Which 2.0-liter VTEC Engine is Really Best? Best Motoring Weighs In
Place your bets, it’s B20C versus K20 versus F20C in this 2.0-liter VTEC track shoot-out.
When it comes to desirable naturally-aspirated Honda engines, the usual choice is between the more modern K-series and the period-correct B-series engine. Of course, no one can discount the 9,000 RPM screamer that is the F20C, either, even though it was only ever used in the S2000.
Still, which is best? Well, speaking of best, Japanese car program Best Motoring has gathered four JDM tuners to battle out it for 2.0-liter VTEC supremacy. Spoon has supplied an EP3 Civic Type R, which has the K20A under the hood. Phase brought out their CL1 Accord Euro-R, which is packing an H22A. It’s a bit cheaty, having a displacement advantage, but we will withhold judgement, for now. Amuse brought out one of their insane AP1 S2000s, which has the F20C. And, last but not least, Esprit threw Best Motoring the keys to an EK9 Civic Type R, which has B20.
Racers and hosts Keiichi Tsuchiya, Naoki Hattori and Max Orido are setting lap times in all of the cars, as well as offering driving impressions, around the Ebisu West circuit, a tight and technical track, which features lap times just over one minute in duration.
The EP3 Type R goes first, setting a lap time of 1:07.134. Unfortunately for Team Spoon, Tsuchiya hops in and begins thrashing the car, and, ultimately, appears to break a wheel bearing hopping over Ebisu’s aggressive curbing.
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The CL1 Accord Euro-R follows that performance, offering a rather bumpy ride along the way. Those stiff spring rates, 24K front and 14K rear, no doubt contributing to this. Despite the weight advantage, and larger engine displacement, the Accord trails the EP3 slightly, turning in a lap time of 1:07.441.
Up next is the B20-powered EK9 Civic Type R, which, visually, looks the most hardcore of the bunch. The video notes that the engine uses a B20B block with a B16B head. However, instead of doing a time attack hot lap, the group, instead, jumps right into a three car track battle, since the EP3 is out for the day.
Ultimately, it’s the last two cars, the EK9 Civic Type R and AP1 S2000 that smoke the competition, both running tightly against one another, turning in 1:05 lap times.