The Honda B series engine is one of the most iconic and widely recognized engines in the automotive industry. Launched in the late 1980s, the B series engines have powered some of Honda’s most popular models, including the Civic, Integra, and Prelude.
The B17A1 engine, introduced in 1992, was a high-performance version of the B series, designed to deliver exceptional power and responsiveness.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Honda B17A1 engine, its specifications, and performance, to provide a comprehensive overview of this iconic powerplant.
The B17A1 was an important addition to Honda’s engine lineup, as it represented the first DOHC VTEC B series engine to be marketed in North America as an export-only model, offering a new level of performance to Honda enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a Honda fan or just interested in high-performance engines, the B17A1 is certainly worth exploring.
Honda B17A1 Engine Overview
The Honda B17A1 is a high-performance, 1.7-liter, 4-cylinder engine that was part of Honda’s B series engine lineup. It was introduced in 1992 for the US and Canadian markets, as an export only model, not available in Japan.
The B17A1 was the first DOHC VTEC B series engine to be offered in North America, and it quickly gained a reputation for delivering exceptional power and responsiveness.
The B17A1 engine had a displacement of 1.7 liters, with a bore and stroke of 81mm x 81.4mm, respectively. The rod-to-stroke ratio was 1.63, and the rod length was 132.28mm.
The engine had a compression ratio of 9.7:1, which helped to deliver a powerful, high-revving performance.
The VTEC engagement occurred at 5750 RPM, and the engine had a redline of 8000 RPM, with a fuel cutoff of 8250 RPM.
In terms of power output, the B17A1 produced 160 horsepower at 7600 RPM and 117 lb-ft of torque at 7000 RPM.
This power was channeled through the YS1 cable transmission, which was different from other cable B-series YS1 transmissions as it had a different input shaft and a shorter final drive.
The VTEC system was one of the key features of the B17A1 engine, allowing for increased airflow and combustion efficiency at higher RPMs.
This helped to deliver a significant increase in power compared to non-VTEC B series engines.
The VTEC system, combined with the high redline and fuel cutoff, also gave the B17A1 a distinctive, high-revving character, which was well-suited to high-performance driving.
In terms of performance, the B17A1 was highly regarded for its exceptional power delivery and acceleration, as well as its engine response and throttle response.
The engine was also well-balanced and handled well, making it a popular choice among Honda enthusiasts.
The Honda B17A1 was a highly-regarded engine that delivered exceptional performance and high-revving excitement.
Whether you’re a Honda fan or just interested in high-performance engines, the B17A1 is certainly worth exploring.
B17A1 Engine Specs
| Specification | Detail |
| Engine Type | 1.7-liter 4-cylinder DOHC VTEC |
| Displacement | 1.7 L (102.4 cu in) |
| Bore x Stroke | 81 mm x 81.4 mm |
| Rod/Stroke Ratio | 1.63 |
| Rod Length | 132.28 mm |
| Compression | 9.7:1 |
| VTEC Engagement | 5750 RPM |
| Power Output | 160 bhp (119 kW) at 7600 RPM <br> 117 lb⋅ft (159 N⋅m) at 7000 RPM |
| Redline | 8000 RPM |
| Fuel Cutoff | 8250 RPM |
| Transmission | YS1 cable transmission |
| Availability | 1992-1993 Integra GS-R (USDM/Canadian market VTEC Model VIN DB2) |
Comparison With Other B16 Family Engine Like B16A1 and B16A2
The Honda B17A1 engine is part of the B series engine family, which also includes the B16A1 and B16A2 engines. While all three engines share many similarities, there are some key differences that set each engine apart.
The B16A1 engine is a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine that was introduced in 1988 for the Japanese and European markets. It had a displacement of 1.6 liters, with a bore and stroke of 81mm x 77.4mm, respectively.
The B16A1 engine had a compression ratio of 9.2:1, and produced 160 horsepower at 8200 RPM and 111 lb-ft of torque at 7200 RPM.
The B16A2 engine is an updated version of the B16A1 engine, introduced in 1991. The B16A2 engine had a slightly higher compression ratio of 9.5:1, and produced 170 horsepower at 8200 RPM and 111 lb-ft of torque at 7200 RPM.
The B16A2 engine was also equipped with a more advanced VTEC system, which improved power and responsiveness compared to the B16A1 engine.
