The only issue is that it won't be a good daily driver anymore. For a street car at this point its worth to just invest in K20A2. Now, there's another route you can take with the K20A3 thats budget and gives you the similar VTEC operation of K20A2. Use the K20A2 intake rockers and flip the pins around so that only the first two rockers stay engaged outside of VTEC operation. Once VTEC operates it will push the pins to connect the third rocker. You will retain better daily driving and make VTEC killer power.
I guess it really depends on what you are willing to daily. I daily my EF hatch with a jdm d15b with a delta 272 cam (definitely a rather aggressive cam), stage 3 6 puck clutch, lightweight flywheel and an ebay turbo making 7 pounds. Also still on a cable clutch transmission so most people wouldn't want to daily that either but I love it. With that being said this motor is going into a track car 😂 it's just a fun cheap little guide for people who are really on a budget or just already have the k20a3 on hand. I am however familiar with the setup you have mentioned above. It would help a little with daily driving and gas mileage for sure. This just happens to be an even cheaper route lol
Thanks for the advice man. I have heard mixed reviews about the skunk2 camshafts. From what I have heard they can be a bit aggressive and cause timing chain failures. My main reason for going vtec killer is how cheap it was.
Bro I’m from chile and I need help with the setups of my k20 base model? Where I can contact to you? So you can help me, thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge, greetings
You are always welcome to comment on here man! I always do my best to answer all questions asked and I'm glad to help out. Thank you for checking out the video!
@@jdmjedi777 thanks bro, can you give me the list of specs so i can serch for them on ebay or something, im from chile so its far from everything, all i have to buy from the outside so its hard but i love my machine, i own a dc5 type s from japan so its the base model and i installed header and intake but i need more power, hondata its expensive though, thanks dude
Yo, if I was to get my hands on a k20a2 head. Would it fit directly onto a k20a block? Apart from the oil pump what would I need to safely run this setup?
The a2 head should bolt right up. Definitely recommend the prb oil pump like you said and maybe a new OEM a2 timing chain tensioner. If you plan on just using the a2 cams in the a3 head and doing a vtec killer setup like I did, I would recommend a set of Brian crower valve springs as well. Then just kpro and a solid tune should get you going.
hey idk if you’ll see this but you gave me hope for my base rsx i just had one question. if i had an auto would i need a manual swap? id probably like to get one at some point but if its not needed I could enjoy the benefits beforehand
Unfortunately, you will need to convert to manual to be able to run k-pro. K-pro is going to be required in order to get this setup running. I'm running a 5 speed from a base rsx and sometimes if you keep an eye out, you can find those for pretty cheap. The ep3 si 5 speed manual is another budget transmission as well and the ep3 transmission has a slightly closer gear ratio than the base rsx 5 speed.
Im probably gonna get hate for this but my k20a3 is auto so will i be able to do this as well? Please help. All the hate is killin me... Just would like some man to man advice.
It's certainly possible. You will obviously need kpro but it's definitely possible. Here is a write up by someone who has done it. www.clubrsx.com/threads/installing-kpro-in-your-base-auto-and-a-budget-a2-cam-swap-turbo.690626/
@@jdmjedi777 Is it true that you would have to grind all the k20a3 exhaust rockers to make this setup work? If so, I heard that you can use k24z3 exhaust rockers without grinding them.
Hey bro, how much power would you think i could get out of my engine set up, i have k20a3 with a2head , headers k tuned, skunk2 manifold pro, skunk2 70mm throttle body, cold air intake, straight pipe,
I ended up making 193 at the wheels on an unfinished tune with this setup. That's using a 70mm throttle body on a stock port matched a2 intake manifold as well and a full 3 inch exhaust and a megan racing header. Finishing the tune could easily get it past the 200 wheel horsepower mark. So I don't see why you wouldn't end up with similar power numbers even with the a3 pistons.
@Rsx_jgonza I'm using type s injectors and as long as you stay all motor and are using high octane gas and not e85 they should be plenty for anything that motor will make naturally aspirated. If you plan on running e85/nitrous/boost you will definitely will need more injector.
They say that as in its not a factory replacement for the k20a3. They definitely work just fine. I have this engine fully assembled and everything clears no problem.
