Honda Automotive Gasoline Engine Chronicles (Part 9: Inline-4 Ex Series)

Knowledge Series: Honda Automotive Gasoline Engine Chronicles (Part 9: Inline-4 Ex Series)
📖 Original by Honda誌 | JDM Enthusiasts’ Journal | Updated Today

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🚗 The Ex Series: A New Chapter in Honda’s Inline-4 Legacy
Honda’s journey in automotive inline-4 engine history began with the AK series, evolving through the AS, AL, AP, and H1300 engines, which dominated the 1960s. As the 1970s dawned, Honda transitioned to the Ex series, introducing a new philosophy in engine design.

🔑 Key Differences from the Ax Series:

📏 Displacement: Ex series engines featured larger displacements ranging from 1.2L to 1.8L.
⚙️ Valve Train Configuration: Used SOHC designs instead of Ax's DOHC setups.
🚀 Technological Milestones: Bridged the carburetor-to-fuel injection and naturally aspirated-to-turbocharged transitions.
📅 First Released Engines:
The EA twin-cylinder engine (356cc) debuted in May 1971 for the Honda Life (SA). The first inline-4 Ex engine, the EB1, was introduced in July 1972.

🛠 EB1 Engine: Honda’s Comeback Hero
The EB1 was purpose-built for the first-generation Honda Civic in 1972. It revitalized Honda’s automotive division after the H1300 air-cooled engine’s failure. Without the EB1 and Civic, Honda’s legacy might have ended.

📋 Specifications of the EB1:

Displacement: 1,169cc
Bore x Stroke: 70mm x 76mm
Compression Ratio: 8.6:1
SOHC Valve Train: 8 valves operated by a single camshaft.
Fuel System: Single or dual carburetors.
🏎️ Performance Variants:

Deluxe Trim: 60 hp.
GL Trim: 69 hp and 10.2 kg·m torque @ 4,000 rpm.
Civic RS (1974): Dual CV carburetors, 76 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 10.3 kg·m torque @ 4,000 rpm.

📜 Evolution of the Ex Series (1974–1980)
Between 1974 and 1980, Honda introduced numerous inline-4 Ex engines for different models:

EC (1973): 1,488cc, first-gen Civic sedan.
ED (1975): 1,487cc, first-gen Civic Van; first with three-valve-per-cylinder CVCC technology.
EF (1976): 1,599cc, first-gen Accord (SJ).
EK (1978): 1,751cc, second-gen Accord (SZ).
EJ (1979): 1,335cc, second-gen Civic 1300.
EL (1979): 1,602cc, export-market second-gen Accord.
EM (1979): 1,488cc, second-gen Civic 1500.
ER (1981): 1,200cc, first-gen City Turbo (AA).
ES (1982): 1,829cc, later renamed A18A in 1985.
ET (1983): 1,829cc, Accord with 130 hp PGM-Fi version.
EY (1983): 1,598cc, later renamed A16A.
EV (1983): 1,342cc, first-gen CR-X.
EW (1983): 1,488cc, renamed D15A in 1987.
🚨 Milestone Engines: ER, ED, and ES
ER Engine (1981):

The ER engine debuted in the Honda City with COMBAX technology and second-gen CVCC.

🏎️ Turbocharged City Turbo (1982):

PGM-Fi fuel injection.
100 hp.
Turbo II (1983):
Added intercooler.
110 hp and 16.3 kg·m torque.
ED Engine (1975):

Honda’s first three-valve-per-cylinder CVCC engine, enabling lean-burn combustion, debuted in the Civic Van.

ES Engine (1982):

The largest Ex engine (1,829cc), it powered high-performance models like the second-gen Prelude XC, producing up to 125 hp.

🚘 Transition to the D Series
By the mid-1980s, the Ex series evolved into the D series, with engines like the EW rebranded as D15A. This marked Honda’s shift to a unified naming convention and adoption of fuel injection systems.

💡 Stay Tuned!
Next, we’ll explore the A series engines, Honda’s next-generation inline-4 powerhouses!

🎉 What’s your favorite engine from the Ex series? Comment below! 👇

💬 Share your thoughts!
💡 "Which Ex series engine do you think paved the way for Honda’s future success?"
❤️ Like this post if you’re a Honda enthusiast!