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 1.6L (1,595cc), 1.7L (1,678cc), 1.8L (1,797cc), 1.8L (1,834cc), and 2.0L (1,973cc) 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 126hp (94kW; 128PS) and 197hp (147kW; 200PS), with some models capable of a redline of 8400rpm.
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 203.9mm (8.03in) while the short block used for B16B, B18 and B20 engines has a deck height of 212mm (8.3in).
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)
First generation of the B16A engine
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: 1.6L (1,595cc; 97.3cuin)
Compression: 10.2:1
Bore x Stroke: 81mm ×77.4mm (3.19in ×3.05in)
Rod Length: 134mm (5.3in)
Rod/stroke ratio: 1.745
Power: 158hp (118kW; 160PS) at 7600rpm & 150N⋅m (111lb⋅ft) at 7000rpm
RPM:
VTEC engagement: 4500rpm
Redline: 8000rpm
Rev Limit: 8200rpm
Transmission: S1/J1/YS1 (4.4 final drive, cable clutch, optional LSD for YS1), Y1 (4.266 final drive, cable clutch, optional LSD)
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’
1992–1993 Integra GS-R (North American market VTEC Model VIN DB2)
Displacement: 1.7L (1,678cc; 102.4cuin)
Bore x Stroke: 81mm ×81.4mm (3.19in ×3.20in)
Rod/Stroke Ratio: 1.63
Rod Length: 132.28mm (5.208in)
Compression: 9.7:1
VTEC engagement: 5750rpm
Power: 160bhp (119kW; 162PS) at 7600rpm & 117lb⋅ft (159N⋅m) at 7000rpm
Redline: 8000rpm
Fuel Cutoff: 8250rpm
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.
Power: 126–142–140hp (94–106–104kW; 128–144–142PS) at 5400rpm
Torque: 133lb⋅ft (180N⋅m) at 4800rpm
Rod length: 137mm (5.4in)
Compression: B20B4 (AO PISTONS) 8.8:1 (P8R) or 9.2:1 (P75)
Bore x Stroke: 84mm ×89mm (3.31in ×3.50in)
Redline: 6500rpm
No Knock Sensor
Low Compression engine
B20B
1999 - 2001 specs
Non VTEC
Found in: US CR-V as a B20B8, CR-V and Honda Orthia as a B20B
Displacement: 2.0L (1,973cc; 120.4cuin)
Power: 148–150hp (110–112kW; 150–152PS) at 6200rpm
Torque: 140lb⋅ft (190N⋅m) at 5500rpm
Rod length: 137mm (5.4in)
Compression: 9.4:1 (P8R)-9.6:1 (P75)
Bore x Stroke: 84mm ×89mm (3.31in ×3.50in)
Head Cylinder: P75-5
Redline: 6800rpm
B20Z2
1999 - 2001 specs
Non-VTEC
Found in: US CR-V as a B20Z2, CR-V and Honda Orthia as a B20B
Displacement: 2.0L (1,973cc; 120.4cuin)
Power: 148–150hp (110–112kW; 150–152PS) at 6200rpm
Torque: 140lb⋅ft (190N⋅m) at 5500rpm
Rod length: 137mm (5.4in)
Compression: 9.4:1 (P8R)-9.6:1 (P75)
Bore x Stroke: 84mm ×89mm (3.31in ×3.50in)
Redline: 6800rpm
Some came with limited production head P8R which had 33mm intake valves (normally found on VTEC B-series) vs 31mm intake (non VTEC B series), and the head had an 84mm shrouding vs 81mm for all other B series heads. They also had a thinner head gasket which yielded a higher compression ratio vs the normal B20B of 9.2:1.
Some came with limited production head P8R which had 33mm intake valves (normally found on VTEC B-series) vs 31mm intake (non VTEC B series), and the head had an 84mm shrouding vs 81mm for all other B series heads.
The B20A3 and B20A5 are the predecessor to the B family. All B-series engines were based from the B20A, but most engine components are not compatible. For more information, refer to the F3-series Honda race car that used a B20A engine. Also see Honda B20A engine.