Honda K20 2.0L i-VTEC: Engine Codes, Specs, Controllers & Maintenance
Honda / Acura · Engine Information
K20 · 2.0L i-VTEC
A light, chain-driven four-cylinder with two distinct personalities: everyday flexibility in the K20A3 and high-rpm performance in the RSX Type-S. The code matters as much as the badge.
Engine design
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc |
| Bore × stroke | 86 × 86 mm |
| Block / head | Aluminum; iron cylinder liners |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 16 valves; timing chain |
| Valve control | i-VTEC with intake cam phasing; Type-S adds high-lift intake/exhaust operation |
| Compression | A3: 9.8:1 · A2/Z1: 11.0:1 |
Codes & factory output
| Engine / version | hp | lb-ft |
|---|---|---|
| K20A3 · RSX 2002–2005 | 160 | 141 |
| K20A3 · RSX 2006 | 155 | 139 |
| K20A3 · Civic Si / SiR | 160 | 132 |
| K20A2 · Type-S 2002–2004 | 200 | 142 |
| K20Z1 · Type-S 2005 | 210 | 143 |
| K20Z1 · Type-S 2006 | 201 | 140 |
2006 RSX ratings reflect revised SAE measurement; they do not mean an equivalent mechanical power loss.
U.S. & Canadian applications
| Model | Model years | Engine code | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura RSX base | 2002–2006 | K20A3 | 5MT / 5AT |
| Honda Civic Si (U.S.) / SiR (Canada) | 2002–2005 | K20A3 | 5MT |
| Acura RSX Type-S | 2002–2004 | K20A2 | 6MT |
| Acura RSX Type-S | 2005–2006 | K20Z1 | 6MT |
Engine controllers
| Application / PCM family | Controller / hardware | Identification details |
|---|---|---|
| RSX base · 37820-PND | Honda/Keihin application family | Early MT: PND-A0x; AT: PND-A5x |
| RSX Type-S · 37820-PRB | Early and later processor platforms | 2002–2004: PRB-A03–A08; 2005–2006: PRB-A13–A16 |
| Civic Si / SiR · 37820-PNF | Honda PGM-FI | Match market, year and suffix |
Later RSX PRB controllers use a different processor platform. Do not infer MCU or flash capacity from “K20” or interchange an ECU without checking the complete part number and immobilizer requirements.
Common issues & maintenance
- Oil level & leaksInspect the valve-cover and VTEC/VTC sealing areas, and investigate rising oil consumption instead of simply topping up.
- Valve clearanceIncorrect clearance can cause noise, rough running or loss of compression. Follow the model’s valve-inspection schedule.
- Timing-chain noisePersistent rattling needs a check of oil pressure, chain, guides and tensioner. A chain is not immune to neglected lubrication.
Use the oil grade specified for the exact vehicle, keep the level correct, and follow its Maintenance Minder or owner’s schedule. Inspect faults before fitting performance parts.
References
| Topic | Source |
|---|---|
| Design / output | Acura 2005 RSX specifications |
| 2006 ratings | Acura 2006 RSX introduction |
| Civic Si / SiR | Honda Civic Si timeline |
| Controller variants | Hondata RSX catalogue |
| Controller applications | KTuner platform FAQ |
