The Honda K24A3 engine is a legend among tuners and daily drivers alike. If you’re looking for a detailed technical specifications guide, you’ve come to the right place. This four-cylinder powerhouse is known for its incredible balance of reliability, efficiency, and tuning potential. We’re going to break down everything that makes this engine special.
Honda K24A3 Engine Specs and Performance – Detailed Technical Specifications Guide
This guide covers every nut and bolt. We’ll look at its core design, official specs, real-world performance, and why it remains so popular years after production ended.
What is the Honda K24A3 Engine?
The K24A3 is a 2.4-liter, inline-four cylinder engine part of Honda’s renowned K-series family. It was produced from 2002 to 2008 and served as the primary powerplant for several key models in the North American market. Unlike its more aggressive siblings, the K24A3 was tuned for broad torque and everyday usability.
You’ll find it under the hood of vehicles like the 2002-2008 Honda CR-V and the 2003-2007 Honda Element. Its design philosophy prioritized durability and low-end power, making it perfect for SUVs and practical vehicles. However, its robust internals also make it a fantastic starting point for performance projects.
Core Engine Design and Architecture
The K24A3 is a textbook example of Honda engineering. It uses an all-aluminum block and cylinder head to save weight. The block itself is an open-deck design, which is common for production engines focused on cost-effectiveness and cooling.
Here are the foundational design elements:
* Displacement: 2.4 liters (2354 cc).
* Bore and Stroke: 87mm x 99mm. This is a classic “undersquare” or long-stroke design. The stroke is longer than the bore diameter, which is key to its torque characteristics.
* Compression Ratio: 9.7:1. This is a relatively modest ratio, allowing it to run reliably on regular 87-octane fuel.
* Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts) with VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control). Importantly, the K24A3 uses a simpler, more economical form of VTEC often called “VTEC-E” or 3-stage VTEC on the intake side only. It optimizes for fuel economy at low RPM and switches to a more aggressive cam profile for power at higher RPM.
* Block Deck: Open-deck design.
* Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI).
Detailed Technical Specifications
Let’s get into the hard numbers. This table lays out the official factory specifications for the Honda K24A3 engine.
Official Factory Specifications Table
* Engine Code: K24A3
* Displacement: 2354 cc (2.4L)
* Bore x Stroke: 87.0 mm x 99.0 mm
* Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
* Horsepower: 160 hp @ 5500 rpm (SAE net)
* Torque: 161 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (SAE net)
* Redline: 6500 rpm
* Fuel Cut: ~6800 rpm
* VTEC Engagement: ~2200-2500 rpm (intake cam changeover)
* Fuel Requirement: 87 Octane (Regular Unleaded)
* Oil Capacity: 4.4 quarts (with filter)
* Recommended Oil: 5W-20 or 5W-30
* Valve Arrangement: DOHC, 16-valve (4 valves per cylinder)
* Throttle Body Diameter: 60mm
Performance Characteristics and Driving Feel
Don’t let the 160 horsepower figure fool you. The K24A3’s performance is all about accessibility. The long-stroke design means you get strong torque very low in the RPM range. This makes vehicles like the CR-V feel surprisingly peppy around town, with minimal need to rev the engine high.
The VTEC system provides a noticeable, though not radical, change in engine note and pull around 2200-2500 RPM. It’s not the high-RPM “kick” of a performance Honda, but a seamless transition that improves mid-range power. The engine is exceptionally smooth and refined for a four-cylinder, with minimal vibration.
Its real strength is its flat, usable torque curve. You have plenty of power for merging and passing without having to downshift constantly. For a daily driver or light-duty vehicle, this characteristic is often more usefull than a high peak horsepower number.
Common Applications: What Cars Used the K24A3?
This engine was the workhorse for Honda’s light truck and SUV segment in the 2000s. Its torque-focused nature was a perfect match.
* Honda CR-V (2002-2008 2nd Generation): The primary application. It provided the SUV with adequate power and excellent reliability.
* Honda Element (2003-2007): Shared the CR-V’s platform and drivetrain, including the K24A3. It offered the same dependable performance.
It’s crucial to note that other models, like the Acura TSX and later CR-Vs, used different K24 variants (like the K24A2, K24A8, etc.) with higher compression, more aggressive camshafts, and higher horsepower outputs. Always check the engine code stamped on the block to confirm you have a K24A3.
Tuning Potential and Common Modifications
While not a factory performance engine, the K24A3 has a massive aftermarket following. Its strong bottom end and durable construction make it a favorite for swaps and turbocharging projects. Here’s why tuners love it:
The block can handle significant power increases with proper tuning. The stock rods and pistons are robust, though for serious boost (over ~400 hp), forged internals are recommended. The cylinder head, while not as aggressive as the K20A2 or K24A2 head, is still a quality piece.
Common upgrade paths include:
1. Cold Air Intake and Exhaust: Basic bolt-ons to improve airflow and free up a few horsepower.
2. Header: Replacing the restrictive factory exhaust manifold with a performance header is one of the best bang-for-your-buck mods for this engine.
