Honda K20 Vs. K24 Engine: Which Option Is Most Effective?
There is no doubt that Honda produced the best 4-cylinder engine ever with the K-Series. With massive amounts of aftermarket support, it provides plenty of potential both naturally aspirated as well as boosted builds.
Many people don’t know whether they should install a K20 or a K24 in their vehicle, even with the popularity of the K-Series engine.
For years now, the Honda K20 versus K24 argument has continued like most good fights. Unfortunately, there still isn’t a clear winner. Therefore, today we will compare them and find out which is most effective!
Honda K20 Vs. K24: Comparison Shortly
In order to understand the differences, we need to briefly review the basics of the K Series. In the beginning, Honda die-hards were skeptical of the K-Series; they feared the engine would be inferior to the B-Series.
| Honda K20 | Honda K24 |
| Horsepower: 221 hp, 8000 RPM | 160 hp, 5,500 rpm |
| extremely useful in smaller cars | extremely useful in larger cars |
| Displacement: 2 liter | 2.4 liter |
| A bore of 86mm and a stroke of 86mm | A bore of 87mm and a stroke of 99mm |
| Compression ratio: 11.7.1 | 9.7:1-10.5:1 |
| Torque: 159 lb-ft, 6100 RPM | 162 lb/ ft torque, 6,500 rpm |
| Block Material: Cylinder sleeves made of cast iron and aluminum | A cylinder block made of aluminum and cast iron |
| Price is really low | Expensive than k20 |
Honda K20 Vs K24: An Detailed Comparison
Understanding The Basics
Both the K20 and K24 are solid choices. Honda’s K-Series engine is one of the best 4-cylinder engines ever built, and it offers incredible aftermarket potential as well as support. Both have their peculiarities, advantages, and disadvantages, as well. The K20 has a capacity of 2.0 liters, while the K24 has a capacity of 2.4 liters.
By themselves, these 2 engines are clearly different from each other. Our host observes that boosted torque at the low-end results from the K24’s longer stroke. For 400 more cubic centimeters, it’s not bad.
Engine
There is obviously a big difference in displacement between Honda K20 Vs K24 engines. The K20 has an 86mm bore and an 86mm stroke and is square in design. Abort and stroke were increased to 87mm and 99mm, respectively, giving the K24 400cc more displacement than the K20.
They will be able to make much more low-end torque at the cost of lowering redline because of the huge increase in stroke. Honda had to heighten the K24’s deck compared to the K20 because of the longer stroke.
Applications
In terms of applications, the K20 can be found in the Civic, RSX, Integra, Stream, Accord, and CR-V. Alternatively, the K24 is available for the CR-V, TSX, Accord, Odyssey, and Element.
As you can probably tell from the applications list, Honda produced the K20 for their smaller cars. Anyways, the K24 is mainly used in large vehicles, mainly because it has a higher low end power that is extremely useful in larger cars.
VTEC And iVTEC
There are both types of i-VTEC used in the K20 and K24. It comes in two varieties: an economy version and a performance version. Each variant combines VTEC & VTC technology. Most of the differences between the K20 and K24 are found in their camshafts, which are extremely similar.
There are some differences between all K20s and K24s regarding intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, throttle bodies, stock power output, ECUs, and others. K20s and K24s, however, are quite similar. The EG and EK Honda engines are trendy for swapping engines into the K-Series.
Height And Weight
Honda had to heighten the K24’s deck compared to the K20 because of the longer stroke. Basically, heavier pistons, a taller block, heavier rods, and a larger crankshaft would be expected.
Together, the extra-heavy oil pump and counterbalanced K24s would significantly add to the weight of the K24. Weight-wise, the two machines weigh between 10 and 15 pounds more, which is not much compared to the difference in lower-end power.
Honda K20 Vs K24: 3 Most Common Problems
Today, Honda continues to produce the K20 and K24 engines, which are part of the K series. No engine, however, is capable of perfection. Let’s discuss some of the most common problems that affect the K20 engine.
The K20 is most commonly affected by the following issues:
- Oil leak from front main crank shield sealer
- Due to galling of exhaust cam lobes
- Engine vibrations are excessive
Our article will cover some common issues Honda’s K24 is prone to. Among them are:
- Seal on the front of the crankshaft
- When the exhaust cams wear out
- Tensioner for the timing chain
Honda K20 Vs. K24 – Overall Reliability
K20 is an extremely reliable engine. In this post, we have mentioned a few problems that some K20 owners may not experience. Some reliability is simply a matter of luck. As long as you take good care of your K20 engine, it will likely last 200,000+ miles relatively trouble-free.
You could either use the K24 as a trustworthy daily driver, or you could run it as a fully boosted race setup and beat 14.1-mile records. Either way, the K24 is definitely a contender worth considering. Among those you can control is K24 maintenance. You can expect the K24 engine to remain relatively trouble-free throughout its lifespan as long as you maintain it well. Ideally, both Honda K20 and K24 will last for many years.
Honda K20 Vs. K24 – Cost
Likewise, the K20 is slightly less expensive in total. It is generally cheaper to purchase the K20 and swap it into a specialized chassis. When you approach it the right way, though, the K24 can be pretty affordable.
You may want to look at the K20 if your budget is limited. If price is not a concern for you, the K24 is more powerful and can generate more torque at low speeds.
Honda K20 vs K24: Which Would You Choose?
K20 engines were produced before K24 engines. Generally, K20 series engines cost less to replace and are simpler to maintain. Furthermore, there are fewer problems with these engines. Sports cars, such as those in the formula 3 series, can be easily modified and enhanced using them.
Modifications are easier and more effective for the K24-family engines than the K20-series. Due to their low lift camshafts, the K24 engines are designed for street-racing rather than regular-driving.
FAQs.
Is K24A the same as K24A2?
In my understanding, they are totally different. VTEC is 3-lobed on the K24A2 but just an intake side on the K24A2.
Which K-series motor is the best?
K20/K24 heads and blocks provide the best power and torque. In my opinion, the K24a1 accord block has a taller piston/valve clearance; therefore, better if you intend to run the VTC after 40 degrees.
Can K20A handle a large amount of HP?
The 400-450 range can hold just fine on a stock motor with a good setup and a good tune.
Final Word
In stock form, Honda K20 Vs K24 are both stronger. Compared to the K20, K24 has less problems, an improved timing chain, & more displacement. The K24 engine is larger, and the torque is higher as well. Tuning this engine is also cheaper and more accessible. Nevertheless, the K20 is a much more common engine with easier access to parts, and there are several tuning mechanisms available for it.
Generally speaking, K20 transmissions perform better compared to K24 transmissions.
Related Posts: