Honda K24 Engines: High-Compression TSX vs. Low-Compression Accord & Element
Honda's 2.4-liter K24 powered almost every four-cylinder Honda and Acura of the 2000s. Every version shares the same 87 x 99 mm bore and stroke, but they aren't all the same engine. The mix-up we see most is between the high-compression engine in the 2004-2008 Acura TSX and the low-compression engine in the 2003-2007 Honda Accord and the Honda Element. Two more K24s cause confusion too: the one in the 2008-2012 Accord and 2009-2014 TSX, and the one in the 2002-2006 CR-V.
Quick reference
| Engine code | Came in | Compression | Honda-rated output | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K24A2 (high compression) | 2004-2008 Acura TSX | 10.5:1 | 200 hp (2004-05), 205 hp (2006-08) | Premium |
| K24A4 (low compression) | 2003-2007 Honda Accord 4-cyl, Honda Element | 9.7:1 | 160 hp (2003 rating) | Regular |
| K24Z2 / K24Z3 | 2008-2012 Honda Accord 4-cyl, 2009-2014 Acura TSX | 10.5:1 (Accord), 11.0:1 (TSX) | 177-190 hp (Accord), 201 hp (TSX) | Regular (Accord), Premium (TSX) |
| K24A1 | 2002-2006 Honda CR-V | 9.6:1 | 160 hp | Regular |
Figures are Honda's and Acura's published specifications for those model years. Later Accord and Element years are sometimes listed under the K24A8 code. They belong to the same low-compression family.
High-compression TSX vs. low-compression Accord and Element
On a pallet, a TSX K24 and an Accord K24 look almost identical. Inside, they're built for different jobs.
- Compression: 10.5:1 in the TSX vs. 9.7:1 in the Accord and Element. The TSX engine's higher compression is why Acura calls for premium fuel.
- Valvetrain: The TSX engine switches VTEC on both the intake and exhaust cams and revs to a 7,100 rpm redline. In the Accord and Element engine, VTEC works on the intake cam only and the exhaust cam isn't VTEC-controlled. It's tuned for low-rpm torque and fuel economy.
- Power: Acura rated the 2004-2005 TSX at 200 hp at 6,800 rpm and the 2006-2008 TSX at 205 hp at 7,000 rpm. Honda rated the 2003 Accord and Element at 160 hp at 5,500 rpm.
- Parts and tuning: Each engine has its own pistons, camshafts, intake and exhaust manifolds, and engine computer calibration, all matched to its compression and cams.
What that means for you: replace like with like. A TSX needs a high-compression engine. An Accord or Element should get the low-compression engine it left the factory with. Putting a TSX engine into an Accord or Element is an engine swap, not a replacement. It needs matching engine management and premium fuel, so plan it with your shop before you order.
On our site, JDM high-compression engines for the TSX are listed as "High Comp RBB." RBB is the Honda part-number code used on first-generation TSX parts. Low-compression engines are listed by vehicle: 2003-2007 Accord and 2003-2011 Element.
2008-2012 Accord and 2009-2014 TSX: the K24Z
When Honda redesigned the Accord for 2008 and the TSX for 2009, the K24 changed with them. These cars use the K24Z series: the K24Z2 in the Accord LX and LX-P, and the K24Z3 in the Accord EX and EX-L and in the 2009-2014 TSX.
- Honda rated the 2008 Accord LX at 177 hp and the EX at 190 hp, both at 10.5:1 compression on regular fuel.
- Acura rated the 2009 TSX at 201 hp and 172 lb-ft (manual) at 11.0:1 compression, on premium fuel.
- It's a newer generation with different intake and exhaust manifolds, wiring and engine computer.
A K24Z isn't a drop-in replacement for the 2003-2008 K24A engines above, and a K24A isn't a drop-in for a K24Z car, even though the displacement is the same. If you drive a 2008-2012 Accord or a 2009-2014 TSX, shop for an engine listed for your model and years.
2002-2006 CR-V: the K24A1
The first K24 in the U.S. went into the 2002 CR-V, and it's a version of its own.
- Honda rated it at 160 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm, with 9.6:1 compression on regular fuel.
- Its torque peaks lower in the rev range than the Accord engine's (4,500 rpm), which suits a heavier all-wheel-drive SUV.
- It has its own tuning and CR-V-specific parts, so buy a K24 that's listed for the 2002-2006 CR-V.
From 2007, the CR-V moved to K24Z engines, which are different again. Our listings for those years say which engine they replace.
How to order the right K24
- Find your year, model and trim, and have your VIN handy.
- Pick a listing that names your vehicle and years: 2004-2008 TSX (high compression), 2003-2007 Accord or Element (low compression), 2008-2012 Accord or 2009-2014 TSX (K24Z), or 2002-2006 CR-V.
- Not sure? Call (973) 969-5190 or send your VIN through our contact page. We'll confirm the match before you buy.
Browse every JDM Honda K24 engine we have in stock, or see all Honda and Acura engines and transmissions. Shipping is free to commercial addresses with a loading dock or forklift in the lower 48 states.
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