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K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

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Old 01-30-2013, 12:32 PM
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Default K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Ok so I'm probably provoking my privilages here by putting up another topic, I have posted about three already trying to make up my damn mind on what I wanted to do with my EP3...

So finally I have made up my mind after days of research, I am going to stick with the K20A3 and prove alot of people wrong and make miracles happen with this motor.... I will update as parts come in, and will definitly post pictures as soon as I pass the 15 day trial period... but big thanks to Honda Tech members Type-Spaz and Dood for all the information you gave me, those guys know there stuff.

First things to get for rebuild is new pistons, rods, and rings, also bore engine if needed but probably gonna anyway... and then get new RRC Intake Manifold and a few other parts that I will update as I go threw the project.. Kpro will definitly be in the equation! But any input on the project is welcome of course and wish me luck.
Old 01-30-2013, 02:26 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

At least get a k20a2/z1 head
Old 01-30-2013, 05:38 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Definitely wanna do the head and was also thinking the crank, but one step at a time... If I understand correctly its as simple as swapping the heads and using kpro to operate Vtec... also not to forget if u want to do head swap change the pistons and rods like im doing....
Old 01-30-2013, 05:40 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

you dont need to do anything to the crank. honda cranks are already forged and will take more abuse than you could throw at it. unless you spin a bearing, then they're trash, for the most part.
Old 01-31-2013, 06:57 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

You'll need a different wiring harness for the head and manifold swap. Or modify your current one.

With this rebuild and head swap etc. you basically aren't proving anyone wrong because the block of a K20A3 and the block of a K20A2 or almost identical it's all the internal that are different and since you're swapping everything out now it's just a K20 block haha. But I'm glad you finally found the path you are going to go down so we can get you where you need to be.
Old 01-31-2013, 07:43 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Is the exhaust manifold that different and as for the wiring harness where do i get that.... and where is a good place to get pistons and rods... I want eagle rods or something similar! not sure what pistons, and i dont even know what I should bore the block to, any suggestions.
Old 01-31-2013, 08:00 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Originally Posted by doood
you dont need to do anything to the crank. honda cranks are already forged and will take more abuse than you could throw at it. unless you spin a bearing, then they're trash, for the most part.
i'd actually swap to an a2/z1/z3 crank as they are forged and balanced unlike the a3 crank, that's why the a3 bottom end is weak...change crank, rods and pistons...some other minor things and it will act just like an a2/z1/z3 motor...also you dont need to change the whole head to open up to 3-lobe vtec, just the rocker assembly and valve-train will do, with one of the above mentioned motors cams or aftermarket cams, which ever your prefer...

difference in the cranks: from k20a.org

Originally Posted by pb16b
top: k20a2 crank

bottom: k20a3 crank

Old 01-31-2013, 08:04 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Originally Posted by nahonda04
i'd actually swap to an a2/z1/z3 crank as they are forged and balanced unlike the a3 crank, that's why the a3 bottom end is weak...change crank, rods and pistons...some other minor things and it will act just like an a2/z1/z3 motor...also you dont need to change the whole head to open up to 3-lobe vtec, just the rocker assembly and valve-train will do, with one of the above mentioned motors cams or aftermarket cams, which ever your prefer...

difference in the cranks: from k20a.org
right. i was thinking he was talking about an aftermarket crank.
Old 02-01-2013, 12:12 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Any clue on how well the a2 crank pieces in with the a3 block, just wondering whether or not ill have to mod it or if it will be simple, and where can I get the cams, rocker arms, and pins, cuz I originally wanted to just swap cams out of heads vs swaping whole head
Old 02-01-2013, 05:52 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

head over to clubep3.com and k20a.org, all the information you seek will be on those two websites...it took me about 2 months to find all the parts i want/need to convert my a3 block into an a2/z3 motor...

you can get cams from a number of vendors on this site or the other ones i mentioned or from any performance website of your choice, for me, it will be real street performance...they are also a vendor on this site...

the a2/z1/z3 crank will fit in the a3 block with no modification, theyre both 2.0 liter motors...like i said the only difference is the a3 crank isnt forged and balanced
Old 02-01-2013, 09:22 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

bore will depend on your goals/pistons and etc.
Old 02-01-2013, 09:57 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Okay so I searched around for parts and this is what the list is coming out to for parts, and some unnecesary parts but still wanted them...

