The Honda CRX is a small, sporty hatchback that was first introduced in 1984 and quickly became popular for its lightweight design, sporty handling, and fuel efficiency.
Over its production run from 1984 to 1987, the Honda CRX was offered with a variety of engines, including the D15A1.
The Honda D15A1 is a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that was used in the CRX during the mid-1980s. With a displacement of 1,488 cc, this engine was known for its balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for those who wanted a sporty car without sacrificing practicality.
In this article, we will delve into the specs and performance of the Honda D15A1 engine, giving you a better understanding of what made this engine so special.
Honda D15A1 Engine Overview
The Honda D15A1 is a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that was used in the Honda CRX during the mid-1980s. With a bore and stroke of 74.0 x 86.5 mm and a compression ratio of 9.2:1, this engine was designed to provide a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.
The D15A1 was equipped with a SOHC (single overhead cam) valvetrain, with three valves per cylinder and non-VTEC technology. Fuel was controlled through an OBD-0 12/v PGM-CARB system, which helped to improve the engine’s performance and efficiency.
The D15A1 engine was capable of producing 76 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 84 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. This made it a strong performer for its size, and the engine was designed to rev up to a redline of 6,500 rpm.
This engine was also known for its fuel efficiency, with an estimated economy of 31 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
The D15A1 was paired with the DA48 transmission, which had gear ratios of 2.38, 1.76, 1.18, 0.85, and 0.71. The final drive ratio was 4.27, which helped to optimize the engine’s performance and fuel efficiency.
This transmission was designed to handle the power of the D15A1 engine and provide a smooth, responsive driving experience.
In conclusion, the Honda D15A1 engine was designed to provide a balance of power and fuel efficiency in a compact, lightweight package.
Its SOHC valvetrain, efficient fuel control system, and capable transmission all helped to make the D15A1 a popular choice for those who wanted a sporty, fuel-efficient car.
Specification Table for D15A1 Engine
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,488 cc |
| Bore and Stroke | 74.0 x 86.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Power | 76 hp (57 kW) at 5,500 RPM |
| Torque | SOHC (3 valves per cylinder), non-VTEC |
| Valvetrain | SOHC (3 valves per cylinder), non VTEC |
| Fuel Control | OBD-0 12/v PGM-CARB |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Economy | 31/38 mpg |
| Head Code | EW-1 |
| ECU | N/A |
| Transmission | DA48 |
| Gear Ratios | 2.38/ 1.76/ 1.18/ 0.85/ 0.71 |
| Final Drive Ratio | 4.27 |
Source: Wikipedia
Comparison With Other D15 Family Engines like D15A2 and D15A3
The Honda D15A1 engine was part of the D15 engine family, which included other engines such as the D15A2 and D15A3.
Here’s a comparison of the specs for the D15A1, D15A2, and D15A3 engines
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Valvetrain | Fuel Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D15A1 | 1,488 cc | 76 hp at 5,500 RPM | 84 lb⋅ft at 3,500 RPM | SOHC (3 valves per cylinder), non VTEC | OBD-0 12/v PGM-CARB |
| D15A2 | 1,488 cc | 84 hp at 5,500 RPM | 87 lb⋅ft at 3,000 RPM | SOHC (3 valves per cylinder), VTEC | OBD-0 12/v PGM-CARB |
| D15A3 | 1,488 cc | 92 hp at 6,000 RPM | 87 lb⋅ft at 4,500 RPM | SOHC (4 valves per cylinder), VTEC | OBD-0 12/v PGM-CARB |
As you can see from the table, the D15A1 had a lower power output compared to the D15A2 and D15A3, but it was still a capable engine for its size.
The D15A2 and D15A3 engines were equipped with Honda’s VTEC technology, which allowed for increased performance and efficiency. Additionally, the D15A3 had four valves per cylinder, which improved its breathing and performance compared to the D15A1 and D15A2 engines.
In conclusion, while the D15A1 engine was a capable performer for its time, the D15A2 and D15A3 engines offered improved performance and efficiency through the addition of VTEC technology and additional valves per cylinder.
Head and Valvetrain Specs D15A1
The Honda D15A1 engine was equipped with a single overhead cam (SOHC) valvetrain and three valves per cylinder. The SOHC design allowed for a simple and compact engine design, which allowed for a more compact engine overall.
In terms of valves, the D15A1 engine was equipped with three valves per cylinder, which allowed for better breathing and increased performance compared to engines with only two valves per cylinder.
The three valves consisted of two intake valves and one exhaust valve, which helped to improve the engine’s air intake and exhaust efficiency.
Overall, the head and valvetrain design of the D15A1 engine was well-suited to its compact engine size and provided sufficient performance for its intended applications in the Honda CRX.
The Technologies Used in
The Honda D15A1 engine was equipped with several technologies that improved its performance and efficiency. These technologies included
1. Single Overhead Cam (Sohc) Valvetrain
The SOHC valvetrain allowed for a simple and compact engine design, which allowed for a more compact engine overall.
2. Three Valves Per Cylinder
The three valves per cylinder design allowed for better breathing and increased performance compared to engines with only two valves per cylinder.
3. Obd-0 12/v Pgm-carb Fuel Control
The OBD-0 12/v PGM-CARB fuel control system was used in the D15A1 engine to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
4. Non-vtec Valvetrain
The D15A1 engine was equipped with a non-VTEC valvetrain, which allowed for simple and reliable operation but did not offer the performance benefits of VTEC technology.
These technologies, combined with the engine’s compact design, allowed the D15A1 engine to provide sufficient performance and efficiency for its intended applications in the Honda CRX.
Performance Review
The Honda D15A1 engine was a capable performer for its time, delivering 76 horsepower and 84 lb-ft of torque. The engine was well-suited to the compact and lightweight Honda CRX, which was designed for performance and efficiency.
With a compression ratio of 9.2:1 and a redline of 6,500 RPM, the D15A1 engine provided good responsiveness and power delivery, allowing the CRX to be a fun and nimble car to drive.
The engine was also equipped with fuel-saving technologies, such as the OBD-0 12/v PGM-CARB fuel control system, which helped to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Despite its age, the Honda D15A1 engine is still a reliable and durable engine that has proven its performance and longevity over the years.
While it may not have the performance benefits of modern engines, it is still a capable engine that was well-suited to its intended applications in the Honda CRX.
Overall, the Honda D15A1 engine was a solid performer that provided good performance, efficiency, and reliability for its intended applications in the Honda CRX.
What Car Did the D15A1 Come in?
The Honda D15A1 engine was found in the 1984-1987 Honda CRX. The CRX was a compact and lightweight car designed for performance and efficiency.
The D15A1 engine was well-suited to the CRX, delivering 76 horsepower and 84 lb-ft of torque, and was equipped with fuel-saving technologies that helped to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Despite its age, the D15A1 engine is still a reliable and durable engine that has proven its performance and longevity over the years.
Other D Series Engines –
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