Both codes, f22b1, and f22b2 refer to an engine that was manufactured by Honda. Although most of the specifications are identical for these engines, there are also several differences between them.
So, what is the difference between F22b1 and F22b2? The main difference between the f22b1 and f22b2 is that one of them is a VTEC engine, and the other one is a non-VTEC engine. Along with this, the f22b1 provides better performance, power, RPM, and torque than the f22b2 engine.
This article will go through the history, specs, features, and distinctions of both engines. You will also learn about their benefits and drawbacks, which will clear up any confusion. Let us begin!
What Are F22b1 And F22b2?
Before starting any other discussion, you must have explicit knowledge about what is f22b1 and f22b2. In this section, we will give you an idea about this:
F22b1
It refers to an engine that was manufactured by the Honda company in the 90s era. The engine was first used in the Honda Accord EX 1994 model. Then until the Honda Accord was introduced in 1997, it was used constantly in these cars.
Also, this engine was used in the 1997 Acura CL. It is the most popular engine of the F series because of being the first VTEC engine that comes in the F series.
F22b2
The f22b2 also refers to an engine that was also manufactured by Honda. It was also first used in the Honda Accord, but the model was different. From the 1994 Honda Accord LX and DX to the 1997 same models, this engine was used. However, this engine has a disadvantage, and it is because of a non-VTEC engine.
F22b1 Vs. F22b2 Specifications
In this section, we will talk about the specifications of these two engines. From these specifications, you will be able to detect the similarities and dissimilarities between them.
| Parameters | F22b1 | F22b2 |
| Displacement | 2.2L | 2.2L |
| Bore x Stroke | 85 mm x 95 mm | 85 mm x 95 mm |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, no.of 16 valves | SOHC, 16 valves |
| VTEC switchover | 2300~3200 rpm | – |
| Power(hp) | 145 | 130 |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Torque(Nm) | 199 | 188 |
| Redline(rpm) | 6500 | 6300 |
| Firing order | 1-3-4-2 | 1-3-4-2 |
| Fuel Control | OBD-I PGM-FI, OBD-II PGM-FI | OBD-I rarely on ODB-II PGM-FI |
| Price | 1250$ | 1050$ |
From the table, you can see that almost all the specifications are the same for both. The differences are in power, Torque, Redline, and being VTEC or not.
If you notice carefully, you will be able to notice that f22b1 has higher torque power and redline than the other one. Besides being a VTEC engine, the f22b1 has a significant number of advantages.
Advantages Of the F22b1 Engine Over The F22b2 Engine
From the above table, you already know that the F22b1 engine is a VTEC engine. This feature makes this engine more advantageous than the f22b2 in many aspects.
Honda VTEC technology uses specialized exhaust valves and air-fuel intakes that are matched to achieve the ideal engine speed. Now let’s see some benefits of having this:
Fuel Economy
Because of the VTEC technology, you will need less fuel to offer the f22b1 engine a power boost during normal driving. The power will travel through the intake valve as well as the exhaust valve. And this may result in significantly less fuel use.
But, in the case of your f22b2 engine, your vehicle will consume more fuel. This will result in poor fuel economy.
Rapid High Speeds
With the VTEC technology, f22b1 can switch faster to high speed from low speed. No matter if you are going high or low speed, the efficiency of your vehicle will be improved.
The lack of this technology in the other engine will hamper the vehicle’s performance and efficiency.
Great Durability
For those cars which have VTEC in the engine, a few competitors are there in terms of reliability and performance. The F22b1 engine typically has a lifespan of 200–300,000 miles, which is longer than the typical F22b2 engine.
Performs in tough situations
Sometimes, you have to go through rough, low-quality, and off-trails roads. During driving in those conditions, you may have to lower the speed to prevent damage to your car and wheels if you have an f22b2 engine.
Fortunately, the VTEC in the f22b1 allows for controlling the intake stroke. For this reason, the consumption of fuel decreases, and the performance increases during tough situations.
