k24a1 head swap

[Los7Krpm]

My RSX is a base model. I accidently mis-shifted and now i have a misfire in cylinder 2. I've been told by a couple people the head from a K24A1 CRV would be perfect for my car.

Since im going to have to take off the head and and replace the valves anyway im thinking about trying to swap it out.

I was also told that it will flow better than a Type-S head and that it would work with my ECU because the cams are the same.

Im not sure if the compression would decrease or not though. So I'm trying to get as much input as possible.

Anyone have a suggestion?

[8695Beaters]

The K20 head flows much better. This is why there are lots of K24 block/K20 head hybrids out there. The other thing to consider is many of the K24 equipped vehicles use DBW throttle and not a throttle cable (so you need a new throttle body). If you went ahead and did this swap, a TSX head is a much better candidate. Check out the "All VTECs are not created equal" article on this site. If anything, find a K24 block and another K20 head and make some manly torque. Or make it simple and just replace the head. A Type-S head will need a new ECU to make the VTEC work correctly, as will most other head swaps.

Are you positive it's the whole head that went? It could just be a broken plug.

[Los7Krpm]

yeah changed the plug. Still had a misfire. I'm still learning a lot of this stuff. so i'm in the trial and error phase of modification. I was told about 90% of the time its the exhaust valves that are damaged. does that sound right?

[8695Beaters]

Missing a shift can do a number of things. Bending a valve is one thing. Sometimes the piston is damaged, but I don't think a either of those would cause a misfire. Sounds more like something is damaged in the ignition or fueling system. To be honest, the base RSX motor and the Type-S are 2 totally different beasts. Similar blocks, but the closest thing to the base engine is the EP3 Civic Si (aka a runt of a Honda motor). You'd really be best off finding a K20A2, which will solve all your problems and give you lots more power. This would be a direct bolt-in, and if you get everything off the junker engine, then putting it in will take no more than a weekend. You will probably need a new tach for the new engine, and the Type-S shifter (so reverse will work correctly), but everything else you need should be attached to the engine. And make sure you have very solid paperwork for your new motor. You will have to take the car to a dealership to get the ECU programmed to work with your key. If they have any doubts about how you got your new engine (ie they think it's stolen), they won't do the reflash. And while your old ECU will run the engine, but don't expect it to handle the VTEC. That's just asking for another dead motor.

[Los7Krpm]

I was just looking at a K24a4 motor out of an accord for cheap. Would that be just as much work as geting a k20a2? (as far as matching the ECU, trans etc.)

[8695Beaters]

This should answer most of your questions. They used a Type-S, but your chassis is the same. The K20 swap will be much easier, since the engine will come with every part you need, whereas this swap will need a few things here and there. Also remember that the Accord has a 5-speed and the RSX-S has 6 (as does the TSX). If you want ease, the K20 is the best bet. Baller means the K24. Both mean not missing any more shifts.


Short Block with K20A2 VTEC Cylinder Head - Tech - Sport Compact Car Magazine

[Los7Krpm]

thanks that helps.