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Thread: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

  1. #1
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    Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Coming from the 4th gen camp, I'm used to there being a ton of headswap options. People are always putting new heads on the F and H blocks. I'm not a huge fan of headswaps in CBs, mainly because there are just so many motor swap options! I'd rather have a full motor, than something I frank'd together.

    But, since the 3G swap options are a bit slimmer... are there any heads that can be made to fit without any MAJOR modification? The 3 valve, SOHC design of the A20A seems pretty privative (though I can't deny that it's still a good design). I'd love to find a way to put a B series head on the A block or something!


    I searched and didn't find anything... I'm sure it's been discussed, but I couldn't find where.

    Has anybody tried a headswap?

    -Mike- AIM = deevergote
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  2. #2
    3Geez Veteran ghettogeddy's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    no

  3. #3
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Blast!

    -Mike- AIM = deevergote
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    86AccordLxi's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by ghettogeddy View Post
    no
    /thread.

    I think there was some guy who posted up picture of a b head on an a20, but I don't remember there being follow up, really.

    Alex

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    3Geez Veteran MessyHonda's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by ghettogeddy View Post
    no


    dont LIE......he can put a A18 head on a a20....since the A18 head has dual springs so it can rev up to 8k rpm...it also bumps the CR up some since the chamber is smaller.

    so any 2nd gen prelude head can fit our car.

    1989 Honda Accord LX-i
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    3Geez Veteran A18A's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by MessyHonda View Post
    dont LIE......he can put a A18 head on a a20....since the A18 head has dual springs so it can rev up to 8k rpm...it also bumps the CR up some since the chamber is smaller.

    so any 2nd gen prelude head can fit our car.

  7. #7
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by MessyHonda View Post
    dont LIE......he can put a A18 head on a a20....since the A18 head has dual springs so it can rev up to 8k rpm...it also bumps the CR up some since the chamber is smaller.

    so any 2nd gen prelude head can fit our car.
    Interesting. Doesn't the A20 have dual springs as well? I have yet to take an A20 head apart, but in flipping through my Haynes manual, it looks like they have dual springs...

    Anyway, does the A18 head flow any better than the A20?

    -Mike- AIM = deevergote
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  8. #8
    3Geez Veteran ghettogeddy's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by MessyHonda View Post
    dont LIE......he can put a A18 head on a a20....since the A18 head has dual springs so it can rev up to 8k rpm...it also bumps the CR up some since the chamber is smaller.

    so any 2nd gen prelude head can fit our car.
    might gain compression but ud loose in displacement not really a win win is it

  9. #9

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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    yes the A20 head has dual springs for intake valves and single for exhaust valves. A18 has dual springs on intake and exhaust, plus they are little stiffer.

    If you are planning to go Carb way, A18 head would be your best bet.
    You can't bolt up A20 intake manifold carb or efi to A18 head. they are way too diff.
    Alex.

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    LX-incredible's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by shepherd79 View Post
    yes the A20 head has dual springs for intake valves and single for exhaust valves.
    Isn't it the other way around?
    88 LX-i coupe auto (241K DD), 88 LX-i coupe 5-speed, 89 SE-i coupe auto.
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    3Geez Veteran ghettogeddy's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by LX-incredible View Post
    Isn't it the other way around?
    yes
    intake

    exhaust

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    3Geez Veteran MessyHonda's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by ghettogeddy View Post
    might gain compression but ud loose in displacement not really a win win is it


    i dont think any one has done it and dynoed it. but yeah...the best bet is to get 2nd gen lude springs into the a20 head.

    1989 Honda Accord LX-i
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  13. #13
    2ndGenGuy
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    You wouldn't lose displacement. A head doesn't change displacement whatsoever. Displacement is only bore x stroke.

  14. #14
    3Geez Veteran MessyHonda's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by 2ndGenGuy View Post
    You wouldn't lose displacement. A head doesn't change displacement whatsoever. Displacement is only bore x stroke.

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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    wow, i thought most 3gee owners were long time owners. the A18 head will go right f'n on there from what ive heard from old heads. are they 16 valve?

  16. #16
    2.0Si User labeledsk8r's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by 3geeandEF View Post
    wow, i thought most 3gee owners were long time owners. the A18 head will go right f'n on there from what ive heard from old heads. are they 16 valve?
    A18 head will go on yes, its a 12 valve head that looks itentical to the a20 head, oh and not available in the states lol

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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by 3geeandEF View Post
    wow, i thought most 3gee owners were long time owners. the A18 head will go right f'n on there from what ive heard from old heads. are they 16 valve?
    No

    All A-Series Motors are 12 Valve SOHC

    The B Series is the 16 Valve but it won't swap onto a A Series Block
    2004-2011?

  18. #18
    3Geez Veteran MessyHonda's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    if you want a head i can let go my port and polished head go cheap. its been rebuild with a 4 angle valve job.

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  19. #19
    3Geez Veteran russiankid's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    I think it would be better to just port and polish the head, replace the valve springs with something stiffer, and do an angle valve job.
    Sam


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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by labeledsk8r View Post
    A18 head will go on yes, its a 12 valve head that looks itentical to the a20 head, oh and not available in the states lol
    it can be found in 84-87 preludes stateside. The A16 wasn't available here.
    Last edited by SMayhew; 04-07-2014 at 06:12 AM.

  21. #21
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by SMayhew View Post
    it can be found in 87-89 preludes stateside. The A16 wasn't available here.
    Correction, 84-87

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    LX User LewZur's Avatar
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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    Quote Originally Posted by SMayhew View Post
    it can be found in 84-87 preludes stateside. The A16 wasn't available here.
    This thread is almost 7 years old.


    Darwin's rollin over in his coffin, the fittest are surviving much less often

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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    I didn't realize. That happens to be one of the few things I know about these cars, I had to speak up. I've only been working on Hondas for about 9 months. Even the old threads here are helpful to noobs like me.

  24. #24

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    Re: Are there any headswap options for the A20A?

    LOL. Keep wrenching and you'll learn plenty soon enough.
    Dr_Snooz

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