While the EP3 Civic's popularity never seemed to blossom in the U.S., the vehicles K20A3 i-VTEC engine extracts a factory rated 160 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. While regarded by many Honda enthusiasts as the more economical engine within the K-series family, the K20A3 has the potential to increase its horsepower output with a few minor bolt-on components.
The K20A3's VTEC is a completely different system than what we find on the K20A2 and Z3 engines. At low rpm, the two intake valves operate with different cam lobes. One valve gets the primary lobe (the taller lobe) and the other gets the secondary lobe (shorter). Another major difference is there is no VTEC mechanism on the K20A3 exhaust valves. When VTEC kicks in at 2300 rpm, both valves start following the primary lobe leaving many of us accustomed to the sounds and feel of the conventional VTEC kick we feel at 5500 rpm nonexistent.
The day before our dyno testing was to commence, the vehicle was given a basic oil and spark plug change as routine maintenance.
Baseline
2004 Honda Civic Si EP3 Hatch
Owner: Patrick Pearce
Dynamometer Model: Dynojet Dynamometer
Peak Hp 140.1 / Peak TQ 126.5