When it comes to automotive performance, the question of how much boosts can a K24 handle is a common one. A boost increase air pressure within the intake manifold of an engine.
Boost plays a pivotal role in automotive performance. It increases power output, torque, and engine efficiency. It offers improved throttle response, enhanced engine response, and significant tuning potential,
In this article, you will know the capabilities of a K24 engine. Also, the factors that determine its boost capacity. If you’re a passionate Honda or Acura enthusiast. You might want to know how much boosts can a K24 Handle. Let’s discover the secrets to maximizing performance.
What is a K24 engine?
The K24 engine is a four-cylinder internal combustion engine by Honda. It is from the Honda K-series family of engines. It is popular for its combination of performance, reliability, and efficiency.
The K24 engine has a displacement of 2.4 liters. It can produce power between 160 to 205 horsepower (hp). That depends on the application and variant. The K24 engine torque output ranges from around 160 to 220 lb-ft (pound-feet). That’s providing strong low-end and mid-range performance.
The K24 engine has found widespread use in Honda and Acura vehicles, as an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) engine.
The K24 engines handle boost pressures of around 10-15 psi (pounds per square inch).
Various models, including the Honda Accord, CR-V, Element, and Odyssey, have employed it. The engine’s versatility and broad powerband make it suitable for both daily driving and performance-oriented applications.
K24 Engine Specifications
Since there are so many engines within the K24 family. Let’s have a quick rundown of their specifications. This will help you choose the best K-Series engine. Whether it is for a drift car, a show car, or an autocross champ.
K24A1
The K24A1 was the first engine that Honda released within the K24 range. This has CR-V and came with 160 hp and 162 lb/ft torque.
It has a 9.6:1 compression ratio while having great performance. The 2.0-liter K20’s replacement, the K24. It has superior counter-weighted crankshafts and more robust connecting rods.
K24A2
The K24A2 stands out as the most outstanding K24 engine upon leaving the factory. If you’re not scared to play with tuning, other variants are more attractive due to their increasing cost.
They also used stronger connecting rods, forged crankshafts, twin balancing shafts, lightweight pistons, lightweight piston rings, and better cams.
The result was the K24A2’s highest performance, producing 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 164 lb/ft of torque.
Despite the fact that the new enhancements increased power from 197 to 205 hp, torque actually decreased, from 171 to 164 lb/ft.
K24A8
The K24A8 engine made its debut in 2006 and powered the Honda Elemand, Accord, and Odessey. This version was of particular interest for these family vehicles because of its improved fuel efficiency.
The RTB manifold and an electronic throttle body were the only rather minor modifications made to the previous engine.
166 horsepower and 161 lb/ft of torque are now possible thanks to this small adjustment.
K24Z1
The K24Z1 replaced the K24A1 when it was introduced for the Honda CR-V in 2007. The main objective of the K24Z series was to continue building on the success of the K24A. While still aiming to meet the ever-increasing emissions rules.
With a redline of 6,500 rpm, it maintains the 9.7:1 compression ratio. And produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb/ft of torque.
Internal modifications for this variant include a forged-steel crankshaft and an internal balancer unit. As well as the relocation of the oil filter.
Along with an electronic drive-by-wire throttle body, they continued to employ the subsequent 1-stage RTB intake manifold.
The K24Z family offers great platform tweaking and engine swaps. Despite its emphasis on emissions and little change from its forerunners.
K24Z4/K24Z5/K24Z6
Honda had to adapt the K24Z1 yet again to adhere to increased pollution rules. Which required using a 9.7:1 compression ratio, this time with 161 horsepower and 161 lb/ft torque.
The K24Z5 and K24Z6 are slightly different from the K24Z2. The K24Z5 was only available in China. But the K24Z6 was later available on Honda CR-V versions marketed in the United States.
The K24 Tuning
“Affordable” and “performance” are two adjectives that characterize the Honda K24 engine, according to us here at Drifted.com.
When it comes to tuning the K24 engine, you have a lot of options. If you’re willing to spend the time and money on it, you can achieve some great power figures.
Not only that, but you’ll probably need to include some blood, sweat, and tears, as well as lots of swearing!
We already know that the K24A2 can produce 205 hp and 164 ft/lb torque when paired with an Acura TSX.
What is the Difference Between K20 vs k24?
There is no replacement for displacement in these engines, so the K24 wins. A K20 head can be upgraded to a K24 head to provide a better flowing head and more desirable camshaft profile.
K20 heads have stronger valves and can endure longer periods of high rpm driving than K24 heads, but the engines share many features and are very similar.
If you were looking to do an engine swap, you could use either of these engines as a starting point for your project. The gearboxes and transmission on the K20 are typically better. Our team would probably use a stroker kit and low compression pistons if we were adding a turbo to the K20 and lowering the compression ratio slightly.
How Much boosts can a K24 Handle?
