i've recently discovered and begun to understand some of the differences between the K20a3 block (found in the si) and the K20a2 (found in the typeS). the thing that is frustrating me the most is the two lobe intake cam found on the intake side of the a3, and the ONE lobe, NON-vtec cam on the exhaust side. originally i was considering switching the typeR cams into my a3 but apparently that's not going to be possible ... i still love the ride and body style of my si but personally i feel just a little gypped ...

does anyone know of any cam swaps or any other options i might have to somewhat render this problem and make me smile again?

 

Full engine swap. Your options are the K20A (watch out for the -base variant of the K20A, it's still labeled "K20A"); K20A2; K20Z; K20Z1, K20Z3

Or, if you sleeve your block, you could swap heads and still rev to 8k.

 

i'm not familiar with the term "sleeve your block" ... wat does that mean?

 

I don't even really know either. Hahah.

I just know that the block on the A3 wasn't meant to be revved to 8k. I know that people with LS Integras who put a VTEC head on it often "sleeve their block" so they can have the extended revability.

I hope someone else can chime in because I'm an idiot :run:

 

you would only need to resleeve if you plan to 1) increase displacement or 2) run big boost and/or spray.

if you really want to put a smile on your face just turbo that sucker.

 

i think sleeves are the walls which surround the cylinders.. resleeving them i guess would mean putting new ones in that are stronger?

correct me if im wrong

 

Pretty much. The sleeves are just a stronger material and most times they have some sort of reinforcement against lateral movement as opposed to the free-standing water jackets.

 

mmmm ... turbo WOULD make me smile :drool: and so would the $1000 or so i'd need to do it LoL
it's probably sooner down the line than i think but for now i'm probably gonna see how much power i can get out of the a3 ...
maybe i'll try and find myself a DC5-R head/valvetrain or something

 

Continuing the sleeve conversation, this is an example of what one looks like:



They're usually put on big boost applicatios.

 

define 'big boost' 20 pounds+?