Have a guess what this Honda engine is? Well, you’re wrong.
Earlier last week while scrolling through Instgram, I came across this photo of a Honda engine I posted above with a question, “What engine is this?” At first glance, it looks very similar to a Honda engine that I had in mind, but it turns out it wasn’t that engine at all? So, my challenge to you, presumably if you’re a Honda fan, is if YOU can name this engine? I sure didn’t.
If you don’t want to know what this engine is yet, stop reading right here.
OK, if you’ve read this far, I suppose you deserve to know what this Honda engine is. It’s a D-series, specifically a DOHC ZC aka a NON-VTEC D16ZC.
Nope, this is not the SOHC D16ZC found in the JDM EG Coupes (excuse me, EJ1s.) Those ZCs, while popular and somewhat common in the United States, this is not.
And it certainly isn’t a B18C1 or the B18A1 found in the GSR and LS Integras respectively. At first, it can be confusing, given that both have very similar valve covers.
This particular engine is most certainly a DOHC D-Series. And that’s where most people will call you out on. The truth of the matter is, while the D-series is mostly known for being Honda’s single cam workhorse of the 90s and early ’00s, Honda DID make a couple of D-series engines in DOHC configuration including the D16A1, D16A3, D16A8, D16A9, D16Z5, and this DOHC NON-VTEC D16ZC.
Don’t take my word for it. Here’s the post where the owner on HomeMadeTurbo.com (where this picture comes from) explains that this particular engine is a D16ZC.
The DOHC NON-VTEC D16ZC came in a
- 1984–1987 Honda Ballade CRX AS
- 1984–1987 Honda Civic AT
- 1985–1987 Honda Integra AV/DA1 (Lower trim packages equipped with Single Carburetor)
- 1986–1991 Honda CRX EF7
- 1992–1995 Honda Civic EH1
Power wasn’t anything to write home about with between 100-130 HP and 92-106 lb-ft. Enthusiasts augmented power thanks to some forced induction.
So now you know, some D-series engines came in DOHC configuration. Just as odd as some Integras came in AWD with D-series engines.
Oh, you don’t believe that one? Bookmark this page or my site as I’ll surely go over THAT oddity soon.