A2 pistons fit perfect in A3 engine. The problem is the A3 cylinder head😆 A3 head need to be grinded/polished in the combustion chamber. I do in my A3 and I fit oil jets also 🙂 K&N air filter, A2 oil pump, A2 pistons and stailness steel exhaust system I read on Dyno 169.8 Hp. (Stock ecu) Compression test was 17 Bar on all cylinders with A2 pistons.
There are no issues with the a3 head bolting straight on with no modifications to the combustion chamber while using the a2 pistons. You can see my video with the results from this build and how I assembled the vtec killer cylinder head. I made 193 wheel horsepower and didn't even finish the tune. The car will easily make 200 plus next time I go back to the dyno. Thank you for checking out the video. Here is the video with the results. ruclips.net/video/T5jZSjvmYNY/видео.html
@@ionutchirila143 nope I used 02-04 pnf k20a3 cylinder head with A2 camshafts, a3 exhaust rockers on both intake and exhaust side and Brian crower valve springs. Again zero modification to the combustion chamber. Here is the video of assembling the cylinder head. ruclips.net/video/nIKzkyhZYNY/видео.html
Gas mileage is definitely going to drop a little bit. Reliability is really going to depend on what supporting mods you add along with everything and the way you drive the car.
@@_IRONJAW I'm using a set of brian crower valve springs (part number BC1050), a PRB oil pump from a k20a2 and a PRB timing chain tensioner. With those parts you should be pretty safe with a good tune.
@@elkarmaracing I would suggest looking on ebay. I might have a set laying around somewhere. If you do plan on doing the upgrades on this video though, you might want to look into just getting the type s 310cc injectors instead.
It definitely wouldn't be easy but I do suppose it's possible. You wouldn't be able to pull the crank from the block but you shouldn't really need to unless you wanna replace the main bearings and thrust washers.
Im wondering if you still reply. But im wondering if i swap out the rockers and cams and dont do a tune what will happen? And idk where and how to do a tune. People say i have to get kpro and hondata but that shit is like 600 bucks or more
@@Moonless_Yoru no problem at all. I always do my best to answer all comments on my channel. So if you ever have any questions, just go ahead and leave a comment and I will do my best to help out.
@@jdmjedi777 i just wanna share, in my place kpro is around 1000-1400 usd second hand lol, not many people build K series on budget sadly, for the budget build the local prefer the D16 more, my goals is 200hp on engine on my k20z2
@CcTtheuyyueh yup, they drop right in. If you check out my channel I have the full engine build in there with how to do the bottom end and how to do the vtec killer head. Even have a video with the dyno results.
I used k20a3 exhaust rockers on the intake. There are two different versions of the a3 rockers and a lot of different rockers you can use. Here is my video showing me actually building the vtec killer head and everything that needs to be done for it to work. Also have more information on what rockers can be used and how you have to modify them. Here is the link ruclips.net/video/nIKzkyhZYNY/видео.html
I just put up a video showing the short block going together if you are interested. I will be posting a video of the vtec killer cylinder head being assembled here soon as well. Thank you for watching the video!! Good luck on your build!
You don’t want vtec on a k20a3. Vtec is not the same on every engine, and on the a3, vtec is not used to make more power, it is I-vtec used to make less power and save gas, and gives full power at higher rpms. Removing vtec allows you to have full power at ALL times
@@PharaohPicks i know but i want to get somehow good mpg in the low rpms😂 i know vtec on the k20a3 aint good for power, but my question is can you get vtec cams with bigger lobes?
The only issue is that it won't be a good daily driver anymore. For a street car at this point its worth to just invest in K20A2.
Now, there's another route you can take with the K20A3 thats budget and gives you the similar VTEC operation of K20A2.
Use the K20A2 intake rockers and flip the pins around so that only the first two rockers stay engaged outside of VTEC operation. Once VTEC operates it will push the pins to connect the third rocker. You will retain better daily driving and make VTEC killer power.
I guess it really depends on what you are willing to daily. I daily my EF hatch with a jdm d15b with a delta 272 cam (definitely a rather aggressive cam), stage 3 6 puck clutch, lightweight flywheel and an ebay turbo making 7 pounds. Also still on a cable clutch transmission so most people wouldn't want to daily that either but I love it. With that being said this motor is going into a track car 😂 it's just a fun cheap little guide for people who are really on a budget or just already have the k20a3 on hand. I am however familiar with the setup you have mentioned above. It would help a little with daily driving and gas mileage for sure. This just happens to be an even cheaper route lol
@@jdmjedi777 I'm old. I can't stand driving my rsx on public roads for too long.
