1000 bucks. With all parts included, you could make the a k24 into a monster. The problem would be tuning it. I guess it would be preferable to get a k23 RDX ECU and flash it. But online there are barely any people that mess with that tune. Plus the fact that those ecu's are made to work with the transmission that is the super handling all-wheel-drive automatic. I guess custom mapping? But I also know that the k23 has exhaust Openers/closers so I don't know how that would fare on a custom mapping.

[@VTECAcademy]

That's what we think.

[@BiggySeth]

@@VTECAcademy I'm probably about to do the same thing. I found a k23 turbo and all for $750 only about 5 hour drive for me. I have a K24 for my Honda Element left over from a swap I did. I'm going to tear apart the k23 and see how many parts bolt on to the K24. I'm planning to put it back into the Honda Element anyway (for a AWD low end torque truck build). There is more than enough room in the Honda Element engine bay to fit the top intercooler and even (maybe) the larger oil pan on the bottom. I suspect the k23 oil pump (might) be better than the K24 cuz of the need for more oil cooling? Not sure. I would LOVE for you guys to do a write up on this build. Especially on what kind of ECM tuning would be best to use. It might be best with the original RDX computer with a tune to cancel the A/T functions to make it play nice with a M/T. Or it can be just as simple as a K24 turbo flash from Ktuner. 07-2012 Honda Elements had Drive-by-wire so it's possible.

[@pinoyautomotogpsmaster220]

ANOTHER USEFUL VIDEO CONTENT

[@georgekarmiris1414]

Great information !! You guys are awesome

[@AustinPerdue]

What kind of cams does the RDX head have? I assume it will take a k20 or k24 oil pump and pan? RSX wiring harness work? Any good reason to just use the head and not the whole engine?

[@VTECAcademy]

The block is unique to the K23 and only bolts to the RDX transmission as far as I know.

[@AustinPerdue]

I'm curious to see what kind of compression will result from that head on a K20 or K24 block. This would be a neat, inexpensive upgrade for my K24 Insight.

[@JDMKIDD]

So awesome!!! Excited to see the potential of this combo!

[@anthonyirizarry84]

Great video! I have a 08 rdx myself always wanted to mod it but don’t know where to start or what to find since there wasn’t much product out there for them. Looking forward to more videos for this motor.

[@_k_rolls_turbo_]

Rv6 downpipe and hondata

[@Op1zilla]

Good Shit,

[@JoseReyes-kf1dj]

Can you guys tell me if a k24a2 Can be swap on 9th gen si

[@Tixbomber]

No. Not without using standalone engine management.

[@crzyazn]

Nice! Good info here

[@thisaznboi88]

Hmmm sounds fun

[@John.strong]

I want to see the rods and pistons in it, and want to know the bore size and rod length crank stroke deck hight

[@legros731]

Didn't show the only thing a wanted to see lol just said dish it's interesting

[@Arctice36]

Its the same as the k24, only difference is the k23 is a 86mm bore

[@derwinpichardo9664]

Thanks for the info

[@musskeeterbump]

Displacement .

[@hoopla1414]

What year is this engine?

[@VTECAcademy]

Those went from 07 to 12 Chad.

[@stinkfart697]

I completely forgot about the k23a1 lmao