3. ECU Tuning (Hondata, FlashPro): This is where significant gains are found. A custom tune can optimize air/fuel ratios, ignition timing, and VTEC engagement for any set of modifications.
4. Forced Induction (Turbo/Supercharger): The most popular route for big power. A well-engineered turbo kit on a stock K24A3 can reliably produce 300-350 whp.
5. Cylinder Head Swap: Many enthusiasts swap the K24A3 head for a K20A2 or K24A2 head. These heads have more aggressive camshafts and larger ports, significantly improving high-RPM breathing when combined with the K24A3’s long-stroke block. This hybrid setup is often called a “Frankenstein” build.
Reliability, Common Issues, and Maintenance
The K24A3 is famously reliable. With basic maintenance, these engines regularly surpass 250,000 miles. The design is robust and overbuilt for its stock power level. However, no engine is perfect, and there are a few known areas to watch.
Common Problems to Be Aware Of
* VTC (Variable Timing Control) Actuator Rattle: A very common issue on many K-series engines. On cold start, you may hear a loud rattling noise for 1-2 seconds. This is caused by wear in the VTC actuator on the intake camshaft. It rarely causes drivability issues but can be annoying. Replacing the actuator fixes it.
* Valve Cover Gasket Leaks: The rubber gasket can harden and leak oil over time, especially around the spark plug tube seals. This is a straightforward and inexpensive fix.
* Oil Consumption: Some engines may begin to consume oil at higher mileage, often due to worn piston rings or valve stem seals. Regular oil level checks are advised.
* Motor Mount Failure: The hydraulic engine mounts, especially the rear mount, can fail and cause increased vibration. This is more of a vehicle-specific issue but is common in the CR-V and Element.
Essential Maintenance Schedule
Sticking to a strict maintenance routine is key to longevity.
* Oil Changes: Every 5,000 miles with a quality 5W-30 synthetic or conventional oil and a OEM-style filter.
* Spark Plugs: Replace with OEM-spec iridium plugs every 100,000 miles.
Timing Chain: The K24A3 uses a chain, not a belt. It should last the life of the engine, but it’s wise to have it inspected for stretch or guide wear during major services after 150,000 miles.
* Valve Adjustment: Honda recommends checking and adjusting the valve clearance every 110,000 miles. This is crucial for keeping the engine quiet and running efficiently.
* Coolant Flush: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years.
K24A3 vs. Other Popular K-Series Engines
How does the A3 stack up against its famous family members? Here’s a quick comparison.
* vs. K24A2 (Acura TSX): The A2 has a higher 10.5:1 compression ratio, more aggressive camshafts, and a performance-oriented intake manifold. It makes 200 hp. The A3 is the torquier, lower-revving, more economical cousin.
* vs. K20A2 (Acura RSX Type-S): The K20 is a 2.0L high-revving masterpiece with a 8000+ rpm redline and i-VTEC on both intake and exhaust. It makes less torque but more peak power (200 hp) and is built for RPM. The K24A3 is its strong, low-end focused relative.
* vs. K24Z3 (Later CR-V/Accord): The Z3 is a newer design with a different block and i-VTEC. It makes similar power but with updated technology and often better fuel economy.
The K24A3’s advantage is its low-cost availability and strong, boost-friendly bottom end. For a swap or turbo build, it’s often the preferred starting point over the more expensive, higher-compression variants.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower can a stock K24A3 handle?
With a good tune, a stock K24A3 can reliably handle 300-350 wheel horsepower with forced induction. Pushing beyond that requires upgrading internal components like pistons and connecting rods.
Can I put a K24A3 head on a K20 block?
You can, but it’s not the typical “Frankenstein” build. The more common and beneficial swap is putting a K20A2 head on a K24A3 block. The K24A3 head is designed for torque and economy, not high-RPM flow.
Is the K24A3 a non-VTEC engine?
No, it does have VTEC, but only on the intake camshaft. It’s a simpler, 3-stage system optimized for fuel economy and mid-range torque, not maximum high-RPM horsepower.
What is the best oil for a K24A3?
Stick with what Honda recommends. A quality 5W-30 grade oil, either synthetic blend or full synthetic, is perfect for most climates and driving conditions. Change it regularly—that’s more important than the specific brand.
Why is the K24A3 so popular for engine swaps?
It’s cheap, plentiful, and incredibly robust. Its torque-heavy nature makes it great for swapping into lighter cars like the Honda Civic or classic Minis, providing a huge power increase without needing to rev extremely high. The aftermarket support is also enormous.
Final Thoughts on the K24A3
The Honda K24A3 engine is a testament to smart, purposeful engineering. It was never meant to be a headline-grabbing performance motor. Instead, Honda designed a powerplant that excelled at its job: providing smooth, dependable, and torque-rich power for everyday vehicles.
Its legacy, however, extends far beyond the CR-V and Element. The tuning community has recognized its inherent strength and potential, turning it into a modern icon for affordable performance. Whether you’re maintaining a faithful daily driver or planning a high-horsepower project build, the K24A3 offers a fantastic foundation. Its combination of reliability, character, and tunability ensures it will remain a favorite for many years to come. Just remember to check those valve clearances and listen for that cold-start rattle.