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2002 Honda Accord Type R: Engine, Specs, and What Sets It Apart

The 2002 Honda Accord Type R is powered by Honda’s H22A7 engine—a naturally aspirated 2.2‑liter DOHC VTEC inline‑four designed for high-rev performance. Built for the European market, this powerplant delivers around 212 PS (209 bhp/155 kW) and is renowned for its sharp throttle response, strong mid-to-high‑rpm pull, and Type R-focused tuning that distinguishes it from standard Accord units.

Engine Overview

At the heart of the Accord Type R (chassis code CH1) is the H22A7, a performance-tuned member of Honda’s H-series family. The engine emphasizes lightness, responsiveness, and sustained power delivery at high engine speeds—hallmarks of the Type R philosophy—paired exclusively with a close-ratio 5‑speed manual gearbox and a helical limited-slip differential to exploit its output on road and track.

Key Specifications

The following list outlines the essential technical details of the H22A7 as fitted to the 2002 Accord Type R, providing a clear view of its configuration and outputs.

  • Engine code: H22A7
  • Displacement and layout: 2.2-liter inline-four (2,157 cc), DOHC, 16-valve
  • Valve timing: VTEC (variable valve timing and lift on the intake side)
  • Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
  • Output (EU spec): approximately 212 PS (209 bhp/155 kW) at around 7,200 rpm
  • Torque: approximately 215 Nm (158 lb-ft) at around 6,700 rpm
  • Fuel system: Multi-point fuel injection
  • Character: High-revving, with a broad top-end power band and sharp throttle response

Taken together, these figures place the H22A7 among the most focused naturally aspirated four-cylinders of its era, delivering competitive performance without forced induction.

What Makes the H22A7 “Type R”

Honda’s Type R treatment goes beyond headline power to focus on responsiveness and durability at high rpm. The points below summarize the tuning approach applied to the Accord Type R’s engine compared with more conventional H-series units.

  • Revised cam profiles and valve timing for stronger high-rpm breathing
  • High-flow cylinder head and intake/exhaust path optimization
  • Dedicated ECU calibration emphasizing rapid response and top-end power
  • Lightweight, low-inertia rotating components to encourage fast revving
  • Pairing with a close-ratio 5-speed manual and helical LSD for optimal power delivery

This holistic tuning approach yields an engine that feels urgent and tractable on circuit and B-roads alike, aligning with the broader Type R ethos of balanced performance.

Performance Character in Context

While its peak numbers tell part of the story, the H22A7’s appeal lies in how it delivers them: tractable off-cam, then surging as VTEC engages and pulling cleanly to the top end. In period tests, the Accord Type R was praised for its linear power delivery, mechanical engagement, and resilience under sustained hard driving.

Bottom Line

The 2002 Honda Accord Type R uses the H22A7: a 2.2-liter, naturally aspirated, DOHC VTEC inline-four producing about 212 PS (209 bhp/155 kW) and roughly 215 Nm (158 lb-ft). It’s a high-revving, precision-tuned engine that exemplifies Honda’s Type R engineering focus on responsiveness, durability, and driver engagement.

Summary

Engine: H22A7, 2.2L DOHC VTEC inline-four; naturally aspirated; approx. 212 PS and 215 Nm. The Accord Type R’s powerplant stands out for its high-rev character, optimized breathing, and close-ratio pairing, delivering one of the most compelling front-drive performance packages of its time.

What Honda has a F23A engine?

F23A1. This engine was used in the 1998-2002 Honda Accord LX, EX, and SE, LEV models, and in the Acura 2.3CL in North America.

What engine in Accord Type R?

Both models are powered by a naturally aspirated 2.2-litre four-cylinder DOHC H22A7 “Red Top” VTEC motor which produces 217 bhp (220 PS; 162 kW) in the JDM model and 209 bhp (212 PS; 156 kW) at 7,200 rpm and 164 lb⋅ft (222 N⋅m) of torque at 6,700 rpm in the EDM model.

What kind of engine does a Honda Type R have?

2.0-liter VTEC® engine
The 2024 Honda Civic Type R stands out as a thrilling sports car with unparalleled performance in its category. At its heart is a powerful 2.0-liter VTEC® engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, a dynamic duo that delivers 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

What kind of engine does a 2002 Honda Accord have?

2002 Honda Accord Specs, Features & Options

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