might sound like a noob question but how can u tell the difference between a k20 and k24 motor just by looking at it?

 

The valve cover on the k24 usually has "2.4 DOHC" on it.

 

ur talkin about this right?


but how can u tell when the engine bay looks like this

 

the serial number tells u i think

 

The code on the block, will say what it is, ie: k20a3,k24a1, etc etc

 

I would have told you to check the intake manifold runners, because the ones on the K24 are black and the Type S are silver. If that motor in your picture is a k24, then its probably a k24/k20 or the intake manifold was changed. So just check the stamp

 

so the code on the block is realli the only way to tell? was that the same way with the b series motors, the only way to tell what was what was by lookin at the block code?

 

k24 is a way better engine than the k20 i have a friend that he did a engine swap on is rsx. he put a k24. i have a k20 on my rsx that fool got alot faster.

 

^^ he didn't ask which one was better... he asked if you could tell the difference without a valve cover or looking at the engine block...