@@4bangermafia I get that lol I do tend to prefer a quiet full exhaust on my daily these days.
@@4bangermafia bro tryna walk me through that swap i just got a 2002 acura rsx base tryna make more power
will this work on base auto
Best best video on the K20a3 motor,thanks man
No problem at all! Thanks for checking it out.
this is even a better deal now adays. Around my area k20a3 go for around 150 bucks running. i have 4 sitting in my garage lol
Thats a great deal. its a very overlooked engine but they honestly have a lot of potential in the right hands. especially if you are on a budget.
@jdmjedi777 for the price you can't go wrong.
Keep in mind folks, higher compression requires premium fuel.
That's why the k20a3 is about the best 4 banger you can get before requiring premium
Am I not supposed to be putting premium in my a3?
@@pedroc9852 - Won't hurt, but don't need to. It doesn't have the high compression head that the a1 and a2 have. Save the money
@@pedroc9852 - Premium is required for higher compression emgines because it's harder to ignite, reducing chances of ping and knock
Thank u for explaining bruh I plan on working on my a3, since I made it look good with paint and a body kit I mine Is well give her power
no problem at all man! thanks for checking out the video. I have more videos up on the build now if you want to check them out.
The Skunk2 stage 2 Camshaft is a good choice or not to the vitec killer
Thanks for the advice man. I have heard mixed reviews about the skunk2 camshafts. From what I have heard they can be a bit aggressive and cause timing chain failures. My main reason for going vtec killer is how cheap it was.
Thanks for making this video!!
I just bought a jdm k20A from a crv will this setup work and do I have to swap out alternator and starter ??
Bro I’m from chile and I need help with the setups of my k20 base model? Where I can contact to you? So you can help me, thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge, greetings
You are always welcome to comment on here man! I always do my best to answer all questions asked and I'm glad to help out. Thank you for checking out the video!
@@jdmjedi777 thanks bro, can you give me the list of specs so i can serch for them on ebay or something, im from chile so its far from everything, all i have to buy from the outside so its hard but i love my machine, i own a dc5 type s from japan so its the base model and i installed header and intake but i need more power, hondata its expensive though, thanks dude
Yo, if I was to get my hands on a k20a2 head. Would it fit directly onto a k20a block? Apart from the oil pump what would I need to safely run this setup?
The a2 head should bolt right up. Definitely recommend the prb oil pump like you said and maybe a new OEM a2 timing chain tensioner. If you plan on just using the a2 cams in the a3 head and doing a vtec killer setup like I did, I would recommend a set of Brian crower valve springs as well. Then just kpro and a solid tune should get you going.
@@jdmjedi777 thanks for sharing your knowledge much appreciated!
@@joshsoberanis6310 no problem at all! I'm always glad to help when I can.
hey idk if you’ll see this but you gave me hope for my base rsx i just had one question. if i had an auto would i need a manual swap? id probably like to get one at some point but if its not needed I could enjoy the benefits beforehand
Unfortunately, you will need to convert to manual to be able to run k-pro. K-pro is going to be required in order to get this setup running. I'm running a 5 speed from a base rsx and sometimes if you keep an eye out, you can find those for pretty cheap. The ep3 si 5 speed manual is another budget transmission as well and the ep3 transmission has a slightly closer gear ratio than the base rsx 5 speed.
@@jdmjedi777 awesome thanks for the info. If i swapped to manual would i need kpro right away for a tune or does it “drop right in”
this is awesome greatly apreciate it
No problem at all! Thank you for checking it out. Hope you enjoy the rest of the videos on the build as well
The live studio audience had me laughing in a video I least expected it to 😂
We’re did u pick up your cams from ? Any recommendations to not spend to much
I bought them used on ebay. Thanks for checking out the video!
Very cool!
Im probably gonna get hate for this but my k20a3 is auto so will i be able to do this as well? Please help. All the hate is killin me... Just would like some man to man advice.
It's certainly possible. You will obviously need kpro but it's definitely possible. Here is a write up by someone who has done it. www.clubrsx.com/threads/installing-kpro-in-your-base-auto-and-a-budget-a2-cam-swap-turbo.690626/
did you keep the k20a3 injectors or did you swap over type s injectors as well?
