Engine comparison

EK9 · EK9

EK9 · EK9

•Verify timing belt, tensioner and water pump have been replaced within the last 100,000 km or 5-7 years, ask for receipts or stamped service book

•Confirm clean VTEC engagement during a hard test drive from cold and from warm, hesitation or no kick points to a clogged solenoid screen or oil pressure issue

•Check for oil leaks around the valve cover, oil pump seal, and cam seals with the engine warm

•Inspect for ECU or intake modifications, non-standard tunes are common on these cars and can mask or cause VTEC and idle problems

•Verify oil pressure warning light history and confirm actual pressure with a mechanical gauge if the light has ever come on

•Confirm the engine is a genuine B16B and not a B16A or other B-series swap, check engine bay stampings against the EK9 chassis code

•Check for rust in the usual EK9 problem areas (rear arches, boot floor, sunroof drains) since these cars are now over 25 years old

•Ask specifically whether the car has been track used or drag raced, as EK9s have a long history of hard use and abuse

EK9 · EK9

EK9 · EK9

EK9 · EK9

✓High-revving DOHC VTEC engine widely regarded as one of the best naturally aspirated four-cylinders Honda ever built

✓Aluminum block with cast iron liners and a forged-feel bottom end that tolerates sustained high RPM use well

✓No recalls and a strong long-term reliability reputation within the JDM community when serviced on schedule

✓Extensive aftermarket parts and tuning knowledge despite JDM-only availability

✓Lightweight, individual throttle body intake gives sharp, linear throttle response

EK9 · EK9