Low CO2 emission
With the VTEC system, the Honda Company managed to reduce the carbon dioxide emission of the f22b1. They successfully reduced the emission by 20%. Also, fuel consumption is reduced during the shifting of the intake stroke into a higher gear.
Disadvantages Of the F22b1 Engine Over The F22b2 Engine
There are a few problems that are seen in f22b1 engines, which you may not find in the f22b2 engine. Here we mention below:
Engine vibrations
One of the common problems of the Honda VTEC engine is the enormous vibrations of the engine. Sometimes it may cause vibrations in the entire car as well.
Bad spark plugs and engine mounts wearing out are the common reason for engine vibrations. But, in the case of the non-VTEC engine, you don’t have to face these vibration issues.
Poor Durability Of the Drive Belt
Due to the extensive vibration of the f22b1 engine, the drive belt in the engine wears out soon. The short lifespan of the drive belt may cause a lot of trouble during transmission and shifting.
But, as there are no minor issues with vibration in the f22b2 car, the drive belt will last long.
Oil change
The VTEC engine parts go through more friction and wear than the non-VTEC ones. So to protect those engine parts from wearing out, you should change the oil more frequently in the first case.
Also, more operations of the f22b1 engine than the f22b2 make the oil deteriorate and degrade soon. Hence, to ensure better performance of the engine, you need to replace the regraded and discolored oil more often.
Using F22b1 Engine Head On F22B2 Engine Block
The features and specifications of both engines are so similar that you can even use the F22b1 head on the f22b2 block. If you want to turn your f22b2 engine into a VTEC engine, you can swap the head.
But remember, swapping the VTEC engine head will not turn your f22b2 engine into a VTEC. You also need to install oil lines, sensors, and solenoids to make the VTEC function properly.
However, while swapping, make sure you are using OBD1 F22b1 ECU for exchanging the OBD1 F22b1. But, when you install the OBD2 f22b1, you will need the wiring harness of OBD1 and OBD2, along with the OBD1 F22b1 ECU.
If you want to swap the f22b2 head to an f22b1 engine, you may encounter several troubles. The vehicle will start to bog down near 5000 RPM and will also show trouble codes on the computer.
This swapping process is quite troublesome as you have to carefully install all the solenoids, sensor, and wiring harness. Also, the performance of vehicles will also not enhance significantly. In this case, you can swap the whole motor to avoid the complexity of this process.
FAQs
In this FAQ section, we will discuss and answer some common frequently asked questions that might help you to know more things.
Q: What Is The Speciality Of F22b1?
The power of the f22b1 is too good compared to other F series engines as well as than f22b2. At 5,500 RPM, the engine has approximately 145 horsepower or 108 kW.
Q: Is Swapping F22b1 Engine Head On F22B1 Worthwhile?
No, the first one has 15 hp more power than the second one. Thus, when you swap the f22b1 engine head with the f22b2, the power gain will be reduced a lot. And this loss in power gain is not acceptable and isn’t worth it.
Q: Which Engine Is Cost-effective Between F22B1 And F22B2?
The F22b1 engine has more advantages than disadvantages than the F22b2 Engine. Thus, although the first one is more costly than the second one, it’s cost-efficient as the first one will serve better. That’s why you should buy the f22b1 engine.
Conclusion
So, what is the difference between F22b1 and F22b2? There is no significant difference between the f22b1 and f22b2 engines. But the f22b1 engine is slightly more beneficial than the other.
Most of the specifications are the same on both engines without the VTEC, power, and torque. The VTEC gives you better control over your vehicle while driving, especially in rough and challenging conditions. This increases efficiency without sacrificing any fuel power.
However, that doesn’t mean non-VTEC f22b2 is not beneficial at all. There are many sectors where this engine will serve better than f22b1. So, choosing the better depends on your preferences.
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