Honda R20A, R20A1, R20A2, R20A9 engines
Content
Honda R20A, R20A1, R20A2, R20A9 engines belong to the R20 series, which has common features and for the most part the same characteristics. The main engines were the R18A, which was equipped with a crankshaft with a longer stroke. Additionally, balance shafts were introduced, and the intake manifold was modified. The cylinder head was also taken from the R18A. ICEs from the R20 series have variable valve timing and 16 valves.
The R20A does not have hydraulic lifters in its design, so valve clearance adjustment is required every 40 thousand kilometers. Unlike the Honda K20, the motor feels more confident at low and medium speeds. Differs in simplicity, reliability and profitability. The sporty character is gone (unlike the K20), but it is more than compensated by numerous advantages. It is worth noting that the R20A1 is a version of the engine that was assembled for the Japanese market. R20A2 is the equivalent for consumers in Europe.
R-series engines are modified units of previous generations, the design of which takes into account all the errors. Great for civilian vehicles. They do not have sports potential, but they easily perform the functions of a "workhorse". Designed for C class cars.
In the R-series internal combustion engines, more emphasis is placed on environmental friendliness. At the same time, less attention is paid to dynamics and driving pleasure. In connection with the latest environmental regulations, the engines were cut in power, but this reduced the amount of emissions into the atmosphere. In general, the R-series engines are very good and have a right to exist.
R-Series Features
R series engines, including R20A, R20A1, R20A2, R20A9, appeared in the 2000s. Initially served as the power unit for the Honda Civic. In Japan itself, they were installed on Crossroad. According to the technical characteristics, the engines are close to the D-series. They are distinguished by their simple design, the presence of only one shaft and a relatively small volume of 1,8 liters.
R-series engines also exist in 2-litre versions for the CR-V and Accord. These internal combustion engines were a new solution for Honda. They came to replace the morally and structurally obsolete motors of the ZC, H, F, D, B series. Many interesting solutions were embodied in the new (at the beginning of the 2000s) R series engines.
The 1,8 liter engines boasted more torque than the 15 and 1,5 liter L1,7s. Thanks to this, the cars got a sharp start from a place. The use of a single camshaft in the design significantly reduced the cost of the engine, further simplifying the manufacturing process. Even the valve cover of the engines began to be made of plastic, not aluminum. In practice, this not only further reduced the cost of the design, but also did not affect reliability (no leaks were observed).
In general terms, the motors R20A, R20A1, R20A2, R20A9 are a kind of analogue of the D-series internal combustion engine, but only with a timing chain drive. There are no frills, and therefore there is practically nothing to fail. Comparing motors with the F-series, we can say that the R-series is in many ways better. There are no constant leaks and self-pollution is not at such a high level.
R20A is one of the best representatives of the family. The two-liter engine naturally has decent torque (as opposed to the 1,8-liter). Dynamism is more than enough. Unlike K-series engines, the exhaust camshaft wear problem has been overcome in the R20A. This R-motor is trouble-free and was installed, including on European-assembled Chords.
The R20A has 16 valves per cylinder and the block is made of aluminum. The motor is equipped with an electronic fuel supply control system. Such an innovation for its time made it possible to reduce fuel losses and to stabilize the operation of the engine as much as possible. The engine uses technologies that aim to save fuel. The piston rings have a special coating, the overall weight of the internal combustion engine is reduced due to the use of aluminum and plastic parts in the assembly.
In general, R-engines have become worthy successors of the classic ICEs of the 90s. Profitability, power, reliability and simplicity do not cease to please car owners. Currently, they are one of the best engines from Honda, with which it is planned to equip cars for more than one year.
Technical specifications
| Engine | Volume, cc | Power, hp | Max. power, hp (kW) / at rpm | Max. torque, N/m (kg/m) / at rpm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R20A | 1997 | 150 – 156 | 150 (110) to 6200 156 (115) to 6300 | 189 (19) to 4300 190 (19) to 4200 191 (19) to 4300 193 (20) to 4200 |
| R20A1 | 1997 | 150 | 148 (110) to 6200 | 190 (19) to 4200 |
| R20A2 | 1997 | 150 | 150 (110) to 6200 | 192 (20) to 4200 |
| R20A9 | 1997 | 150 | 150 (110) to 6500 | 189 (19) to 4300 190 (19) to 4300 |
The engine number is in a hard-to-see area in front of the engine under the manifold closer to the gearbox.
Malfunctions
During operation, the R20A may experience knocking in the engine. In some cases, this does not indicate a malfunction, but indicates the operation of the adsorber valve. In the worst case, knocking is emitted by valves that need to be adjusted approximately every 40 thousand kilometers. If such an operation has not been performed for a long time, then most likely the knock is associated precisely with the incorrect operation of the valves.
The R20 engine often hums a lot during operation. Excessive sound may be due to insufficient drive belt tension. By the way, the service life of the belt is approximately 100 thousand kilometers, but sometimes less. Noise disappears after belt replacement.
