The Honda D15A3 engine is a small yet powerful 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produced by the Japanese automaker, Honda. This engine was introduced in the mid-1980s and was fitted into several popular Honda models.
With its impressive power and efficiency, the D15A3 quickly became a popular choice among Honda enthusiasts.
Some of the most notable models that feature the Honda D15A3 engine include the 1985-1987 Honda CRX Si, the 1987 Civic Si, the 1985-1987 Honda Civic 1.5i (Europe), the 1984-1987 Honda CRX 1.5i (Europe), and the 1986-1987 Honda Civic Si Hatch (US).
These vehicles were known for their nimble handling, fuel efficiency, and fun-to-drive nature, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Honda D15A3 engine and examine its specs, performance, driving experience, maintenance, and upgrades. So, whether you’re a Honda fan or just looking for a fun and efficient car, this post is for you.
Honda D15A3 Engine Overview
The Honda D15A3 engine is a small yet powerful 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produced by the Japanese automaker, Honda. This engine was introduced in the mid-1980s and was fitted into several popular Honda models, including the 1985-1987 Honda CRX Si.
The 1987 Civic Si, the 1985-1987 Honda Civic 1.5i (Europe), the 1984-1987 Honda CRX 1.5i (Europe), and the 1986-1987 Honda Civic Si Hatch (US).
In terms of engine specs, the Honda D15A3 has a displacement of 1,488 cc and a bore and stroke of 74mm x 86.5mm. It has a compression ratio of 8.7:1, which is relatively high for a small engine of its size.
The engine is equipped with a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and 12 valves, three per cylinder, which helps to deliver smooth and efficient power. The fuel control system is the PGM-FI2, which is a programmable fuel injection system that delivers precise fuel metering and improved fuel efficiency.
When it comes to performance, the Honda D15A3 engine is capable of delivering impressive power outputs. In the US, the engine produces 91 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 93 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the engine produces 100 PS at 5750 RPM and 126 Nm of torque, which is a slight improvement over the US-spec engine.
Driving the Honda D15A3-powered vehicles is a fun and exhilarating experience. The engine provides nimble acceleration and brisk speed, making it a blast to drive.
Despite its small size, the engine is also quite efficient and provides excellent fuel economy, making it a cost-effective choice for daily driving.
Additionally, the engine is known for its reliability and smoothness, making it a dependable choice for those looking for a fun yet practical car.
When it comes to maintenance and upgrades, the Honda D15A3 engine is relatively easy to maintain and has a good aftermarket parts availability.
Regular oil changes and general maintenance will help keep the engine running smoothly, while a number of performance upgrades are available to those looking to get even more power out of their Honda.
In conclusion, the Honda D15A3 engine is a compact and powerful engine that provides a fun and efficient driving experience. Whether you’re a Honda enthusiast or just looking for a fun and reliable car, the Honda D15A3 engine is a great choice.
Specification Table for D15A3 Engine
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Code | D15A3 |
| Displacement | 1,488 cc |
| Bore and Stroke | 74mm x 86.5mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 |
| Power (US) | 91 hp @ 5,500 RPM |
| Power (Europe) | 100 PS @ 5,750 RPM |
| Torque (US) | 93 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM |
| Torque (Europe) | 126 Nm @ 4,500 RPM |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 12 valves (3 per cylinder) |
| Fuel Control System | PGM-FI2 |
| Cars Featuring Engine | 1985-1987 Honda CRX Si, 1987 Civic Si, 1985-1987 Honda Civic 1.5i (Europe), 1984-1987 Honda CRX 1.5i (Europe), 1986-1987 Honda Civic Si Hatch (US) |
Source: Wikipedia
Comparison With Other D15 Family Engine Like D15A1 and D15A2
The Honda D15A3 engine is part of the Honda D15 engine family, which also includes the D15A1 and D15A2 engines. Compared to these other engines in the family, the D15A3 engine offers some unique advantages and differences:
| Specification | D15A3 | D15A1 | D15A2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,488 cc | 1,488 cc | 1,488 cc |
| Bore and Stroke | 74mm x 86.5mm | 74mm x 86.5mm | 74mm x 86.5mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Power | 91 hp @ 5,500 RPM (US) 100 PS @ 5,750 RPM (Europe) | 72 hp @ 5,500 RPM (US) 78 PS @ 5,500 RPM (Europe) | 82 hp @ 5,500 RPM (US) 87 PS @ 5,500 RPM (Europe) |
| Torque | 93 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM (US) 126 Nm @ 4,500 RPM (Europe) | 81 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM (US) 109 Nm @ 4,500 RPM (Europe) | 81 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM (US) 109 Nm @ 4,500 RPM (Europe) |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 12 valves (3 per cylinder) | SOHC, 8 valves (2 per cylinder) | SOHC, 8 valves (2 per cylinder) |
As can be seen from the above table, the D15A3 engine has the highest compression ratio and power outputs compared to the D15A1 and D15A2 engines.
