Honda D-Series to B-Series to K-Series: How Honda's Four-Cylinders Evolved
For about 40 years, three engine families powered most four-cylinder Hondas and Acuras: the D-series, the B-series and the K-series. Each one built on what Honda learned from the last, but they're different engines with different mounts, wiring and parts. Here's a quick history, how to tell them apart, and what it means when you're shopping for a replacement.
At a glance
| Family | Production | Displacement | Valvetrain | Where you'll find it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-series | 1984-2005 | 1.2-1.7L | Mostly SOHC, timing belt. SOHC VTEC on later versions. | Civic, CRX, del Sol, first-generation Integra |
| B-series | 1988-2001 | 1.6-2.0L | DOHC, timing belt. VTEC on many versions. | Integra, Civic Si, del Sol VTEC, 1997-2001 CR-V |
| K-series | 2001-present | 2.0-2.4L | DOHC, timing chain, i-VTEC with variable cam timing | RSX, Civic Si, TSX, Accord, CR-V, Element |
D-series: the everyday Civic engine (1984-2005)
The D-series was Honda's small, light, belt-driven four-cylinder. Most versions are single overhead cam (SOHC). The first-generation Acura Integra (1986-1989) used a twin-cam D16A1.
- Displacement ranged from 1.2 to 1.7 liters.
- Honda added VTEC to the D-series in the 1990s, including the SOHC VTEC D16Z6 in the 1992-1995 Civic EX and Si and the lean-burn VTEC-E engine in the 1992-1995 Civic VX.
- The last D-series engine in the U.S. Civic was the 1.7-liter D17A in the 2001-2005 models. The 2006 Civic moved to the R18, not a K-series.
B-series: twin cams and the first VTEC (1988-2001)
The B-series brought double overhead cams (DOHC) to Honda's compact cars and made VTEC famous.
- The B16A of 1989 was Honda's first VTEC engine, launched in the Japanese-market Integra XSi and CRX SiR.
- Displacement ranged from 1.6 to 2.0 liters, still with a timing belt.
- In the U.S., you'll find it in the 1990-2001 Integra (including the VTEC GS-R and Type R), the 1999-2000 Civic Si, the 1994-1995 del Sol VTEC and the 1997-2001 CR-V (B20B and B20Z).
- Not every B-series has VTEC. The Integra's B18A and B18B, for example, don't.
K-series: chain drive and i-VTEC (2001-present)
The K-series replaced the B-series. It debuted in 2001 in Japan and reached the U.S. in the 2002 Acura RSX and 2002 Honda CR-V.
- Timing chain instead of a timing belt.
- i-VTEC: VTEC plus variable timing control (VTC) on the intake cam. Performance versions switch VTEC on both cams. Economy versions use it on the intake cam only.
- Coil-on-plug ignition and roller rocker arms to cut friction.
- 2.0 to 2.4 liters: the K20 in the RSX and Civic Si, and the K24 in the Accord, TSX, CR-V and Element.
- It spins the other way. Most earlier Honda four-cylinders, including the D- and B-series, turn counterclockwise viewed from the pulley end. The K-series turns clockwise.
Even within the K-series, versions differ. See our K24 guide for the TSX, Accord, Element and CR-V versions.
What this means when you're buying
- Replace like with like. A D-series car needs the D-series engine it came with, a B-series car needs its B-series, and so on. The families don't share mounts, wiring or engine computers.
- Swaps between families are projects, not replacements. Putting a B- or K-series into a D-series Civic takes mounts, wiring, an engine computer and often axles and shifter parts. Plan it with your shop first.
- Match the exact version. Within a family, codes like D15B vs. D16Y8 or B18B vs. B18C mean different parts. Pick a listing that names your vehicle and year.
Not sure what you have? Call (973) 969-5190 or send your VIN through our contact page. Browse all Honda engines and transmissions, or jump to our D15, D17, K20 and K24 engines. Shipping is free to commercial addresses with a loading dock or forklift in the lower 48 states.
Related guides: Honda K24 engines explained · How to make sure a used engine fits your car
