1999 Honda Civic Type R Engine: The High-Revving B16B DOHC VTEC Inline-Four
The 1999 Honda Civic Type R (EK9) is powered by the B16B—a 1.6-liter, naturally aspirated, DOHC VTEC inline-four. Hand-assembled and tuned by Honda’s racing-focused engineers, it produced about 185 PS (182 hp) at 8,200 rpm and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) at 7,500 rpm, making it one of the highest specific-output production engines of its time without forced induction. This engine sat at the heart of the Japan-only EK9 Civic Type R, defining its razor-sharp, track-bred character.
Contents
What the B16B Is—and Why It Matters
Introduced for the EK9-generation Civic Type R (1997–2000), the B16B distilled Honda’s Type R ethos into a compact, lightweight package. It leveraged race-derived headwork, aggressive cam profiles, and high compression to deliver thrilling top-end power and response in a 1.6-liter format, showcasing Honda’s mastery of naturally aspirated performance.
Key Engine Specifications
The following bullet points outline the headline specifications that define the B16B’s output and construction.
- Engine code: B16B (exclusive to EK9 Civic Type R)
- Configuration: 1.6-liter (1,595 cc) inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, VTEC (intake and exhaust)
- Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
- Power: 185 PS (182 hp, 136 kW) at 8,200 rpm
- Torque: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) at 7,500 rpm
- Compression ratio: approximately 10.8:1
- Bore x stroke: 81.0 mm x 77.4 mm
- Redline: approximately 8,400 rpm (with fuel cut near 8,900 rpm)
- Fuel delivery: Multi-point fuel injection
- Market: JDM-only in period (fitted to EK9 Civic Type R, 1997–2000)
Taken together, these figures explain the car’s character: light on its feet, eager to rev, and engineered to make the most of momentum and precision rather than brute force.
Engineering Highlights
Beyond raw numbers, the B16B’s distinctive appeal comes from meticulous hand assembly and race-inspired component choices that elevated a 1.6-liter motor into Type R territory.
- Hand-ported and polished cylinder head for improved airflow
- High-lift, long-duration camshafts and stiffer valve springs for high-rpm stability
- Balanced rotating assembly (crankshaft, rods, pistons) for sustained high-rev operation
- High-compression pistons and optimized combustion for crisp throttle response
- Free-breathing intake and a performance 4-2-1 exhaust manifold
- Close relationship to components and philosophy from the Integra Type R’s B18C, adapted to 1.6L
These upgrades created an engine that thrived near the top of the rev range—exactly where Type R drivers spend much of their time on road and track.
Performance and Driving Character
Matched to a close-ratio 5-speed manual and a helical limited-slip differential, the B16B rewards precision and commitment. Below VTEC crossover, it’s tractable; above it, the engine surges with a signature induction note and relentless pull to redline. Its specific output—roughly 116 hp per liter—stood as a benchmark for naturally aspirated four-cylinders in the late 1990s.
Context and Market Nuance
In 1999, the Civic Type R was officially a Japan-only model. Enthusiasts in other markets sometimes confuse it with the U.S.-spec 1999 Civic Si, which used the B16A2 (160 hp). The EK9 Type R’s B16B is unique to the JDM CTR and is the correct engine for the 1999 model year Type R Civic.
Summary
The 1999 Honda Civic Type R (EK9) is powered by Honda’s B16B: a 1.6-liter, naturally aspirated, DOHC VTEC inline-four producing about 185 PS (182 hp). Hand-built with race-informed enhancements, it exemplifies Honda’s late-’90s high-revving engineering and remains a touchstone for naturally aspirated performance.
What kind of engine is in a 1999 Honda Civic?
Accelerating from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.1 seconds, the 1999 Civic Si featured a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC B16A2 4-cylinder engine that made 160 hp (119 kW) at 8,000 rpm and 111 lb⋅ft (150 N⋅m) of torque at 7,000 rpm.
What kind of engine is in the Honda Civic Type R?
2023-Now Honda Civic Type R 11th Gen (FL5)
| Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four | Six-speed manual | FWD |
May 5, 2025
Does the 1999 Civic have VTEC?
Four different versions of the 1.6-liter SOHC four-cylinder aluminum engine are available on the Civic. The most common variety has an output of 106 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. EX models get 127 VTEC-inspired horsepower at 6,600 rpm, and the HX Coupe uses an economical VTEC-E engine with 115 horsepower at 6,300 rpm.
What engine is in the 1999 Civic Type R?
DOHC VTEC B16B engine
The hand-ported, naturally aspirated 1.6-liter, 16-valve DOHC VTEC B16B engine in this 1999 GF-EK9 Type R model is famous for producing high output per liter of displacement. Its 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) horsepower, 8,000 to 10,000 rpm redline and close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission make driving super fun.
