What Car Used K24 Engine: Performance and Reliability
The K24 engine is a powerhouse that has made its mark in the automotive world, especially among enthusiasts and tuners. This 2.4-liter inline-four engine is part of Honda’s K-series family, which has gained a reputation for its reliability, performance, and tunability. The K24 engine is known for its robust design and versatility, making it a preferred choice for various applications, from everyday commuting to high-performance builds.
Specifications and Features
The K24 engine comes in several variants, each with its own unique specifications. Here’s a quick breakdown of some key features:
| Variant | Displacement | Power Output | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| K24A1 | 2.4L | 160 hp | 162 lb-ft |
| K24A2 | 2.4L | 190 hp | 162 lb-ft |
| K24Z1 | 2.4L | 190 hp | 162 lb-ft |
The K24 is equipped with features like DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), and a relatively high compression ratio, which contribute to its efficiency and performance. The engine’s design allows for a smooth power delivery and a broad power band, making it suitable for a variety of driving conditions.
Applications in Different Models
The K24 engine has been utilized in numerous Honda and Acura models, showcasing its adaptability. Here are some notable applications:
- Honda Accord: The K24A4 variant powers several generations of the Accord, offering a balanced mix of performance and comfort.
- Honda CR-V: Known for its reliability, the K24 engine in the CR-V provides ample power for both city driving and off-road adventures.
- Honda Civic: The Civic Si models have also featured the K24, appealing to those who crave a sportier driving experience.
- Acura TSX: The K24A2 variant in the TSX delivers a spirited drive, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Each of these models showcases the K24’s ability to deliver performance while maintaining Honda’s reputation for reliability.
Tuning Potential
One of the most appealing aspects of the K24 engine is its tuning potential. With a strong aftermarket support system, enthusiasts can easily enhance the performance of this engine. Common modifications include:
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- Cold Air Intakes: Improves airflow and increases horsepower.
- Exhaust Systems: Upgrading to a performance exhaust system can enhance sound and performance.
- ECU Tuning: Reprogramming the engine’s ECU can unlock additional power and efficiency.
- Turbocharging: Many tuners opt to add a turbocharger to the K24, significantly boosting power output.
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These modifications can transform a stock K24 into a formidable engine capable of competing in various motorsport events or simply providing a thrilling driving experience.
Reliability and Maintenance
When it comes to reliability, the K24 engine is a solid choice. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and timing belt replacements, can keep this engine running smoothly for years. The engine’s design allows for easy access to components, making repairs and routine maintenance straightforward for mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Safety isn’t a primary concern with the K24 itself, but it’s essential to ensure that any modifications or tuning don’t compromise the vehicle’s overall safety systems. Proper tuning and maintenance are crucial to keeping the engine running efficiently and safely.
In summary, the K24 engine is a versatile and robust option for a wide range of vehicles. Its performance capabilities, tuning potential, and reliability make it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Whether you’re looking to enhance your daily driver or build a high-performance machine, the K24 engine is worth considering.
Exploring the K24 Engine’s Applications
The K24 engine has been a staple in Honda’s lineup for years, powering a diverse range of vehicles. Its combination of performance, reliability, and efficiency makes it a popular choice among manufacturers and consumers alike. Let’s dive into the specific models that have utilized the K24 engine and what makes each of them stand out.
