What Motor Is in a 1999 Honda Civic LX?

A 1999 Honda Civic LX in the U.S. and Canada is equipped with Honda’s D16Y7: a 1.6-liter, SOHC, non‑VTEC inline‑four producing about 106 hp and 103 lb‑ft of torque. This is the standard engine for the LX trim in North America; other regions or different trims may use different D‑series or, in the case of the Si, a B‑series engine.

The Engine at a Glance

The following quick-reference points outline the key specifications and characteristics of the 1999 Civic LX engine used in North America.

• Engine code: D16Y7 (Honda D‑series)
• Displacement: 1.6 liters (1,590 cc)
• Configuration: Inline-4, SOHC, 16 valves
• Induction: Naturally aspirated
• VTEC: No (non‑VTEC)
• Output: Approximately 106 hp @ 6,200 rpm; 103 lb‑ft @ 4,600 rpm
• Fuel system: Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)
• Block/head: Cast-iron block, aluminum head
• Transmissions: 5‑speed manual or 4‑speed automatic (engine is the same)
• Emissions label: Typically LEV for the era in many states; check under-hood label for specifics

These specs place the D16Y7 as a reliable, efficient commuter engine—less performance-focused than VTEC variants, but known for durability and ease of maintenance.

How the LX Differs from Other 1999 Civic Trims

Trim level determines the engine in the 1996–2000 (sixth-generation) Civic. Here’s how the LX compares to its siblings in the U.S. lineup.

• DX: D16Y7 (same as LX, non‑VTEC)
• HX: D16Y5 (VTEC‑E, tuned for fuel economy/lean-burn)
• EX: D16Y8 (SOHC VTEC, higher output than LX/DX)
• Si (coupe): B16A2 (1.6L DOHC VTEC, performance-oriented)

The LX’s D16Y7 favors simplicity and economy, while EX and Si trims prioritize higher performance via VTEC systems and, in the Si’s case, a different engine family.

Market and Exceptions

The “LX” designation is primarily a North American trim. If your 1999 Civic is not a U.S. or Canadian model, it may carry different engines (such as certain D15/D14/D16 variants) and trim names. Always verify your specific car’s engine code to be sure.

How to Verify Your Engine Code on the Car

If you’re uncertain whether your Civic has the D16Y7, these steps will help you confirm it directly from the vehicle.

1. Check the under-hood emissions label: It typically lists the engine family and often references the engine code or related identifiers.
2. Find the engine stamping: “D16Y7” is stamped on a flat machined pad on the front of the engine block, just below the cylinder head and near the exhaust manifold (visible from the front of the car).
3. Use the VIN with a dealer: While the VIN doesn’t explicitly encode the engine, a Honda dealer can confirm the original engine specification from the VIN.

These methods provide definitive confirmation of the engine installed in your specific vehicle, accounting for swaps or market differences.

Basic Maintenance Specs Owners Ask About

For routine upkeep of the D16Y7, the following commonly referenced specs can help guide maintenance planning. Always cross-check with your owner’s manual or factory service manual for your exact market.

• Engine oil capacity: About 3.7 US qt (3.5 L) with filter
• Recommended spark plugs: NGK ZFR5J‑11 (or equivalent), gap ~0.044 in (1.1 mm)
• Timing belt: Replace roughly every 105,000 miles (or 7 years) under normal conditions
• Interference status: D16Y7 is generally regarded as non‑interference, but timely belt replacement is still critical
• Fuel: Regular unleaded

Keeping up with oil changes, timing belt intervals, and correct spark plugs helps the D16Y7 deliver its trademark longevity and efficiency.

Note on Variations

Specifications can vary slightly by region, emissions package, and model year updates. Always default to the documentation for your specific VIN and market.

Summary

The 1999 Honda Civic LX in North America comes with the D16Y7 1.6‑liter SOHC non‑VTEC engine, rated around 106 hp and 103 lb‑ft. It prioritizes reliability and economy over performance, differing from the EX’s VTEC D16Y8 and the Si’s DOHC B16A2. If in doubt, confirm the engine via the under‑hood label and the block stamping.

What kind of engine is in the 1999 Honda Civic LX?

The CX, DX, VP and LX trim packages were equipped with the 1.6-liter SOHC 16-valve D16Y7 4-cylinder engine. It produced 106 hp (79 kW) at 6,200 RPM and 103 lb⋅ft (140 N⋅m) of torque at 4,600 RPM, with a compression ratio of 9.6:1.

Is the 1.7 L Honda motor a VTEC?

In May 2004, alongside the introduction of a 2.0L i-VTEC variant, a 1.7-liter VTEC variant unofficially replaced the 1.7-liter VTi-S variant.

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 car has the D16Y8 engine?

The D16Y8 engine was primarily found in the 1996-2000 Honda Civic EX and the 1996-1997 Honda Del Sol Si in the United States. In Canada, it was also used in the Civic Si model. Additionally, it was available in the Australian market, specifically in the VTi coupe (EJ8) version of the Civic, according to Wikipedia. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Honda Civic EX (1996-2000): This is the most common application of the D16Y8 engine in the US market. 
• Honda Civic Si (Canada): The Canadian Si model also came equipped with the D16Y8 engine. 
• Honda Del Sol Si (1996-1997): The D16Y8 was the engine of choice for the Del Sol Si trim. 
• Honda Civic VTi (Australia): In Australia, the D16Y8 was found in the VTi coupe (EJ8).