Motors R20A, R20A1, R20A2, R20A9 are characterized by vibration during cold start. In general, this phenomenon is normal. If the vibrations are too strong, then you should think about checking the supports, or to be more precise, the left support. Low-quality gasoline can significantly reduce the life of the lambda probe and catalyst. High-quality engine oil will help to maintain the performance of the system with variable valve timing for a long time.
Reliability
The R series motors have a simple design. As a result, they are incredibly reliable. Over the years of operation, the R20A, R20A1, R20A2, R20A9 engines have not had any serious shortcomings. In practice, the timing chain drive has shown its wear resistance. In terms of unpretentiousness, the motors are as good as the L-series internal combustion engines, and in terms of ease of maintenance they are not inferior to the K-series motors.
Engine failure is often caused by improper maintenance. As such, there are no subtleties in the procedure. The main requirement is timely oil change. Fluid must be 0w20 or 5w20. Also, do not forget about the timely replacement of consumables.
Service
R20A, R20A1, R20A2, R20A9 are completely trouble-free engines. With proper care, they can travel up to 300 kilometers. For such a run, in addition to monitoring the level of liquids, it is required to monitor the quality of the fuel being poured. It is advisable to fill in only 95 gasoline. It is recommended to change the engine oil every 5 thousand kilometers.
After 40-50 thousand kilometers, the valves are adjusted. It is necessary to constantly monitor the presence of extraneous vibrations and noises, in time to detect a malfunction of the drive tensioners, valve performance and cushion wear. Rebuilding an engine is possible, but quite expensive. It is almost always easier to buy a contract engine.
Cars on which engines were installed
| brand, body | Years of production | Engine | Power, hp | Volume, l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord wagon | 2011-13 | R20A | 156 | 2 |
| Honda Accord, sedan | 2011-13 | R20A | 156 | 2 |
| Honda CR-V | 2011-16 | R20A | 150 | 2 |
| Honda Crossroad, suv | 2007-10 | R20A | 150 | 2 |
| Honda Stepwgn, minivan | 2012-15 | R20A | 150 | 2 |
| 2009-12 | R20A | 150 | 2 | |
| Honda Stream, minivan | 2009-14 | R20A | 150 | 2 |
| 2006-09 | R20A | 150 | 2 | |
| Honda CR-V | 2007-11 | R20A1 | 150 | 2 |
| Honda Stream, compact van | 2008-14 | R20A1 | 150 | 2 |
| Acura ILX sedan | 2013-14 | R20A1 | 150 | 2 |
| Honda CR-V | 2009-12 | R20A2 | 150 | 2 |
| 2007-10 | R20A2 | 150 | 2 | |
| Honda CR-V, suv (5th generation) | 2017 - present | R20A9 | 150 | 2 |
| Honda CR-V, suv (4th generation) | 2015-present | R20A9 | 150 | 2 |
| Honda CR-V, suv (4th generation) | 2012-15 | R20A9 | 150 | 2 |
Tuning and engine swap
Any Motor from the R20 series is not suitable for atmospheric tuning. However, it is suitable for some changes that significantly improve performance. Inexpensive options include chip tuning, installation of direct intake and cold intake. Such tuning adds about 10 horsepower.
For tuning, Acura RDX injectors (turbo), Wiesco pistons, Weapon R intake receiver, Skunk2 damper (60 mm), GO Power Motorsport shaft (or equivalent) are used. If necessary, the cylinder head is subjected to revision. Installing such components adds up to 180 horsepower.
Another option for tuning the Honda R20 engine is installing a compressor. For this purpose, a Jackson Racing kit with a Rotrex C30-84 supercharger (with intercooler) is being sold on the automotive market. In order for the engine to withstand the load, the connecting rod and piston group is changed to a forged analogue. Additionally, a Walbro 255 fuel pump, 550cc injectors, Eagle connecting rods and CP Pistons pistons are installed.
After installing the compressor, the amount of horsepower increases to 250. In practice, the Rotrex C30-84 compressor can be inflated to 300-350 horsepower. Also, to increase the power, a Garrett turbo kit is installed, which helps to raise the amount of horsepower to 300. In any case, it takes a lot of money to improve, the engine resource and stability of its operation decrease, and gasoline consumption increases.
In general, such tuning is intended more for fans of engines. The enterprise is quite costly and by and large unpromising. A single shaft motor from Honda is not particularly suitable for tuning. It is easier to replace the engine with an internal combustion engine of the K series (K20 or K24) and, if necessary, tune this unit in the future.
Purchase of a contract engine
The cost of contract engines, such as R20A9, varies greatly. The price of the unit is in the upper price range. An engine with defects can be purchased for at least 50 thousand rubles. A new motor costs an average of 140 thousand rubles. In this case, there is no mileage in the Russian Federation, documents are issued, and a guarantee is provided upon installation at the seller's service center.
For 180 thousand rubles, you can buy a new R20A9 with attachments. A motor without related units (“naked”) is much cheaper. For 180 thousand rubles, a unit is provided from Europe, without a run in the Russian Federation. Similarly, documents are issued - a contract of sale and a customs declaration.
