The B-series are a family of inline four-cylinder DOHC automotive engines introduced by Honda in 1988. Sold concurrently with the D-series which were primarily SOHC engines designed for more economical applications, the B-series were a performance option featuring dual overhead cams along with the first application of Honda's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system in certain models, high-pressure die cast aluminum block, cast-in quadruple-Siamese iron liners.
To identify a Honda B-series engine, the letter B is normally followed by two numbers to designate the displacement of the engine, another letter, and in US-spec engines, another number. The Japanese spec-engines are normally designated with a four character alphanumeric designation. The B-series, the B20B variant in particular, is not to be confused with the earlier Honda B20A engine introduced in 1985 and primarily available in the Prelude and Accord-derived vehicles from 1985 to 1991. While sharing some design elements and both being multivalve Honda four-cylinders, the B-series and B20A differ substantially in architecture, enough to be considered distinct engine families.
They were made in , , , , and variants, with and without VTEC. Later models have minor upgrades including modifications to the intake valves and ports and piston tops, along with individual cylinder oil injectors (B18C models). They produce between and , with some models capable of a redline of 8400 rpm.
Although it has many variations, the basic design differs very little among the B-Series. There are actually two short blocks which are used for the entire series. The distinction between them was the cylinder block deck height. The one used for B16 and B17 engines (except for B16B) has a deck height of while the short block used for B16B, B18 and B20 engines has a deck height of .
The Honda B16 has appeared in six different forms over the years. The Honda B-series was replaced by the K-series in Civic, Integra, Odyssey, and CR-V applications.
B16
B16A (First generation)
The first VTEC engine. B16A found in: 1989-1993 Honda Integra XSi 1989-1991 Honda CRX SiR (EF8) 1989-1991 Honda Civic SiR (EF9) Displacement: Compression: 10.2:1 Bore x Stroke: Rod Length: Rod/stroke ratio: 1.745 Power: at 7600 rpm & at 7000 rpm RPM: VTEC engagement: 4500 rpm Redline: 8000 rpm Rev Limit: 8200 rpm Transmission: S1/J1/YS1 (4.4 final drive, cable clutch, optional LSD for YS1), Y1 (4.266 final drive, cable clutch, optional LSD) ECU code: P-fk1 (DA6/DA8/EF8), PW0 (EF8/EF9/DA6), PR3 (EF8/EF9) OBD0
B16A (Second generation)
Found in: 1992–1993 Honda Integra "XSi" (DA6, DA8) 1992–1994 Honda Civic SiR/SiRII (EG6) 1992–1993 Honda Civic Ferio SiR (EG9) 1992–1995 Honda CR-X del Sol SiR (EG2) 1996–1998 Honda Civic SiR/SiRII (EK4) 1996–2000 Honda Civic Ferio SiR (EK4) Displacement: Compression: 10.4:1 Bore x Stroke: Rod Length: Rod/stroke ratio: 1.745 Power: MT: at 7400 rpm & at 7000 rpm RPM: VTEC engagement: 5500 rpm Redline: 8200 rpm Rev Limit: 8200 rpm Transmission: YS1/S4C/Y21/S21/ S24A (4.4 final drive, optional LSD) ECU code: P30 (EG2/EG6/EG8/EG9), PR3 (DA6) OBD1 P2T (EK4) OBD2
B16B (Type R)
Found in: 1997–2000 Civic Type R Displacement: Compression ratio: 10.8:1 Bore x stroke: Rod/Stroke ratio: 1.85:1 Rod Length: Power: at 8,200 rpm Torque: at 7500 rpm RPM: VTEC engagement: 6,100 rpm Redline: 8,400 rpm Rev Limit: 8,600 rpm Transmission: S4C With Helical LSD (4.4 final drive, dual-cone synchronizer on second gear) ECU code: PCT ECU Socket Type: OBD-2A (1996-1998 models) / OBD-2B (1999-2000 models) Note: This engine uses the same block as the Integra Type R, which is taller than the B16A block, but with a crank the same stroke as the B16A. It uses longer rods to accommodate for this, which is why the Rod/Stroke ratio is higher than a standard B16. It is basically a ‘Destroked B18C Type R engine’
B16A1
VTEC Found in: CRX 1.6 DOHC VTEC (EE8) - European market Civic 1.6 DOHC VTEC (EE9) - European market Displacement: Bore×Stroke: Compression: at 10.2:1 Power: at 7600 rpm Torque: at 7100 rpm RPM: VTEC engagement: 5200 rpm Redline: 8000 rpm Rev Limit: 8200 rpm Transmission: Y2 OBD0 ECU CODE: PW0
B16A2
DOHC VTEC Found in: 1992-2000 Honda Civic VTi (EU; EG6/EG9 & EK4) 1992-1997 Honda Civic del Sol VTi (EU; EG) 1996-1997 Honda Civic del Sol VTEC (US; EG2) 1996-1998 Honda Civic VTi-R (AU & NZ; EK4) 1999-2000 Honda Civic VTi-R (AU; EM1) 1999-2000 Honda Civic Si (US; EM1) 1996–2000 Honda Civic VTEC – Middle East & South Africa (SO3, SO4) 1999-2000 Honda Civic SiR (Philippines; EK4 Sedan) 1999-2000 Honda Civic SiR (Canada; EM1) Displacement: Bore×Stroke: Power: at 7600 rpm & at 6500 rpm Compression: 10.2:1 RPM: VTEC engagement: 5600 rpm Redline: 8000 rpm Rev Limit: 8200 rpm Transmission: Y21, S4C
B16A3 DOHC VTEC Found in: 1994-1995 Del Sol VTEC US version Displacement: Power: at 7600 rpm & at 6700 rpm Compression: 10.2:1 Bore×Stroke: RPM: VTEC engagement: 5600 rpm Redline: 8200 rpm Rev Limit: 8500 rpm Transmission: Y21 OBD1 PR3 is also stamped on head
B16A4
VTEC Found in: 1996-2000 Civic Si-RII (JDM version) (EK4) Displacement: 1,595 cc (97.3 cu in) Compression: 10.4:1 Power: 130 kW (177 PS; 174 bhp) at 7800 rpm & 111 ft·lbf (150 N·m) at 7300 rpm Redline: 8000 rpm Transmission: Y21
B16A5
VTEC Found in: 1996-2000 Civic Si-RII (JDM version) (EK4) Displacement: Compression: 10.4:1 Power: at 7800 rpm & at 6300 rpm Redline: 8500 rpm Transmission: Y21 Note: Only offered on SiRs with automatic transmissions.
