HONDA VTEC B-SERIES ENGINE GUIDE
B16A • B16B • B18C • B20 — The High-Revving Legends
Tuning a VTEC-equipped car is one of the most exciting experiences for any enthusiast. The Honda B-Series engines, especially those with VTEC, are legendary for producing impressive power without the help of forced induction. These naturally aspirated, high-revving machines are known for their raw response and thrilling top-end performance.
Even though I consider myself a turbo guy, I have a huge admiration for the B-series VTEC family — especially the B16B. Imagine this: 185 horsepower from just a 1.6L engine, with no turbo or supercharger in sight. That’s pure, mechanical engineering brilliance.
🔧 Why the B-Series is a Tuner’s Dream
One of the most exciting aspects of the B-series is its modularity. Parts from different B-series engines are often interchangeable. For instance, you can pair a B20B block (from a CR-V) with a B16A or B16B head, slap in performance cams, tune it properly, and what you’ll get is a screaming VTEC monster with torque down low and a thrilling top-end surge. Smiles per gallon? Guaranteed.
🚗 Iconic VTEC Machines from the 90s
The 1990s was the golden era of Honda’s performance engineering. Emissions and fuel economy were secondary; the focus was maximum power and performance. Here are a few legendary chassis powered by B-series VTEC engines:
- Integra DC2 Type R — 200hp B18C Type R
- Civic EK9 Type R — 185hp B16B
- Civic EG6 SiR — 170hp B16A
These cars dominated the touge, track, and street scene — and they continue to do so even today.
🔍 VTEC B-SERIES ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
🔹 B16A Series — The VTEC Pioneer
| Engine | Displacement | Compression | Power | Torque | Redline | Notable Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B16A (Gen 1) | 1,595cc | 10.2:1 | 158 hp @ 7600 rpm | 111 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | 8200 rpm | EF8 CRX, EF9 Civic SiR |
| B16A (Gen 2) | 1,595cc | 10.4:1 | 170 hp @ 7800 rpm | 116 lb-ft @ 7300 rpm | 8200 rpm | EG6, EG9, EK4 Civic SiR |
| B16A1 | 1,595cc | 10.2:1 | 150 hp @ 7600 rpm | 111 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | 8200 rpm | EDM Civic/CRX 1.6i-VT |
| B16A2 | 1,595cc | 10.2:1 | 160 hp @ 7600 rpm | 111 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | 8200 rpm | USDM Civic Si (EM1) |
| B16A3 | 1,595cc | – | 160 hp @ 7600 rpm | 118 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm | – | Del Sol VTEC |
| B16A4 | 1,595cc | 10.4:1 | 170 hp @ 7800 rpm | 116 lb-ft @ 7300 rpm | 8200 rpm | EK4 Civic SiRII (Asia) |
| B16A6 | 1,595cc | 10.2:1 | 158 hp @ 7600 rpm | 111 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm | – | Civic EK (Middle East, SA) |
🔹 B16B Type R — The Ultimate 1.6L NA
- Found in: 1997–2000 Civic Type R (EK9)
- Displacement: 1,595cc
- Compression: 10.8:1
- Power: 185 hp @ 8200 rpm
- Torque: 110 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
- Redline: 8500 rpm
- VTEC engagement: 5800 rpm
- Transmission: S4C w/ LSD
- Note: Built on a taller block (same as B18C), this engine uses longer rods and a special head — making it a destroked B18C Type R.
🔹 B18C Series — The Perfect Balance
| Engine | Displacement | Compression | Power | Torque | Redline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B18C (JDM Type R) | 1,797cc | 11.1:1 | 200 hp @ 8000 rpm | 137 lb-ft @ 6200 rpm | 8900 rpm | Ultimate B18C |
| B18C1 | 1,797cc | – | 170 hp @ 7600 rpm | 128 lb-ft @ 6200 rpm | 8000 rpm | USDM Integra GS-R |
| B18C2 | 1,797cc | 10.6:1 | 168 hp @ 7600 rpm | 128 lb-ft @ 6200 rpm | 8200 rpm | AUDM Integra VTi-R |
| B18C3 | 1,797cc | – | 189 hp @ 8200 rpm | 127 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm | – | Acura Integra Type R |
| B18C4 | 1,797cc | 10.0:1 | 169 hp @ 7600 rpm | 117 lb-ft @ 6200 rpm | 8100 rpm | MB6 Civic VTi (UK/EU) |
| B18C5 | 1,797cc | 10.6:1 | 195 hp @ 8200 rpm | 130 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm | – | USDM Integra Type R |
| B18C6 | 1,797cc | 11.1:1 | 190 hp @ 7900 rpm | 131 lb-ft @ 7300 rpm | 8700 rpm | UKDM/EU Integra Type R |
| B18C7 | 1,797cc | – | 189 hp @ 8200 rpm | 127 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm | – | AUDM Integra Type R |
🔹 B20 Series — Big Block Torque (Non-VTEC)
| Engine | Displacement | Compression | Power | Torque | Redline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B20B (96–98) | 1,973cc | 8.8:1 | 126 hp @ 5400 rpm | 131 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm | 6300 rpm | Found in CR-V/Orthia |
| B20B/Z (99–01) | 1,973cc | 9.6:1 | 146 hp @ 5400 rpm | 133 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm | 6300 rpm | CR-V B20Z Spec |
While the B20s are non-VTEC, they make excellent torque down low and serve as a solid base for Frankenstein builds — especially when paired with a B16A/B16B head (commonly referred to as LS/VTEC or B20VTEC swaps).
🛠️ Why Enthusiasts Still Love the B-Series
Despite being over two decades old, the B-series remains a go-to platform for Honda enthusiasts due to:
- High-revving nature
- Strong aftermarket support
- Excellent tuning potential
- Engine interchangeability (heads, blocks, internals)
- Legendary Type R pedigree
🏁 Conclusion: The B-Series Legacy
Whether it’s a screaming B16B from an EK9, a torquey B18C5 from an Integra Type R, or a Frankenstein B20/VTEC build, the B-series proves that displacement isn’t everything. These engines represent the heart of Honda’s racing heritage and remain some of the most beloved naturally aspirated platforms ever made.
Build it right, rev it hard, and let VTEC scream.
