civichxtreme2

Im sure Ill get flamed for this, but why does the F20B get no real love in our community?
I know that there are some people that run it, but it seems that a 2.0 with nearly 200hp (Manual Version) that can be had for under 1k would be a gold mine.
This engine is absolutely perfect for boost, basically being a de-stroked H22 with Iron Cylinder linings instead of FRM.

I honestly don't get why this isn't a more popular option, I've even seen the Auto Versions sell for under 500.

Is it a rarity issue, or lack of aftermarket? I know the engine was never used in the States, but it just seems like a really potent swap for little coin. Obviously its not as popular as a B Series, but should it be? ( I understand lower production numbers, but they seem readily available)

Im thinking about picking one up to play with and see what comes of it, anyone have any opinions. Id love to hear what you guys have to say.

AllMtrRex

Transmission options is why. F20B with B series transmission is the way to go but isn't as cheap as throwing together a budget LS/Vtec or B20/Vtec. With that said, I would choose the F20B anyday and go the F2B route if I was just starting out and wanting a great foundation.

Aradin

They do get love. There are a lot of builds out there that include an F20B. This website and other forums are only a very, very small percentage of the Honda community as a whole so that's probably why you don't see many builds.

Personally I love them and have been swearing by them for 3-4 years now. They are super smooth and durable engines. They love to rev and have no issues making power. I own 3 of them lol.

civichxtreme2

Thanks fellas, Im glad to see people like them, googling doesn't pull up much recent data. Some but not a ton. Im glad to see that there are people out there throwing confidence in the engine. Im not new to this by any means, Im currently building a B18 and K24/20 Hybrid, just never had the chance to open up an F20B.

Aradin

I think the F20B fits more of a niche than anything which is why it's used less. You have to really want a high strung setup. With valvetrain upgrades they will make great power and rev to the moon.

But for most basic setups you get a lot more bang for your buck with an H23A so I think more people opt for that. Sure it's only .3L difference, but that's a 15% increase in displacement over a stock F20B which is substantial. I can tell you that from a boosted perspective it makes a huge difference. The H23A will make rod snapping torque at a much lower boost level while the F20B is still waking up and can take quite a bit more boost assuming you have an apples to apples comparison with the same exact identical turbo setup(which I did at the time). That translates into the NA side of things too, where the H23A(or even an H22) will make more power and torque all across the low and mid ranges which is where most street cars spend 90% of their time.

F20B is still extremely capable, especially if you have a setup that takes full advantage of it's RPM capabilities. Just look at what MaxH2B was doing with a stock F20B longblock. He got into the low 11s relatively easily IIRC.

CyborgGT

If you want a 2.0L engine, an LS VTEC or K20 is lighter. If you have a Prelude or Accord, you're not normally going to want to go down in displacement from your stock 2.2 or 2.3L. I agree that it takes a special personal interest in the F20B. These days, I'd say the H-series as a whole is a niche interest even for the Civic guys looking for displacement, given how easy K swaps have become.

Aradin

Yup. K swaps are taking over everything. It's just newer technology and everyone has jumped on that bandwagon so it's getting cheaper to do. H2B/F2B setup is probably more expensive than a K swap nowadays tbh.

scottcraft

I agree. From a d series to H2B isn't any cheaper than a k swap. If you're already b series H2B is cheaper though.

civichxtreme2

I def get the whole K swap the world thing.......Im building one now. But as cheap and capable as the F20B just thought for a high revving turbo application it would be the better setup over the B and H series. (Not necessarily the K) Thanks for all of the opinions, I might just have to pick one up after all

Aradin

It's perfect for a high revving turbo application. The engine is incredibly durable and smooth. The power delivery is very linear with the right turbo setup. I take mine to 8k and use boost by rpm to step up the boost gradually. It just keeps pulling harder and harder right up until the limiter.

scottcraft

If you build one I hope you do a build thread. I have considered an F2B setup as well.

civichxtreme2

I will, but it would be very slow moving, I dont rush anything.