Honda Models Featuring the K24 Engine
Honda has integrated the K24 engine into several of its models, each tailored to different market segments. Here’s a comprehensive list of notable Honda vehicles that come equipped with the K24 engine:
| Model | Year Range | Engine Variant | Power Output | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord | 2003-2007 | K24A4 | 160 hp | Spacious interior, reliable performance |
| Honda Accord | 2008-2012 | K24Z2 | 190 hp | Improved fuel efficiency, modern design |
| Honda CR-V | 2002-2006 | K24A1 | 160 hp | Versatile SUV, ample cargo space |
| Honda CR-V | 2007-2016 | K24Z1 | 190 hp | All-wheel drive option, family-friendly |
| Honda Civic | 2006-2011 | K24Z3 | 190 hp | Sporty design, agile handling |
| Honda Element | 2003-2011 | K24A1 | 160 hp | Unique styling, versatile seating |
| Honda Odyssey | 2005-2010 | K24Z2 | 240 hp | Family-friendly, spacious interior |
| Honda Ridgeline | 2006-2014 | K24Z2 | 250 hp | Truck utility, car-like ride |
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Acura Models Featuring the K24 Engine
Acura, Honda’s luxury division, has also adopted the K24 engine in several of its models. Here’s a look at some key Acura vehicles that feature this engine:
- Acura TSX: Produced from 2004 to 2014, the TSX was equipped with the K24A2 engine variant, delivering a sporty driving experience with 190 hp. Its sleek design and upscale features made it a favorite among enthusiasts.
- Acura RDX: The first-generation RDX (2007-2012) utilized the K24 engine, offering a turbocharged variant that provided a balance of power and efficiency for a compact luxury SUV.
Performance and Reliability
The K24 engine is not just about numbers; it’s about how those numbers translate into real-world performance. Here’s what you can expect:
- Responsive Acceleration: The K24 engine’s power delivery is smooth and responsive, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising.
- Fuel Efficiency: Many K24-equipped vehicles boast impressive fuel economy, which is a significant advantage for daily drivers.
- Longevity: With proper maintenance, K24 engines are known to last well over 200,000 miles, making them a reliable choice for long-term ownership.
Aftermarket Support and Tuning
The K24 engine has a thriving aftermarket scene. Enthusiasts can easily find performance parts and tuning options to enhance their vehicles. Here are some popular modifications:
- Intake Systems: Upgrading to a cold air intake can significantly improve airflow and engine response.
- Exhaust Upgrades: A performance exhaust system not only enhances sound but also increases horsepower.
- ECU Remapping: Tuning the engine’s ECU can unlock additional performance and efficiency.
- Forced Induction: Many enthusiasts opt for turbocharging or supercharging their K24 engines to achieve substantial power gains.
The K24 engine is a versatile and capable powerplant that has found its way into a wide array of vehicles. Its performance, reliability, and tuning potential make it a favorite among both manufacturers and car enthusiasts. Whether you’re driving a Honda Accord or an Acura TSX, the K24 engine delivers a well-rounded experience that continues to impress.
Validation of K24 Engine Facts
The K24 engine’s reputation is backed by a wealth of data and authoritative sources. Its performance, reliability, and versatility have been recognized in various automotive circles. Below are some key points that justify the claims made about the K24 engine.
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Performance Metrics
The K24 engine has consistently demonstrated impressive performance metrics across multiple platforms. Here’s what the data shows:
- Power Output: The K24 engine variants typically produce between 160 to 250 horsepower, depending on the model and tuning. This range places it among the more powerful four-cylinder engines in its class.
- Fuel Efficiency: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), vehicles equipped with the K24 engine often achieve fuel economy ratings of 20-30 miles per gallon, making them economical choices for daily driving.
Source: EPA Fuel Economy Guide
The EPA provides detailed fuel economy ratings for various vehicles, confirming the efficiency of K24-equipped models.
Awards and Recognition
The K24 engine has received accolades that further solidify its standing in the automotive industry:
- Ward’s 10 Best Engines: The K24 engine was featured in Ward’s 10 Best Engines list multiple times, highlighting its engineering excellence and performance capabilities.
- Consumer Reports Ratings: Many Honda and Acura models powered by the K24 engine consistently receive high marks in Consumer Reports, particularly for reliability and owner satisfaction.
Source: Ward’s Automotive
Ward’s Automotive is a respected authority in the industry, providing insights and rankings based on extensive testing.
Longevity and Reliability
The K24 engine is known for its durability, often exceeding 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This claim is supported by:
- Owner Testimonials: Many K24 owners report high mileage without significant issues, showcasing the engine’s reliability in real-world conditions.
- Mechanic Insights: Automotive professionals frequently recommend the K24 engine for its low maintenance costs and longevity compared to other engines in the same class.
