If you've spent any time researching performance Honda K-Series engines, you've probably heard about the PRB oil pump upgrade.
Originally found on the K20A/K20A2/K20Z1 in the 2002–2006 Acura RSX Type S / Integra Type-R, the Honda PRB oil pump has become one of the most common upgrades for performance-oriented K24 builds. It eliminates the balance-shaft assembly found in many K24 oil pumps and provides an oiling system better suited to higher-RPM operation.
In our latest video, Percy and I break down why the PRB pump is so popular, where it makes sense and what you actually need to install one on a K24.
Why Swap a PRB Oil Pump Onto a K24?
Many K24 engines use an oil pump assembly incorporating balance shafts. Those balance shafts help reduce engine vibration, which makes sense in the Accord, CR-V, Element, TSX and other street cars these engines originally powered.
When you're building a performance engine, however, priorities start to change.
The K20A2 PRB oil pump doesn't use the same balance-shaft arrangement, resulting in a smaller and lighter assembly. More importantly, it was designed for an engine that operated at higher RPM than most factory K24 applications.
That's why the PRB pump has become such a popular choice for K24 swaps, performance street builds and track cars where the engine will regularly operate at higher RPM.
Genuine Honda PRB Oil Pump
We offer the OEM Honda/Acura RSX Type S PRB Oil Pump, Honda part number 15100-PRB-A01.
For K24 applications, we also offer the pump in a pre-cut configuration. The K20A2 pump housing normally interferes with part of the K24 block casting, so material must be removed from the pump for proper clearance.
Our pre-cut option takes care of that modification before the pump reaches you. Instead of grinding the housing, repeatedly test-fitting it and checking clearance yourself, the pump arrives already machined for the K24 application.
The Oil Pump Isn't the Whole Conversion
One of the important things we covered in the video is that you can't simply remove a K24 oil pump and bolt the PRB pump in its place using all of the original K24 components.
The conversion requires several K20A2-specific components, including the windage tray, oil pump chain, chain guide, chain tensioner and the correct mounting hardware.
You can source all of those pieces individually, but that's exactly why we put together our Hybrid Racing K20A2 Oil Pump Installation Kit.
What's Included in Our PRB Oil Pump Installation Kit?
Our installation kit brings together the OEM Honda components needed to complete the conversion rather than making you track down each individual part number.
The kit includes:
- K20A2 windage tray
- Six windage tray bolts
- K20A2 oil pump chain
- K20A2 oil pump chain guide
- K20A2 oil pump chain tensioner
- K20A2 oil pump mounting hardware
- HondaBond gasket sealant
The PRB oil pump itself is sold separately, so you can pair the installation kit with either a standard PRB pump or our pre-cut version depending on the engine you're building.
That gives you a much more straightforward way to approach the conversion: the PRB pump plus our installation kit provides the pump and the supporting K20A2 components required for the swap.
Is a PRB Oil Pump Right for Every K-Series?
Not necessarily.
If you're running a basically stock K24 at factory RPM limits, replacing the factory pump may not be necessary. The PRB conversion starts making more sense when you're building an engine for higher RPM, track use or a performance application where you're already inside the engine and want to eliminate the factory balance-shaft oil pump assembly.
There are also differences between K24A and K24Z engines, so it's important to make sure you're using the correct conversion parts for your specific engine.
Our standard K20A2 installation kit is intended for many traditional K-Series applications, but it does not fit K24Z engines. K24Z applications require a different conversion solution.
A Proven K-Series Upgrade
There's a reason the PRB oil pump conversion has become such a common part of performance K24 builds.
You get a genuine Honda oil pump originally designed around the higher-revving K20A2, eliminate the bulky K24 balance-shaft pump assembly and gain an oiling setup better suited to the way many modified K-Series engines are actually used.
And with our pre-cut PRB pump and complete installation kit, we've taken much of the parts hunting and modification work out of the conversion.
Check out our full video as Percy and I take a closer look at the PRB oil pump, explain the differences between the K20A2 and K24 oiling setups, and go through what you'll need to complete the conversion on your K-Series build.