A clear, no-nonsense roadmap to gain +100 hp on a Honda K20A Type R (DC5 / EP3 engine)

 

A clear, no-nonsense roadmap to gain +100 hp on a Honda K20A Type R (DC5 / EP3 engine), including what parts are required, what power levels are realistic, and the cost/complexity level.

✅ TARGET: +100 HP GAIN for K20A (From ~220 hp to ~320–350+ hp

To gain 100 hp reliably, you have two realistic routes:

⚠️ ROUTE A: Stay NA — Very High Cost, Very High Effort

Goal NA Power: ~260–270 whp (≈ 310–330 hp crank)

This is about the MAX realistic for a pump-fuel NA K20A.

✔️ Required Major Mods

Component	Why Needed / Result
High-Compression Pistons (13.5:1 to 14:1)	More cylinder pressure at major NA power.
Longer Duration Cams (Skunk2 Ultra, Drag Cartel 3.2- 4.0, Toda Spec C)	Big top-end airflow.
Upgraded Valve Train	Prevent valve float at 9000- 9500rpm.
Ported / CNC K20A Head	Mandatory to hit >260whp.
Bigger Intake Manifold (RBC / RRC / Skunk2 Ultra Street)	Improves flow and velocity.
70- 74mm Throttle Body	Supports high-volume airflow.
Race Header + 3” Exhaust	Reduce all restriction.
K-Pro / Hondata ECU Tune	Precise timing + VTEC window.
E85 conversion (if available)	+10- 15 whp gain.

📈 Expected Output

• 240–255whp (pump fuel)
• 255–270whp (E85)
  ≈ 310–330 hp crank → about +90 to +110 hp over stock.

🧩 Complexity: ★★★★★ (Very High)

💸 Cost: RM 18k–35k++

NA build is expensive but gives brutal throttle response & reliability.

⚠️ ROUTE B: Turbocharge — Fastest, Easiest +100–150 HP Gain

The most common and cheapest way to add 100 hp.

✔️ Required Turbo Setup for +100 hp (300–350+ hp)

Component	Why Needed / Result
Turbo kit (GT28/GT30 or small GTX series)	Fast spool and safe power.
4-piston Turbo Manifold / Ramhorn	Reliable flow.
Front Mount Intercooler	Required to prevent heat soak.
440cc–1000cc Injectors	Depending on boost (7-“12psi).
255lph or Walbro 450 Pump	Fueling capacity.
3” Exhaust / Downpipe	Reduce backpressure.
Hondata K-Pro Tune	Proper timing/boost control.
Clutch upgrade	OEM will slip.
Optional — Oil Cooler	Recommended for Malaysian climate.

📈 Expected Output (Safe Street Setup)

• 7 psi: 280–300 whp (≈ 350–380 hp crank)
• 10–12 psi: 320–350 whp (≈ 400–430 hp crank)

This is +120 to +180 hp over stock with a mild, safe tune.

🧩 Complexity: ★★★☆☆

💸 Cost: RM 10k–20k depending on kit + tuning.

⚠️ ROUTE C: Supercharger — Easier Than Turbo, Less Peak HP

✔️ Mods

• Rotrex Supercharger (C30/C38)
• Fuel pump + injectors
• 3” Exhaust
• Hondata K-Pro

📈 Power

• C30: 280–300whp
• C38: 310–330whp

About +80–120 hp over stock.

🧩 Complexity: ★★★☆☆

💸 Cost: RM 15k–24k

⭐ FASTEST RULE OF THUMB FOR +100 HP

• +100 hp NA: Very expensive, very technical
• +100 hp Turbo: Cheapest & easiest
• +100 hp Supercharged: Middle ground, smooth power delivery

🏁 Recommended for Daily + Weekend Track:

👉 Turbo 7–10 psi setup

320whp with reliability & low heat if intercooler + oil cooler installed.