I swapped over to type s injectors. picked them up for 45 bucks off a local honda page.
Can this all go well is I’m building a Auto? Some people say it’s impossible but I want to try and hope for the best
i am honestly not sure. i have only ever owned manual hondas so i would need to find out with some research.
Thanks bro 😎🤙
Great video, are you going to have to get kpro for this setup?
Thanks man! Yeah I'm going to be running kpro. I'm going to do a whole series on the build of the actual car as well. Thanks for watching the video!
@@jdmjedi777 Is it true that you would have to grind all the k20a3 exhaust rockers to make this setup work? If so, I heard that you can use k24z3 exhaust rockers without grinding them.
can i do this setup on k20z2? and what ecu do you run?
After doing all that you have to get a tune correct?
That is correct
Hey bro, how much power would you think i could get out of my engine set up, i have
k20a3 with a2head , headers k tuned, skunk2 manifold pro, skunk2 70mm throttle body, cold air intake, straight pipe,
I ended up making 193 at the wheels on an unfinished tune with this setup. That's using a 70mm throttle body on a stock port matched a2 intake manifold as well and a full 3 inch exhaust and a megan racing header. Finishing the tune could easily get it past the 200 wheel horsepower mark. So I don't see why you wouldn't end up with similar power numbers even with the a3 pistons.
@jdmjedi777 i was thinking of putting some 550cc injectors. Would you think that would help?
@Rsx_jgonza I'm using type s injectors and as long as you stay all motor and are using high octane gas and not e85 they should be plenty for anything that motor will make naturally aspirated. If you plan on running e85/nitrous/boost you will definitely will need more injector.
@jdmjedi777 Thanks for the info, bro 🙏
@@rsx_jgonza4310 any time! I'm always glad to help.
But which cylinder head flows the best?
The performance motor?
Remembering off the top of my head its the k24a2 cylinder head and the k20a2 cylinder head that flows the best
Good stuff bro. Where are you located.
Is that Hank Hill on your calf & more importantly you have TNMNT calves what are you doing?
Lmao yeah its Hank Hill on my calf. The calves come from riding bmx and dirt bikes since I was 6.
@@jdmjedi777 Well dangit Bobby that there is what I call 2 similar interest of mine & I don't have no TNMNT legs!
The description for the pistons say they won't work in a k20a3 motor. Is that just an error on their part?
They say that as in its not a factory replacement for the k20a3. They definitely work just fine. I have this engine fully assembled and everything clears no problem.
@@jdmjedi777 thanks for the reply, I'm looking to do those myself and I'm looking forward to your build!
Normal the A2 pistons fit perfect in engine block and with A3 connection rods.
Another detail I will write in the comments section. 👍
A2 pistons fit perfect in A3 engine.
The problem is the A3 cylinder head😆
A3 head need to be grinded/polished in the combustion chamber.
I do in my A3 and I fit oil jets also 🙂
K&N air filter, A2 oil pump, A2 pistons and stailness steel exhaust system I read on Dyno 169.8 Hp. (Stock ecu)
Compression test was 17 Bar on all cylinders with A2 pistons.
There are no issues with the a3 head bolting straight on with no modifications to the combustion chamber while using the a2 pistons. You can see my video with the results from this build and how I assembled the vtec killer cylinder head. I made 193 wheel horsepower and didn't even finish the tune. The car will easily make 200 plus next time I go back to the dyno. Thank you for checking out the video. Here is the video with the results. ruclips.net/video/T5jZSjvmYNY/видео.html
@@jdmjedi777 my A3 head is PNF...If you put the A2 PRB head, no problem.
@@ionutchirila143 nope I used 02-04 pnf k20a3 cylinder head with A2 camshafts, a3 exhaust rockers on both intake and exhaust side and Brian crower valve springs. Again zero modification to the combustion chamber. Here is the video of assembling the cylinder head. ruclips.net/video/nIKzkyhZYNY/видео.html
What is the reliability like with the Vtec Killer set-up? Is the gas mileage shit?
Gas mileage is definitely going to drop a little bit. Reliability is really going to depend on what supporting mods you add along with everything and the way you drive the car.
@@jdmjedi777 i plan on doing this before i sell/trade the car. what supporting mods do you recommend?
@@_IRONJAW I'm using a set of brian crower valve springs (part number BC1050), a PRB oil pump from a k20a2 and a PRB timing chain tensioner. With those parts you should be pretty safe with a good tune.
