So this engine has peaked my interest in the last few days after doing a fair amount of research and talking with engine builders and few tuners. It uses the same vtec-e cam lobe technology as the legendary Vx and Hx honda engines.
One thing that this engine doesnt come with is lean burn though. Maybe it was to reduce Nox emissions or something like that but the most important thing is that this engine is @ least as capable to opperate in a tuned leanburn mode as the d15z1 and d16y5 engine
So one of my coworkers went on a roadtrip in his roomates EP3 and since it already had Hondata KPRO installed he started messing with tuning it for a mild leanburn cruise. From what he said its running 18:1 @ light loads under cruise and on the freeway doing 80+ mph it was getting around 40 mpg
With a more capable wideband controller and NTK sensor he should in theory be able to run up to 25:1 ratios and my local professional tuner confirmed this also. He also could raise the stock vtec engagement point from 2200 to about 2700 for in city gas sipping.
From what ive gathered NOBODY has tuned a k20a3 engine yet for this kind of economy driving, kinda really exciting really
You guys know what this means? You could have a 400hp stock block turbo engine that pushed 40+ mpg in the right hypermiling hands. The ultimate sickness
***insert evil laugh here***
I'll keep you guys updated when I get some real numbers back.