Source: Automotive Forums and Mechanic Reviews
Numerous automotive forums and mechanic reviews highlight the K24 engine’s reliability, providing anecdotal evidence from real users.
The K24 engine’s performance, awards, and reliability are well-documented and supported by credible sources, making it a standout choice in the automotive landscape.
The Honda K24 Engine: Four-Piston Powerhouse Was a Killer Kingmaker
From the K24A1’s horsepower to the K24Z7’s torque, an in-depth look at Honda’s hall-of-fame engine.
Lou Ruggieri Writer MotorTrend Staff Photographer Manufacturer Photographer Sep 14, 2023
Imagine, if you will, a hall of fame for engines that have been tuned more than any other. A few instantly come to mind as first-ballot inductees, including six-cylinders such as Toyota’s Supra-lative 2JZ-GTE and Nissan’s Godzillic RB26DETT, and Chevy’s old-school-meets-new-school LS V-8. There’s a four-cylinder superstar, as well, that’s also a shoo-in for the hall. Called the Honda K24, it’s one of the most impressive and oft-tuned production engines in automotive history.
The K24 wasn’t the first Honda engine to entice the JDM tuning crowd. Its late 1980s B-Series line legitimized Honda’s bonafides thanks to engines like the B16A3, which powered thefun-in-the-sun Civic Del Sol and produced as much as a whopping 100 hp per liter. But once the K24 came along, it surpassed the B-Series in almost every way.
Honda hasn’t stopped iterating on the K24, either. It’s undergone many updates over the past two decades, resulting in a staggering 18 variants as of this writing. Outside of the B-Series, the K24 is arguably the best and most adaptable engine family Honda has ever built. The following is a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about Honda’s amazing hall of famer, the K24 engine.
Everything To Know About The Honda K-Series Engine
There’s almost zero chance that Honda engineers knew they were making what would become one of the most beloved engines in car culture when they released the K-Series engine. In the past, we’ve touched on what made the K24 engine so special. However, limiting ourselves to just one engine in the K-Series family is truly doing the engine lineup an injustice. If you think of virtually any important Honda model for the past 20 years, there’s a decent chance there’s a K-series engine under the hood. The K-series engine still feels like a relatively new development, but it is, in fact, over 20 years old now.
Honda first brought the K-series engine to the world under the hood of the 2001 Honda Civic Type R and 2001 Honda Integra Type R. Of course, the U.S. did not get those vehicles. Instead, the K-Series hit the U.S. market a year later with the 2002 Acura RSX, the EP3 Civic Si (slightly watered-down versions of the Type R models), and the ever-loved crossover, the CR-V. Since then, the K-series family has grown, modernized, and become cult-loved in the tuner community, working its way under the hood of almost any vehicle you could imagine, whether it’s front, rear, or all-wheel-drive.
K-Series Techincal Data
The K-Series is a standard dual-overhead-camshaft inline four-cylinder engine layout. Both the engine block and cylinder head are made from aluminum. Initially, the K-Series used standard multi-port fuel injection, meaning the fuel injectors spray fuel into the intake manifold, and the valves control its entry into the combustion chamber. However, later versions of the K-series switched to direct injection, with the injectors spraying fuel directly into the combustion chamber. In addition, early K-series engines were solely naturally aspirated. However, as the K-series lineage grew, forced induction via a turbocharger came from the factory, depending on the model.
The K-series combines Honda’s already noteworthy capability to build efficient, robust, and dependable engines with a timing chain that rarely needs servicing and strong rotating assembly components. Because of this, it’s not uncommon to see K-series engines lasting well over the 200,000-mile mark. Honda also used these engines for racing, so they’re no strangers to abuse. This is why they became such popular platforms for modification. Without any internal upgrades, K-series engines are known to be capable of over 400 horsepower with added forced induction and proper tuning.
Of course, we can’t bring up an iconic Honda engine without mentioning VTEC. K-series engines use Honda’s i-VTEC system, which implements both variable valve timing and varying camshaft profiles. This allows maximum efficiency across virtually every feasible engine RPM.