Additionally, the D15A3 engine is equipped with a more advanced valvetrain, which includes 12 valves and a single overhead camshaft, compared to the 8-valve SOHC design used in the D15A1 and D15A2 engines.
These differences help to deliver improved performance and efficiency compared to the other engines in the D15 family.
In conclusion, the Honda D15A3 engine offers some distinct advantages over the D15A1 and D15A2 engines in terms of performance, efficiency, and advanced engineering features.
Whether you’re a Honda enthusiast looking for a fun and capable engine, or a daily driver looking for a reliable and efficient powerplant, the Honda D15A3 engine is a great choice.
Head and Valvetrain Specs D15A3
The Honda D15A3 engine features a single overhead cam (SOHC) valvetrain design with 12 valves in total, arranged with three valves per cylinder. This advanced valvetrain design helps to improve the engine’s breathing efficiency and overall performance compared to earlier D15 engine models.
The valvetrain components of the D15A3 engine include
1. Camshaft
The camshaft is responsible for opening and closing the engine’s valves in a specific order and at a precise time, and the D15A3 engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design.
2. Rocker Arms
Rocker arms are used to transfer the movement of the camshaft to the engine’s valves, and the D15A3 engine is equipped with 12 rocker arms, one for each valve.
3. Valves
The D15A3 engine features 12 valves in total, arranged with three valves per cylinder. This design helps to improve the engine’s breathing efficiency and overall performance.
4. Springs
Valve springs are used to control the movement of the engine’s valves, and the D15A3 engine is equipped with high-tension valve springs to ensure reliable and consistent valve operation.
Overall, the Honda D15A3 engine’s head and valvetrain design contribute to its impressive power and efficiency, and help to make it a reliable and capable engine option for Honda enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.
The Technologies Used in
The Honda D15A3 engine was designed with several advanced technologies that help to improve its performance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability. Some of the key technologies used in the D15A3 engine include:
1. Programmed Fuel Injection (Pgm-fi)
The D15A3 engine is equipped with a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system that helps to optimize the engine’s fuel-air mixture for maximum performance and efficiency. This system also helps to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy compared to earlier D15 engine models.
2. Electronic Control Module (Ecm)
The D15A3 engine features an advanced Electronic Control Module (ECM) that helps to control and monitor various engine functions, such as ignition timing, fuel injection, and emissions. This helps to ensure consistent engine performance and improve overall reliability.
3. Distributorless Ignition System (Dis)
The D15A3 engine is equipped with a Distributorless Ignition System (DIS), which helps to improve the engine’s ignition efficiency and reduce emissions compared to earlier engine models with a traditional distributor.
4. Cast Aluminum Cylinder Block
The D15A3 engine features a cast aluminum cylinder block, which helps to reduce weight and improve overall engine responsiveness.
Overall, the Honda D15A3 engine was designed with advanced technologies that help to improve its performance, efficiency, and reliability, making it a capable and reliable engine option for Honda enthusiasts and daily drivers alike.
Performance Review
The Honda D15A3 engine is a popular and capable engine option that was designed to deliver impressive power and efficiency in a compact package. Here is a performance review of the D15A3 engine:
1. Power Output
The D15A3 engine is rated to deliver 91 horsepower (68 kW) at 5,500 RPM and 93 lb-ft (126 Nm) of torque at 4,500 RPM. These impressive power numbers help to make the D15A3 engine a fun and capable engine option for daily driving, as well as for performance enthusiasts.
2. Fuel Efficiency
The Honda D15A3 engine’s advanced Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system helps to optimize the engine’s fuel-air mixture for maximum performance and efficiency, resulting in improved fuel economy compared to earlier D15 engine models.
3. Reliability
The Honda D15A3 engine was designed with advanced technologies, such as a Distributorless Ignition System (DIS), that help to improve its reliability and overall performance. Additionally, Honda’s reputation for quality and reliability further adds to the D15A3 engine’s overall reliability.
4. Upgrade Potential
The Honda D15A3 engine is a popular engine option among performance enthusiasts, and there are a wide range of aftermarket performance parts available that can help to improve the engine’s power, reliability, and overall performance.
In conclusion, the Honda D15A3 engine is a capable and reliable engine option that delivers impressive power and efficiency in a compact package. Whether you’re a daily driver or a performance enthusiast, the D15A3 engine is a great choice for those looking for a fun and reliable engine option.
What Car Did the D15A3 Come in?
The Honda D15A3 engine was used in several popular Honda car models, including
- 1985-1987 Honda CRX Si and 1987 Civic Si (AU/NZ)
- 1985-1987 Honda Civic 1.5i (Europe)
- 1984-1987 Honda CRX 1.5i (Europe)
- 1986-1987 Honda Civic Si Hatch (US)
It is important to note that the D15A3 engine was used in specific trim levels or regions, so it may not have been available in all Honda models or in all regions. It is always best to check the specific specifications of your Honda car to determine which engine it is equipped with.
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