B16A6
VTEC Found in: 1996–2000 Honda Civic – Middle East & South Africa VTEC (SO3, SO4) Displacement: Compression: 10.2:1 Power: at 7800 rpm & at 6400 rpm Transmission: S4C VTEC engagement: 5500 rpm
B17
B17A1
VTEC Found in: 1992–1993 Integra GS-R (North American market VTEC Model VIN DB2) Displacement: Bore x Stroke: Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.63 Rod Length: Compression: 9.7:1 VTEC engagement: 5750 rpm Power: at 7600 rpm & at 7000 rpm Redline: 8000 rpm Fuel Cutoff: 8250 rpm First DOHC VTEC B series to be marketed in North America as export only. Not available in Japan. Came equipped with the YS1 cable transmission, which was different from other cable B-series YS1 transmissions as it has a different input shaft and a shorter final drive.
B18
B18A1 Non-VTEC Found in: 1990–1991 Acura Integra "RS/LS/LS Special Edition/GS" (US; DA9 Liftback/Hatchback, DB1 Sedan) OBD0 Displacement: Compression: 9.2:1 Bore x Stroke: Rod Length: Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.54 Redline: 6500 rpm Rev Limit: 7200 rpm Programmed fuel injection Power: at 6000 rpm & at 5000 rpm Transmission: S1, A1, cable. Found in: 1992-1993 Acura Integra "GS/LS/LS Special Edition/RS" (US; DA9 Liftback/Hatchback, DB1 Sedan) OBD1 PR4 ECU Displacement: Compression: 9.2:1 Bore x Stroke: Rod Length: Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.54 Redline: 6700 rpm Rev Limit: 7200 rpm Programmed fuel injection Power: at 6300 rpm & at 5000 rpm Transmission: YS1, cable. Larger input shaft than 90–91. Uses same clutch as 94+ B series hydro.
B18A2 Non-VTEC Found in: 1990-1992 Honda Integra LS DB1 Sedan (assembled in India and sold in LATAM, no catalytic converter) OBD0 PR4 ECU Displacement: Compression: 9.2:1 Bore x Stroke: Rod Length: Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.54 Redline: 6500 rpm Rev Limit: 6700 rpm Programmed fuel injection Power: at 6300 rpm & at 5000 rpm Transmission: YS1, cable.