Krpo- from Passwordjdm.com for $1,029.00
JE Forged Pistons- from realstreetperformance.com for $569.99
AEM Fuel Rail- from realstreetperformance.com for $197.01
Honda of Japan Injectors- from procivic.com for $339.80
RRC Intake Manifold- from store.skunk2.com for $524.99
Brian Crower Stage 3 All Motor Cams- from realstreetperformance.com for $535.53
K-Series Black Series Billet VTEC Solenoid- from store.skunk2.com for $119.99
A2 Crankshaft- from ebay.com for $300-400.00

Ok so the only parts I have not priced are rods but pricing wil probaby change for pistons and rods after I bore the motor like Type-Spaz said!

And I cant find the rocker arms and valvetrain as a complete kit, I have found really god cams but no rockers, etc... Anyone have a clue where I can get them?
Old 02-01-2013, 10:20 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

You're overpaying on almost all of that
Old 02-01-2013, 11:46 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Originally Posted by doood
You're overpaying on almost all of that
I know kseriesparts.com has k-pro for $690 shipped. I'm sure some of the other parts can be found cheaper too.

Based on your research though, looks like you're going to spend just under $4k on parts alone. I imagine a k20a2/z3 or k24a2 swap would be cheaper, labor included. But it's your money and project. Good luck.
Old 02-01-2013, 03:09 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Ill keep ooking around, thats why I posted it, so everyone coud put there input
Old 02-02-2013, 03:32 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Ok so one thing I am completly stumped on, this damn cam upgrade, it is hard as hell to find a good a2 head to pull everything out of.

I want to upgrade my cams and get some real vtec, I already considered the vtec killer setup, but its not good form what i hear for DD's. So that being said I need help find a pair of cams, also do new cams come with rockers?

Vavle train kits w/retainers run for $300-400, probably can find cheaper
Old 02-02-2013, 04:57 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Ok so noob question, do brain crower cams give you vtec on intake and exhaust or is it just a upgrade to the current a3 head. I was looking at the stage 2's

Also can I get valve train and cams and kpro and then do internals later? Probably not gonna do this but just asking on behalf of others
Old 02-02-2013, 07:38 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

you need the a2 rocker assembly for 3-lobe vtec
Old 02-02-2013, 10:03 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

just buy a complete a2 head. they're always popping up on k20a.org's classifieds. a lot easier than trying to piece together rockers and cams for an a3 head.
Old 02-02-2013, 06:25 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

WTF I cant seem to get my hands on a A2/z1 head! Let me know if anyone see's anything.
Old 02-04-2013, 01:02 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Originally Posted by Spankedrican92
WTF I cant seem to get my hands on a A2/z1 head! Let me know if anyone see's anything.
Ok so I found A2 Cams and Rocker Arms, and I will buy a valve train later! had to get it from UK! I am really considering just doing the head and throwing turbo and tuning w/ kpro because the price of pistons and rods is looking expensive at the time being, so I will do them later probably with a personal loan! but it should be pretty cool to see how much power i can get out of my car with new cams and turbo with a proper tune!

Oh big question of the day for everyone! What is your take on the Vtec Killer Setup? I'm considering it!
Old 02-04-2013, 01:03 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

RATE this thread if you are doing a similar build and find this thread helpful!
Old 02-04-2013, 01:04 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Oh and what the hell is this BUMP
Old 02-04-2013, 01:04 PM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

Bump
Old 02-05-2013, 04:15 AM
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Default Re: K20A3 Motor Rebuild and Turbo

a "bump" is pretty self explanatory really, you bump a thread to the top of the forum. This is commonly used in the Marketplace, not so common in the tech forums.

IMO you shouldn't bump a thread in the tech forums for no real reason and you shouldn't bump a thread that is still on the first page of the forum it's in.


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