actually, there is no true single successor. its the H/F family and the B Series family, that are noted to be the predecessors of the K by engine builders who've played with them and understood their architecture and design (also, the Hs were replaced by the Ks in Accords, so thats one legal/on paper evidence.).
the F20B is handsdown the closest one can get to a K20 in terms of power/design/characteristics.
i call it the cheap-man's K20. and the reason i went for it.
about this, mr.wasay is correct that a higher FD 'does' damage a stock/eco engine.
as the stress on the bearings and the entire "rotating assembly" increase. the engine revs quicker.
Force=Mass x Acceleration.
acceleration of the rotating assembly increases, thus the force as well.
the force per unit area on the components increase. meaning more stress.
but this is not the case with a Honda.
as theyre design specs and build quality allow them to take a heavy beating with no harm done. they can handle beatings and live a harsh life without giving in. REV HAPPY.