Decoding the Engineering Behind Honda's B20 Series Engines

Decoding the Engineering Behind Honda's B20 Series Engines

Honda is a well-known Japanese brand that produces a wide range of automobiles, motorcycles, and engines. Among its many accomplishments in the automotive industry, Honda has been able to produce some of the most powerful and efficient engines of all time. One such engine is the B20 series. In this blog post, we aim to decode the engineering behind Honda's B20 series engines and provide insight into what makes them so legendary.


The name "B20" derives from the engine's displacement and cylinder bore size. The B20 series engines have a displacement of 2.0 liters and a bore size of 84 mm. Honda produced three versions of the B20 engine; the most powerful of which is the B20B found in the Honda CR-V. The B20B engine generates 146 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 133 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. Its innovative engineering is what enables these engines to produce such power.

The B20 engine block has been a staple for Honda's engines for years. The B20 engine design has a short block and is made of cast aluminum. The block's low weight ensures that the engine is light enough to power even the most delicate of sports cars without compromising power. Honda has also incorporated a unique feature into the B20 engine - the VTEC system. The Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system modifies the Timing and lift of the engine's valves, resulting in more power output and improved efficiency.

The B20 engine's unique design includes a twin-cam engine head that enhances airflow into the engine. By having two camshafts, one for intake valves and the other for exhaust valves gives the engine enough power to operate efficiently. This aspect of the engine is what contributes to the engine's high-performance capability.

Another notable feature of Honda's B20 engine is its fuel efficiency. Despite producing a significant amount of power, it still offers impressive miles per gallon. Honda implemented a number of innovative engineering features, such as lightweight aluminum components and a high compression ratio, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

Honda's B20 series engines are noted for their reliability, thanks to the engineering innovations that Honda created. They've been reliable and readily available, as many enthusiasts have been sourcing them to use as drop-in swaps for more demanding applications. This engine's durability and reliability come with only routine maintenance requirements, ensuring that your investment in this engine lasts a long time. If you are looking to fit your old Honda with a new JDM model B20 engine, check out our stock now!