There are several methods of boosting the K24 engine to increase its power output and performance. Here are the different methods used:
Turbocharging
The engine makes use of turbocharger exhaust gases to power a turbine. This raises the air density, allowing more fuel to be burned and thereby increasing power production. Turbo charging provides excellent power potential and responsiveness, particularly at higher RPMs.
Supercharging
A supercharger is used in this type of forced induction. That is a belt-driven compressor. It compresses the intake air and sends it to the engine at a higher pressure.
Because supercharging provides fast power delivery and increased low-end torque, it is appropriate for applications that value low-end and mid-range performance.
Nitrous Oxide (NOS)
The intake system feeds nitrous oxide into the combustion chamber, thereby increasing the oxygen level. This allows the use of more fuel, resulting in a transient rise in power output.
Nitrous oxide systems are popular because of their ease of installation and tunable power improvements. But To avoid engine damage, it is necessary to tune and monitor them carefully.
Best Engine Mods for Your K24
- Engine Tunes:
In terms of cost savings, engine tuning and remapping provide the greatest advantage, followed by aftermarket ECUs and piggyback ECUs (Hondata or Apexi).
- To cut in the VTEC, reduce the RPM trigger:
For this to work, you will need an aftermarket ECU. It is the same as fitting a fast road cam to your engine and will give better low-end power. - Exhaust and intake:
Most of these mods will NOT ADD POWER on their own, but they can help enhance power after other mods by removing restrictions. - The turbocharger and supercharger:
For the K24, forced induction allows you to burn more fuel and make more power by increasing air supply. Although it is one of the most expensive upgrades, it provides the best gains. - Head work:
A ported and flowed engine head allows air to flow into the engine while removing flow restrictions and turbulence. This becomes more important as your K24 becomes more tuned.
K24 Tuning Stages
Typical stage 1 mods include: remapped/piggyback ECU (Hondata or Apexi), airbox drilled and smoothed, panel air filters, fast road camshaft, exhaust header/manifold, and sports exhaust header/manifold.
There are several common stage 2 modifications, including: fuel pump upgrades, sports catalysts and performance exhausts, ported and polished heads, fast road cams, induction kits, and high flow fuel injectors.
An engine balancing or blueprinting, a crank and piston upgrade to alter compression, a forced induction system (turbo/supercharger), an internal engine upgrade (head flowing porting/larger valves), a twin charging conversion, or a competition cam are common stage 3 modifications. Mods and tuning parts are plentiful for K24 engines, which make them great to work on.
K24 Turbo Upgrades
The more fuel an engine can burn, the more power it can produce, and upgrading the induction system with a turbocharger upgrade makes power gains of 200-350 horsepower. In order to help you weigh the pros and cons of adding a turbo to your NA (naturally aspirated) engine, we have a separate guide. The K24 is generally thought to be a pretty good car and can handle low boost upgrades admirably well. For larger gains, the compression ratio should be lowered and in most cases a fuel injector and fuel pump upgrade should be performed. The weak spots in every engine will reveal themselves when tuned, however.
Identify these restrictions and install stronger pistons, cranks, and engine components to maximize power.
The K24 turbocharger rarely fails catastrophically on its first excursion after being fitted with improvements, even when individuals have spent a substantial amount of money on it.
In general, large turbos have low-end lag, while smaller turbos spool up faster but don’t have the same peak-end torque improvement.
It is fortunately that the turbocharger market is constantly evolving, resulting in variable vane turbo chargers, whose angle changes according to speed, reducing latency and boosting top end power and torque.
Using twin scroll turbochargers, exhaust flows are divided into two channels and directed to vanes that are angled in different directions. If you have an aftermarket ECU that works well with the K24 engine, they also improve scavenging abilities.
What are the Weak Spots Issues & Problem Areas On The K24?
The K24 engines are generally reliable and solid, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedules and use high-quality oil. If they are regularly serviced and maintained, you should not face many problems. Carbon build up in the head, particularly around the valves, will sap power or create flat spots. This is a bigger issue on direct injection engines, but should be looked out for on all engines.
Learn how to remove carbon buildup from your car. Our members have reported experiencing flat spots or glitches after applying mods and upgrades or tuning, and this is usually not related to the engine’s design or inherent issues, so you may want to read our article on diagnosing flat spots or problems after tuning. It is crucial to change the oil regularly on the K24, especially when the engine is tuned, in order to extend its life and make it more reliable.
We encourage you to join our friendly forum where K24 owners can discuss tuning options in more detail and get friendly advice on tuning your Honda engine. You should also read our unbiased Honda tuning articles to gain a thorough understanding of each modification’s advantages and disadvantages.
If you have any feedback, please leave it in the comments box below so that we can make these tips better. What our visitors have done and what tuning parts work best on their cars is what we love to hear about. Which
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Can the K24 be Remapped?
