My car is an 04 Honda Civic Sir EP3. SI in the US. These cars have the same engine as the Acura RSX type S. It is the 2.0L 16 Valve DOHC i-VTEC K-series engine. The Acura has 200 HP and redlines around 8300 RPM. The Civic has 160 HP and redlines at 7000 RPM. The Civic EP3 that is available in Japan is actually called the type R and is fast and high revving like the RSX. My question is, aside from reprogramming my Honda ECU and getting a higher performance intake manifold like the RSX, what else needs to be done to increase the HP and remove the rev limiter programing, and basically have the engine work the way it was designed before Honda detuned it?

 

There are many differences between the K20A3 (Civic Si and base RSX) and the K20A2 (RSX Type S). For starters the K20A2 was designed to rev to 8000 RPM, not 6800 RPM. Think intake manifold, cylinder head, camshafts, pistons, etc. An intake manifold is not going to add 40 HP. Honda did not "detune" this engine.

 

Thanks for the input. I was unaware that the RSX S engine had different internals. That would be the factor. I guess unless I want to basically rebuild my engine Im stuck with a mediocre performance. Thanks again.

 

Have you considered forced induction? You do not have to go extreme.

 

Hmmm, you mean like a supercharger or turbo? I'm no expert for sure but I thought if your engine is somewhat high compression and uses VTEC, a turbo or SC might damage it or blow seals. This is what I dont know. Basically I am not building a race car, it is my daily driver. I love the car, it looks sick, its well built, I just want a little more out of it in terms of sportiness. I have done the brakes, nothing crazy, I want to do the suspension, I have a catback and want to do the headers. But like I said, nothing really expenssive or too extenssive, just some more kick. I really don't know what to do.

 

swap the engine and call it a day

 

Vtec has nothing to do with going boost. Whoever stated that needs to be shot. your the second person who has stated something like that. Anyways, If your engine has high compression, idealy, you are not suppose to push boost thru it because it will ruin the motor a lot quicker but these motors are a lot stronger and seem capable to withstanding boost. Aside all that, you apparently have a k20a3 and have a compression of 9.8:1 which is a good compression for boost which means you can push more but not ungoddly amounts of boost. Honestly tho, i'd get rid of the a3 and get an a2.

 

A cheap catback and header isn't going to give you that kick you're looking for. Maybe a pyschological feeling that your car is faster, but not really a real one.

The k20a3 engine is practically begging to be boosted and the tranny is perfect for it. Boost or swap.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WhiteOnRice &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Boost or swap. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yep.

Or, enjoy it for what it is. Do the suspension correctly and the car will be a blast to drive. Power does not always = fun.

For simple mods that work, do a Hondata reflash. That's the best thing for the K20a3 motor.

1) Hondata
2) Exhaust
3) Intake
4) Header

Then you're done. No other bolt-ons will gain the power these 4 will, unless you start to go radical.

 

You want some fun? swap a K20A in there than your talking. Then call it a day lol.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Todd00 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Yep.

Or, enjoy it for what it is. Do the suspension correctly and the car will be a blast to drive. Power does not always = fun.

For simple mods that work, do a Hondata reflash. That's the best thing for the K20a3 motor.

1) Hondata
2) Exhaust
3) Intake
4) Header

Then you're done. No other bolt-ons will gain the power these 4 will, unless you start to go radical.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i was thinking i would be the first one to say hondata ECU