The F20C and F22C1 were inline-4 engines produced by Honda for use in the Honda S2000. They are one of the few Honda 4-cylinder automobile engines that are designed to sit longitudinally for rear wheel drive.

These engines are related to the F-series engines found in the mid-1990s Honda Accord and Prelude. To get most out of the compact-sized engine, Honda engineers utilized technology derived from Honda's racing engines.

The VTEC system consists of two separate cam lobe profiles. Variable cam phasing is not used. Roller followers are used to reduce friction in the valvetrain. The rocker arms are constructed using metal injection molding.

The engine block is constructed of aluminum with a fiber-reinforced metal sleeve. A timing chain drives an intermediate gear, which drives the cams. The pistons are forged aluminum. The intake plenum was designed with minimal volume for fast engine response, and a flywheel was fitted until 2004. A high-flow catalyst is supplied along with an exhaust air-injection system, which greatly decreases catalyst light-off time and cold emissions.

F20C

  • Rod length: 153 mm (approximately 6.024 in)
  • Rod/stroke ratio: approximately 1.8214:1
  • Power:
  • JDM at 8,300 rpm & at 7,500 rpm
  • USEM at 8,300 rpm; at 7,500 rpm
  • Rev limit: 9,150 rpm
  • VTEC actuates between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm depending on ECU triggers.

The F20C was designed with high engine speed capability in mind, for increased power output; the rev limit is 9,150 rpm, with VTEC engagement at ≈ 6,000 rpm. Its relatively long stroke of 84 mm results in a mean piston speed of 4,965 ft/m, or 25.2 m/s, which was higher than any other production car to date. Power output is at 8,300 rpm in North America and Europe. The Japanese version, which has a higher compression ratio, is capable of at 8,300 rpm. Honda's F20C Engine won a spot on Wards' 10 Best Engines List twice, in 2000 and 2001.

The engine displaces , lending to the Honda S2000's name. This method of naming follows suit with the rest of the Honda S roadsters (i.e. Honda S500, S600, and S800).

Applications:

  • 1999-2005 Honda S2000 (Japan)
  • 2000-2003 Honda S2000 (North America)
  • 1999–2009 Honda S2000 (United Kingdom, Europe, Australia)
  • 2009 IFR Aspid
  • 2009 Skelta G-Force

The F20C produces the highest specific power output for any naturally aspirated piston engine in a car priced under US$100,000, at per liter, ahead of the SR16VE N1 found in the homologation version of the JDM Nissan Pulsar producing for a specific power of per liter. Honda's F20C engine held the record for producing the highest specific power output for any mass production naturally aspirated piston engine in a car, at 125 HP/L, until Ferrari began production of the 458 Italia in 2010, which produced 126 HP/L. (revised to at 7,800 rpm in 2005 per SAE Certified Power standard)

  • Rev limit: 8,200 rpm
  • VTEC: "6,000 rpm"