Honda Gasoline Engine Series Part XII: The Legendary Inline-Four B-Series
Original | Honda Enthusiasts Journal | Updated: 2024-11-15, 11:00:00🌟 Hello, my friend...
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The Golden Age of Honda: The Emergence of the B-Series Engines
🔥 The 1980s were a golden era for Honda, a time of unprecedented innovation and evolution in engine technology. From the Ex-series reorganization to the debut of several groundbreaking engine families, Honda meticulously refined its lineup:
1984: ZC engines
1985: A-series and B-series
1986: D-series
1988: E-series (3-cylinder engines)
1989: F-series (inline-four) and G-series (inline-five)
1991: H-series (2.0+ liters)
Each series marked a milestone in Honda’s engineering journey, and the B-Series stands out as one of the most iconic in this lineup.
The B-Series Foundation
🚗 The B-Series engines, debuting in June 1985, were closely tied to the design philosophy of the ZC DOHC engines, emphasizing flexibility and performance.
Key Early Models:
B20A (1985): A DOHC design with a focus on versatility, initially powering the second-generation Prelude.
B21A (1990): An evolution of the B20A with refined characteristics.
While these early engines laid the groundwork, it wasn’t until the introduction of VTEC technology that the B-Series truly redefined performance.
The Revolutionary DOHC VTEC: B16A
✨ In 1989, Honda introduced the B16A, the world’s first engine to feature DOHC VTEC, forever altering the landscape of naturally aspirated performance.
B16A First Generation (1989):
Displacement: 1,595cc
Power: 162hp @ 7,600rpm
Torque: 15.5kgm @ 7,000rpm
VTEC Activation: 5,500rpm
💡 While revolutionary, the first-generation B16A had a narrow powerband, which made city driving a challenge.
B16A Second Generation (1991):
🌟 The second generation addressed drivability concerns:
Power: 170hp @ 7,800rpm
Torque: 16kgm @ 7,300rpm
B16B: The Type R Variant (1997):
🔥 A true masterpiece, the B16B powered the Civic Type R (EK9) and pushed the limits of naturally aspirated engines:
Power: 185hp @ 8,200rpm
Upgrades: Longer connecting rods, increased block height, and a higher compression ratio (10.8:1).
Expanding the Lineup: B17A and B18C
B17A1 (1992):
A short-lived export-only engine, the B17A1 was featured in the Acura Integra GS-R (DB2):
Power: 160hp @ 7,600rpm
B18C (1995):
🚀 Applications: Integra SiR, Integra Type R
Power: 180hp-200hp
Variants: Type R-specific engines tailored to the US (B18C5), Europe (B18C6), and Australia (B18C7).
The Larger B-Series: B20B
In 1996, Honda introduced the B20B, a robust and versatile engine that favored torque over peak horsepower:
Displacement: 1,973cc
Applications: CR-V (RD1), StepWGN (RF1), and S-MX (RH1)
Power: 126hp-150hp
Despite lacking VTEC, the B20B’s design made it a favorite among tuners for hybrid builds with B16A or B18C heads.
Why the B-Series Stands Out
💎 Innovation: The first engine family to feature DOHC VTEC.
🔧 Tuner-Friendly: A robust platform for performance enthusiasts.
🚘 Versatility: From sporty Civics to practical SUVs, the B-Series powered it all.
Legacy of the B-Series
From the groundbreaking B16A to the torque-heavy B20B, the B-Series engines exemplify Honda's commitment to performance, reliability, and innovation. Whether you’re chasing speed or adventure, the B-Series remains a gold standard in engineering.
Stay tuned for the next chapter: the D-Series engines, Honda’s compact marvels for sub-1.6L applications.
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