B18B1
DOHC Non VTEC ECU code:P75 Found in: 94-01 Integra RS/LS/SE/GS - DB7/DC4/DC3 1994–2000 Honda Integra "RS/LS/GS/SE/(GSI Australia)" (DC4/DB7) 1992–1996 JDM Honda Domani (MA5) 1993–1994 JDM Honda Integra (DB7) 1996–1999 JDM Honda Orthia (EL1) Displacement: Compression: 9.2:1 Bore x Stroke: Rod Length: Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.56 Power: at 6300 rpm & at 5200 rpm Redline: 6800 rpm (7200 rpm on JDM Domani) Rev Limit: 7300 rpm Transmission: Y80/S80 Hydraulic JDM version is marked B18B on the block without any number. JDM version has 9.4:1 compression ratio whereas the US version has 9.2:1. JDM version's higher compression ratio and factory tuning results in higher torque and power ratings ECU code:P75
B18B2
DOHC Non-VTEC Found in: 94-01 Integra RS/LS/SE/GS - DB7/DC4/DC3 1994–2001Honda Integra "RS/LS/GS/SE/(GSI Australia)" (DC4/DB7) Displacement: Compression: 9.2:1 Bore x Stroke: Rod Length: Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.56 Power: at 6300 rpm & at 5200 rpm Redline: 6800 rpm (7200 rpm on JDM Domani) Rev Limit: 7300 rpm Transmission: Y80/S80 ECU code: P75
B18B3 DOHC NON VTEC Found in: 1992–1995 Honda Civic – Middle East & South Africa (SR3/SR4) Displacement: Compression: 9.2:1 Bore x Stroke: Power: at 6000 rpm & at 5000 rpm Transmission: Y80 Ecu code: P34
B18B4
DOHC NON VTEC Found in: 1996–2000 Honda Civic – Middle East & South Africa Ballade (SO3/SO4) 1999-2000 Honda Civic Si - Thailand Displacement: Compression: 9.2:1 Bore x Stroke: Power: at 6200 rpm & at 4900 rpm Transmission: S80 Ecu code:P6T
JDM B18C Type R
DOHC VTEC Identification: (98 spec) PR3 stamp on engine head, top radiator hose connected towards back of head Found in: 95-00 Honda Integra JDM Type R (DC2 & DB8) Redline: 8400 rpm Rev Limit: 8900 rpm Power: at 8000 rpm & at 7500 rpm (96 spec); at 8000 rpm & at 6200 rpm (98 spec) Transmission: S80 with Helical LSD S80 spec: J4D (96 Spec: 4.4 final drive), N3E (98 Spec: 4.785 final drive w/ 1.034 4th & .787 5th Gears) Displacement: Compression: 11.1:1 Bore x Stroke: Rod Length: Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.58 VTEC engagement: 5800 rpm (96 spec) 6000 rpm (98 spec) ECU code: P73-003 (96 spec) P73-013 (98 spec) P73-023 (00 spec)
JDM B18C
SiR-G/GSR VTEC Found in: 95-98 Honda Integra JDM SiR/SiR II (DB8, DC2) 98-99 Honda Integra JDM SiR-G (DB8, DC2) 2000 Vemac RD180 Identification top rad hose connected towards front of head Redline: 8000 rpm Rev Limit: 8200 rpm Power: at 7200 rpm & at 6200 rpm Displacement: Compression: 10.6:1 Bore x Stroke: ECU code: P72 VTEC engagement: 4400 rpm Transmission Y80 (with optional LSD)
B18C1
DOHC VTEC Found in: 1994–2001 Acura Integra GS-R (US; DC2 & DB8) Displacement: Compression: 10.0:1 Bore x Stroke: Rod Length: Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.58 Power: at 7600 rpm Torque: at 6200 rpm Redline: 8100 rpm (Fuel Cut-off at 8300 rpm) Secondary Runners Open: 5,750 rpm VTEC engagement: 4400 rpm ECU code: P72
B18C2
DOHC VTEC Found in: 1994-2001 Honda Integra AUDM/NZDM VTi-R Compression: 10.0:1 Displacement: Bore x Stroke: Power: at 7300 rpm Torque: at 6200 rpm Redline: 8000 rpm (Fuel cut-off at 8200 rpm) VTEC engagement: 4500 rpm IAB engagement: 6000 rpm Transmission: Y80 (OBD1) - S80 (OBD2) ECU code: P72
B18C3
DOHC VTEC Found in: Honda Civic Asian market, Honda Integra Asian market, Power: at 7600 rpm & at 7500 rpm Compression: 10.8:1 Bore x Stroke:
B18C4
DOHC VTEC Found in: 1992–2000 Ballade (Civic) 1996–2000 UK Civic VTi 5-door Hatch (MB6) 1996–2000 UK Civic 1.8i VTi-S (Limited Edition) 5-door Hatch (MB6) 1996–2001 UK Civic Aerodeck 1.8i VTi 5-door Wagon (MC2) 1998–1999 EU Civic Aerodeck 1.8i VTi 5-door Wagon (MC2) 1998–1999 EU Civic 1.8i VTi 5-door Hatch (MB6) Displacement: IAB open at 5750 rpm VTEC engagement at 4300 rpm Compression: 10.0:1 Power: at 7600 rpm & at 6200 rpm Limit: 8400 rpm (fuel cut) Transmission: S9B 4.26 final drive Torsen LSD. ECU code: 37820-P9K-E11 (1997-1999) 37820-P9K-G11 (2000-2001) (uses OBD1 type ECU connectors) bore x stroke:
B18C5 (Type R)
DOHC VTEC Found in: 1997-1998, 1999 CDM, 2000-2001 Acura Integra Type R (North America) Displacement: Compression: 10.6:1 Bore x Stroke: Rod Length: Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.58 Power: at 7800 rpm & at 7500 rpm Redline: 8400 rpm (Fuel cut-off at 9000 rpm) VTEC engagement: 5700 rpm Transmission: S80 w/LSD
B18C6 (Type R) DOHC VTEC Found in: 1998–2001 Honda Integra UK/EU Type R Displacement: Compression: 11.1:1 Air intake diameter: Bore: Rod Length: Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.58 Power: at 7900 rpm & at 7300 rpm Redline: 8400 rpm Rev Limit: 8600 rpm VTEC engagement: 5900 rpm