If you’ve fitted a lot of modifications to your K24, mapping helps you maximize its potential, but can the K24 be tuned or remapped? In the same way that Honda ECUs cannot easily be mapped, they can be bench flashed in some areas (depending on the ECU used) or replaced with chips, however you will need to either use an aftermarket ECU or a Hondata module to provide the features you need. If you get one of these set up correctly and with knock protection, it will perform better than a factory ECU.
As a general rule, pre-facelift K24s were difficult to tune/remap, but now there are some solutions that allow red line limits to be raised, VTEC settings to be adjusted, and timing adjustments to be made.
A performance cam can be installed to get the VTEC to kick in earlier, and you can get a solid power boost by raising the redline with an aftermarket ECU.
Your mileage will depend on what modifications you’ve made to your vehicle and the condition of the engine, but it usually gives you 30% more power on turbocharged vehicles and 15% more power on NA (naturally aspirated) engines.
An engine performance tuning task’s main objective is to feed more fuel and air into each of the engine’s cylinders. The intake manifold sends air from the intake filter into the cylinders and feeds it with fuel for the squish phase. A K24’s intake manifold can make a noticeable difference in fuel engine efficiency if it is shaped and sized correctly
Some Local Laws And Regulations Boost A K24 Engine
When modifying and boosting a K24 engine, it is essential to be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations. Here are some key considerations:
Emissions Regulations: Vehicle emissions are controlled in most areas. Engine modifications when raising boost, might have an effect on emissions levels. Some regions mandate emissions testing or certification for modified automobiles.
Vehicle Safety Standards: While engine modifications may not directly affect vehicle safety. Ensure that any other modifications conform to local safety standards. Improperly installed or non-compliant safety equipment might pose safety risks as well as legal ramifications.
Registration and Insurance: Modifying and boosting a K24 engine may necessitate renewing the vehicle’s registration and insurance policies. Modified vehicles must undergo inspection, provide proof of modifications, or obtain special licenses in some areas. Noncompliance with registration and insurance requirements can result in fines. Also, can loss of insurance coverage.
Do We Think Performance Cams Are A Good Option On The K24?
A faster road cam profile can be achieved by just using the VTEC and getting it to kick in sooner,
With the exception of the aftermarket ECU, there is very little outlay to be made.
VTEC and Lift control were available on the K24. An ECU lift control adjustment is usually required when dropping in a different cam profile.
The K24 engine can be modified with cam swaps, and we’ve seen some K20 heads installed on K24s to maximize flow.
In addition to increasing the high-end power range of the engine, motorsport camshafts usually reduce the low-end power.
Your engine’s power should be matched to the volume of use your vehicle sees on a daily basis. Motorsport and race camshafts are not enjoyable to live with when on the daily commute, because lumpy idle makes the vehicle prone to stalling and smooth driving at low rpm is not possible. Track cars are always in the high end of their RPM range anyway, and that is where you want the power to be.
Depending on your engine, you may need to use more or less aggressive camshaft durations.
You will also gain torque depending on the fuel pump and injectors, as well as the ECU mapping.
Although most cams and tuners use matched pairs of intake and exhaust durations, the exhaust and intake durations don’t have to match on most engines. Extending exhaust or intake durations can alter the torque band in some ways.
Conclusion: How Much boosts can a K24 Handle
How Much boosts can a K24 Handle? Well now you have an idea of it. Honda’s K-series engines are without a doubt among the best value-for-money options available right now. Boost increases the power output, torque, and engine efficiency of the K24.
The K24 engines handle boost pressures of around 10-15 psi (pounds per square inch). However, pushing a stock K24 engine to its maximum boost limit can increase stress on the engine components. The engine’s versatility and broad powerband make it suitable for both daily driving and performance-oriented applications.
FAQs
What is the strongest K24?
The best K24 engine right out of the box is the K24A2.
Can a K24 engine handle a turbocharger?
Yes. A K24 engine can handle a turbocharger. The specific power levels and boost pressures will depend on the engine’s internals, the quality of the turbocharger, and the supporting modifications.
Are there any limitations to consider when adding a boost to a K24 engine?
The engine’s internal components, such as pistons, connecting rods, and the engine block, may have specific strength limits.
What other modifications do experts recommend when adding a boost to a K24 engine?
When adding a boost to a K24 engine, support modifications such as upgrading the fuel injectors, fuel pump, intercooler, intake system, exhaust system, and engine management system. These modifications help ensure proper fueling, cooling, and overall engine performance.
Can a K24 engine handle high levels of boost without modifications?
A stock K24 engine is not designed to handle high levels of boost. Running high boost pressures without proper modifications can lead to engine damage or failure.
Is it necessary to retune the engine after adding a boost?
Yes. It is essential to retune the engine after adding a boost. The engine management system needs to accommodate the increased airflow.
Are there any risks in pushing the limits of a K24 engine with an added boost?
Pushing the limits of a K24 engine with added boost carries inherent risks. Increased stress on the engine components can lead to failures. Like piston ring lands breaking, bent connecting rods, or even catastrophic engine failure. Balance performance goals with the engine’s capabilities and prioritize reliability.