Nice shirt!
Same clash that did "london calling", right?
Yup sure did! Thanks man
Do you know the stock injector sizing and cc for the k20a3?
Stock k20a3 injector size for the base rsx and ep3 SI is 270cc.
@@jdmjedi777 do you know of any sites to find stock injectors? The only ones that come up are for the k20a2 type s
@@elkarmaracing I would suggest looking on ebay. I might have a set laying around somewhere. If you do plan on doing the upgrades on this video though, you might want to look into just getting the type s 310cc injectors instead.
@@jdmjedi777thank you for the info but currently I’m keeping it stock and trying to locate some functioning stock injectors
Is this all able to be done inside the car?
It definitely wouldn't be easy but I do suppose it's possible. You wouldn't be able to pull the crank from the block but you shouldn't really need to unless you wanna replace the main bearings and thrust washers.
Im wondering if you still reply. But im wondering if i swap out the rockers and cams and dont do a tune what will happen? And idk where and how to do a tune. People say i have to get kpro and hondata but that shit is like 600 bucks or more
It absolutely will not run without being tuned unfortunately. kpro is 600 bucks but it's worth every penny honestly
@@jdmjedi777 oh ok thank you so much for letting me know. You saved me from doing something stupid lol I’ll wait till i have enough for kpro
@@Moonless_Yoru no problem at all. I always do my best to answer all comments on my channel. So if you ever have any questions, just go ahead and leave a comment and I will do my best to help out.
@@jdmjedi777 i just wanna share, in my place kpro is around 1000-1400 usd second hand lol, not many people build K series on budget sadly, for the budget build the local prefer the D16 more, my goals is 200hp on engine on my k20z2
Will this work for my ep3 k20a3 the same way?
@@CcTtheuyyueh yup!
@@jdmjedi777and what about the pistons from description box? Direct plug & play?
@CcTtheuyyueh yup, they drop right in. If you check out my channel I have the full engine build in there with how to do the bottom end and how to do the vtec killer head. Even have a video with the dyno results.
can you still run 87 octane?
No I would recommend 91 octane or higher.
What rockers did u used in the intake side
I used k20a3 exhaust rockers on the intake. There are two different versions of the a3 rockers and a lot of different rockers you can use. Here is my video showing me actually building the vtec killer head and everything that needs to be done for it to work. Also have more information on what rockers can be used and how you have to modify them. Here is the link ruclips.net/video/nIKzkyhZYNY/видео.html
So what u mean u use 4 rockers from k20a3 exhaust on the exhaust side and another 4 from exhaust side on k20a3 on the intake
And i want to put k24z3 cams in my k20a3 i heard they are more agresivee i have them already tell me what you think about it
I just picked up a euro spec type s 2005 so I need k20a2 cams and a3 rockers and can I use k20a2 standard pistons to up my compresion
I just put up a video showing the short block going together if you are interested. I will be posting a video of the vtec killer cylinder head being assembled here soon as well. Thank you for watching the video!! Good luck on your build!
What motor exactly is in the that car? I can give you a better answer with that information.
@@jdmjedi777 k20a3 160 Bhp
@@mcnorm4023 than yes standard k20a2 pistons will work just fine for your setup.
Any updates???
I will be posting an updated video here really soon!
can I just ust the exhaust rocker without a2 cam? a2 cam is quite hard to found in my place
there really wouldn't be much of a benefit to that without using the a2 camshafts.
@@jdmjedi777 will the JDM Type R cam fit?
@@ScaniaFung yes and it should be more aggressive than the a2 camshaft as well.
Is there a way to keep vtec with this set up?
You don’t want vtec on a k20a3. Vtec is not the same on every engine, and on the a3, vtec is not used to make more power, it is I-vtec used to make less power and save gas, and gives full power at higher rpms. Removing vtec allows you to have full power at ALL times
@@PharaohPicks i know but i want to get somehow good mpg in the low rpms😂 i know vtec on the k20a3 aint good for power, but my question is can you get vtec cams with bigger lobes?
But it’s going to idle like shit , you need to tune it also right ?
Yes it will need to be tuned but the idle sounds awesome. Check out my video of the results from this engine build.
Effects and editing is trash but good info
Lol thanks man. I'm terrible at the filming and editing part of stuff for sure. Still figuring things out