B18B Type R Engine overview

B16a engine

The Honda B16B is the holy grail of the B-series family — a hand-built, high-revving masterpiece created exclusively for the 1997–2000 Civic Type R (EK9). Often described as a “mini B18C5,” this engine embodies everything that made Honda’s VTEC era legendary: precision, balance, and pure naturally aspirated performance.

What makes the B16B special isn’t just its rarity — it’s how much engineering Honda poured into squeezing performance out of a 1.6L block. Based on the B16A architecture, the B16B shares a similar displacement (1,595cc) but features Type R–specific internals and headwork that allow it to scream all the way to 8,400 RPM redline with total confidence.

Key Features & Highlights

  • Hand-assembled at Honda’s Takanezawa factory alongside NSX and Integra Type R engines
  • High compression ratio: approximately 10.8:1
  • Forged pistons, balanced crankshaft, and lightweight connecting rods
  • Ported and polished cylinder head, similar in design to the B18C5
  • Unique cam profiles and valve springs for aggressive VTEC engagement
  • Shorter gearing transmission (S4C) for quicker acceleration
  • ECU tuned specifically for high RPM performance

Despite its modest 1.6L size, the B16B produces an incredible 185 horsepower at 8,200 RPM and 118 lb-ft of torque — the highest power-per-liter figure of any naturally aspirated Honda engine of its era (over 115 hp per liter).

In terms of driving feel, the B16B is razor sharp. It’s not about torque — it’s about the build-up to VTEC and the endless pull toward redline. The engine loves to rev, sounds incredible, and rewards smooth, precise driving.

For tuners and collectors, the B16B is both a performance icon and a piece of Honda history. Whether left stock or swapped into an older chassis, it’s a statement engine that represents Honda at its absolute best.