Compared to the B16A1 and B16A2 engines, the B17A1 engine has a larger displacement of 1.7 liters, a higher compression ratio of 9.7:1, and a slightly different bore and stroke (81mm x 81.4mm).
The B17A1 engine also had a higher redline of 8000 RPM, and a higher power output of 160 horsepower at 7600 RPM and 117 lb-ft of torque at 7000 RPM.
The B17A1 engine was also equipped with the YS1 cable transmission, which was different from other cable B-series transmissions as it had a different input shaft and a shorter final drive.
In conclusion, the B17A1 engine offers a unique blend of performance and versatility, compared to the B16A1 and B16A2 engines.
Whether you’re looking for high-revving excitement or exceptional power and responsiveness, the B17A1 engine is definitely worth considering.
Head and Valvetrain Specs B17A1
The Honda B17A1 engine features a DOHC (double overhead cam) design, with four valves per cylinder and VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology.
The engine also has hydraulic lifters, which require no adjustment and provide low-maintenance operation.
The valvetrain specifications for the B17A1 engine include
- Camshaft duration: 256 degrees intake / 264 degrees exhaust
- Cam lift: 9.2mm intake / 8.5mm exhaust
- Valve diameter: 32mm intake / 28mm exhaust
These specifications contribute to the engine’s high-revving character and impressive power output.
The VTEC system enhances performance by allowing the engine to switch between two different cam profiles, depending on RPM.
At low RPMs, the engine uses a more efficient cam profile for smooth and economical operation. At higher RPMs, the engine switches to a performance cam profile for increased power and responsiveness.
Overall, the head and valvetrain design of the B17A1 engine provide a unique combination of performance and versatility, making it a popular choice among Honda enthusiasts.
The Technologies Used in
The Honda B17A1 engine is equipped with several advanced technologies that contribute to its performance and efficiency. Some of the key technologies used in the B17A1 engine include:
1. DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) design
This design features two camshafts in the engine head, allowing for more precise control of the valve timing and lift. The DOHC design also helps to reduce engine weight and improve power and efficiency.
2. VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
This technology allows the engine to switch between two different cam profiles, depending on RPM, for improved performance and efficiency. At low RPMs, the engine uses a more efficient cam profile for smooth and economical operation. At higher RPMs, the engine switches to a performance cam profile for increased power and responsiveness.
3. Hydraulic lifters
These lifters require no adjustment and provide low-maintenance operation. The hydraulic lifters help to ensure consistent valve operation and reduce engine noise.
4. High-revving design
The B17A1 engine is designed to rev to high RPMs, providing thrilling performance and high-revving excitement.
The engine’s high redline of 8000 RPM and VTEC technology allow it to extract maximum power from its 1.7-liter displacement.
These technologies work together to create a high-performance engine that delivers exceptional power, responsiveness, and efficiency.
The B17A1 engine is a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess and commitment to advancing automotive technology.
Performance Review
The Honda B17A1 engine is highly regarded for its performance and versatility. With a 1.7-liter displacement, VTEC technology, and high-revving design, the B17A1 engine delivers impressive power and responsiveness.
In terms of horsepower and torque, the B17A1 engine produces 160 bhp (119 kW) at 7600 RPM and 117 lb⋅ft (159 N⋅m) at 7000 RPM, respectively.
The engine’s high redline of 8000 RPM and VTEC technology allow it to extract maximum power from its 1.7-liter displacement.
In terms of driving experience, the B17A1 engine provides a thrilling and engaging ride. The engine’s high-revving character and responsive throttle response make for a fun and exhilarating driving experience.
The VTEC technology also helps to deliver smooth and linear power delivery, making the engine well-suited for both high-performance driving and daily commuting.
Overall, the Honda B17A1 engine is a highly regarded powerplant that delivers impressive performance and versatility.
The engine’s combination of high-performance technology, high-revving design, and efficient operation make it a popular choice among Honda enthusiasts and performance car enthusiasts alike.
What Car Did the B17A1 Come in?
The Honda B17A1 engine was found in the 1992-1993 Integra GS-R for the USDM/Canadian market.
The VTEC model (VIN DB2) was the first DOHC VTEC B series engine to be marketed in North America, exported only, and not available in Japan.
This compact and powerful engine was paired with the YS1 cable transmission, which had a different input shaft and shorter final drive compared to other B-series transmissions.
The B17A1 engine was highly regarded for its performance, versatility, and high-revving design, making it a popular choice among Honda enthusiasts and performance car enthusiasts alike.
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