K20
The K20, as you might assume based on the name, has a displacement of two liters. Though it was born with the Type R models, as discussed above, the K20 found its way into a myriad of different Honda models over the years. These include the Acura RSX and RSX Type S, Honda Accord, CR-V, and even the legendary modern Honda Civic Type R. In addition, Honda also used K20 engines in the United States Formula 4 racing championship.
Depending on the model, naturally aspirated variants of the K20 saw up to 221 horsepower and up to 159 lb-ft of torque. One of its notable claims to fame is its impressive rev range, with some models reaching a redline of 8,600 RPM.
Later variants of the K20 that implemented turbocharging and direct injection saw a substantial increase in power output. At 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, the turbo K20 is truly a monstrous evolution of this platform.
In terms of swaps and high-horsepower starting points in the K20, the K20Z3, found in 2006 through 2011 Honda Civic Si models, is one of the most desirable for its high-flowing cylinder head. Similarly, the K20Z1 from later model year RSX Type S examples are sought for the same reason.
K23
Often overlooked, the K23 was a 2.3-liter variant of the K-series that did not last all that long. Spanning model years 2007 to 2012, the K23 was found solely in the Acura RDX. It shares the “tall block” with the K24 (9.1-inch block height vs the K20’s 8.3 inches). All K23s were turbocharged and made 240 horsepower with an accompanying 260 lb-ft of torque.
The K23 wasn’t long for this world because it, quite frankly, was fairly dull. The power output sounds decent, but the RDX platform itself was a bit uninspired with its 0-60 time of around seven seconds. It wasn’t all that nimble and managed an almost impressively low 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway EPA rating. Even though it’s in a compact SUV, that’s not a phenomenal fuel economy rating for a turbo four-cylinder, even by the standards of the time. Ultimately, the first-generation RDX flopped, and its replacement came with a V6 engine. Just like that, the lowly K23 came to an end.
K24
The K24 uses the same 9.1-inch block height as the K23. However, it did not fall to the same fate. Instead, the K24 shares the limelight with the K20 and is regarded as one of the greatest engines ever by Honda. The K24 is also found in a slew of Honda models, including the Accord, CR-V, Odyssey, Crosstour, Element, and ninth-generation Civic Si. In addition, the K24 powers Acura ILX, TSX, and TLX models.
On the high end, the K24 family made up to 206 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. Much like the K20, though, the robust build quality and proven reliability of the K24 make it a popular swap and tuner candidate. With aftermarket parts, there are a handful of K24 engines making north of 1,000 horsepower.
Unlike the K20, the K24 did not get a turbocharged variant as the family continued to grow. As of the 2024 model year, the only remaining Honda vehicle using the K24 is the Honda Odyssey. Specifically, only the Japanese-delivered models.
Common K-Series Engine Problems
Though the K-series is known for its robust build quality and dependability, nothing is without its faults. The K-series has a couple of things to keep an eye on if you own one or plan on it.
If your K-series engine is making a ticking sound from the top end, there’s a good chance you’ll need to adjust the valve lash. If it’s not making any noise, it’s important to ask the seller if it has had a valve adjustment. Though it’s a relatively quick and inexpensive job, leaving it unmanaged can have detrimental effects on engine health.
Honda recommends replacing the timing chain at 120,000 miles. If the engine has more mileage than that, it’s important to ask if it’s been replaced. Timing chain failure will lead to pistons contacting valves and require an engine rebuild or complete engine replacement if the damage is substantial enough.
Early K20 engines occasionally have problems with cylinder four overheating, so a compression test is always a good idea. Overheating can cause the head or block to warp and cause a failed head gasket.
Finally, direct injection K-series models can experience substantial carbon buildup on valves since there is no fuel spraying atop the intake valves, as you’d find in a standard multi-port injection setup. Getting high-mileage direct-injected K-series engines media blasted can alleviate this issue.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/honda-acura-k24-four-cylinder-engine-history-specs
https://www.slashgear.com/1539020/all-about-the-honda-k-series-engine/
