K-series
K20A3
K20A3 (base RSX / EP3)
Displacement
2.0L (1998cc)
Configuration
Inline-4
Power
160 hp (USDM)
Torque
131-142 lb-ft (179-193 N-m) at 4000-5000 rpm
Compression
9.8:1
Bore × Stroke
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Valvetrain
DOHC i-VTEC (economy type - intake cam phasing only)
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Fuel System
PGM-FI (multi-point)
OBD
OBD2
Redline
6500-6800 rpm
Years
2002-2005
Factory Fitment
Acura RSX (base), Civic Si (EP3 USDM); Acura RSX (base, DC5), Honda Civic and Civic Si (EP3, USDM), Honda Civic Type S (EP3, EDM); CR-V (RD5, 2002-2004)
Notes
Economy i-VTEC - does not have the performance cam-switching top end. Frequently confused with K20A2 by first-time buyers; check before purchase.
Swaps using the K20A3
Engine
Verified
Expert
K20 Engine Swap
Civic EP3
(Seventh Generation)
→
Civic EG
(Fifth Generation)
,
Civic EK
(Sixth Generation)
Guides mentioning the K20A3
Difficult
1-2 days
Civic Type R 5-Lug Brake and Suspension Conversion for the 1996-2000 Civic (EK)
Easy
15-30 minutes
Honda PGM-FI Fault Code Reading and ECU Reset (OBD0/OBD1/OBD2)
Expert
40-60 hours (multi-week project)
K20A2 Swap into a 1996-2000 Honda Civic (EK): Mounts, Manual Conversion, Cooling and Axles
Expert
20-40 hours over several sessions, plus dyno tuning time
Two-Stage Dry Nitrous Install and KPro Wiring for a K-Series Honda
Expert
6-10 hours (excluding paint and parts lead time)
Honda Fit (GE8) JDM 11-Pin Folding, Heated Door Mirror Retrofit
Moderate
4-5 hours
Acura RSX (DC5) Custom 8-Point Engine Ground Kit
Difficult
4-8 hours
Fabricating Custom Steel Brake Hard Lines and Relocating the Proportioning Valve (Honda EG/EK/DC2)
Difficult
6-10 hours
Honda Prelude (4th Gen) Projector Headlight Retrofit
Moderate
1.5-3 hours
Hondata Intake Manifold Gasket (IMG) Installation on the Acura RSX (K20)
Expert
20-40 hours of active work spread over several weeks (weather-dependent curing)
Building a Custom Fiberglass Front Lip and Splitter Base (7th-Gen Civic)
Difficult
3-6 hours
K-Series Swap Charge Harness Wiring (Civic EG/EK, Integra DC)
Expert
8-12 hours
Building a K-Series Swap Conversion Wiring Harness for the Honda Civic (EG)