By Jeff Glucker
Have an empty engine bay in your project car? Yeah, I feel your pain. I know a way you could fix that problem though if you’ve got a few grand to spare. Honda is offering a crate engine version of its Type R engine. It’s called the K20C1, and it’s a limited-edition package complete with everything you need to get your car firing.
Honda has sold this unit for the last few years. But now this low-run version is available with all the goodies. And I do mean everything, as this version comes with what Honda calls the Controls Package. So now you get a Honda Performance Development-tuned ECU, the wiring harness, and the accelerator pedal. The standard crate engine already includes the block, turbocharger, starter, and alternator. There will still be things you need to route, connect, and plumb, but not having to fuss with wiring or computers is a great starting point on any build.
Just the crate engine typically costs you $6,790. With the Controls Package, this limited-editi0n version runs $9,000. It makes 306 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and Honda is only offering 93 units. It goes on sale starting May 1st, 2021.
If someone with more money than brains wants to make the cheatiest LeMons racer out there, this is one hell of a starting point.
I wonder how common it is that people fit new engines like this, extremely powerful, really, into their project cars? Is 93 crates creating artificial scarcity, or just finely tuned to the market? Has Honda disclosed how many of these engines they sell in a given year?
Imagine this engine in something small and nimble, but of the kind you’d never expect to dust you. Like a Hillman Imp, or a Volvo 66, come to think of it.
Possibly the number of Type-Rs not being built due to Brexit or other unrelated parts shortages that Honda is experiencing at its Swindon plant.
But knowing Honda, it’s reference to something obscure and historical.
Nine thousand dollars on an engine just for the opportunity to replace the drive belts even more frequently? I’ll pass, or rather I’ll continue to let my Volvo not be able to pass.
Could possibly do a fwd subframe conversion and cut the guts out of an Imp, but the engine is far too heavy for the standard engine layout even if you could get a suitable transmission in there.
This would add a bit more giddieup to my Accord, which has a K24 sitting between its wishbones, at a cost much lower than a new Accord Sport. Hmmm….
This would be fantastic in a K1 Attack kit car.
The information given is very helpful and informative. Would wish to know more.