Honda Civic Type R crate engines now on sale to the public

Honda confirmed last week it was making available a number of its legendary K20C1 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines, usually found under the bonnet of its performance hot hatch, the Honda Civic Type R.

The 228kW engine has been available in Europe, Japan and the US as a crate motor for several years. However, sales have been limited exclusively to race teams and Honda Racing Line members.

Now however, Honda Performance Development in the US is making a number of the potent four-pots available to the general public.

Priced at US$6790 (AU$8800), buyers will get the engine alternator, turbocharger and starter motor. An additional US$2210 (AU$2900) will net buyers the Controls Package which adds a wiring harness, accelerator pedal, and a Honda Performance Development ECU.

Total cost for the crate engine with the Control Package runs to US$9000 (AU$11,700).

Honda claims the K20C1 engine can be swapped into a number of vehicles, not just the Civic hatch.

“We at HPD are proud to offer Honda power in an affordable and versatile package,” said John Whiteman, manager of HPD Commercial Motorsports.

“Our K20C1 engines have won many races in club and professional series and is now available for a wide range of applications. The new limited-edition crate engine package is part of HPD’s strategy to leverage our pinnacle expertise for the benefit of Honda fans of all ages and motorsports categories.”

However, anyone thinking of turning their regular Civic hatch into a sleeper Type R under the skin will be disappointed, as the entire crate engine not street-legal in the US.

According to HPD's website, “[the] engine and controls package are not street legal and must only be used in off-highway settings where is it legal to do so. Owners of the engine and package are responsible for following all regulations associated with engine operation.”

Just 93 of the potent engines, which go on sale exclusively in the US on 1 May 2021, will be made available to the general public.

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