The Honda Del Sol Impact Sport Compact Player

The Honda Del Sol Impact Sport Compact Player

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When the Honda Motor Company decided to revive the popular CRX name in 1992, little did it know that it would fuel the North American Sport Compact performance market to new heights. Even after the end of its production run, its motor, the B16A2, continues to be a popular item for aftermarket performance and basic engine swaps into other Honda vehicles.

History
The original CRX was a two-seater hatchback that carved a reputation for being cost-effective and fun to drive. The del Sol replaced the Honda CR-X in 1992. The new CRX was also a strict two-seater but instead of a hatchback it was Targa Top convertible, with either a manual or fully electronically operated top dependent upon trim level. This kept in theme with the del Sol moniker which translated from the Spanish to mean of the Sun.

Igniting a passion
Built from 1992 to 1997 internationally, but sold in the United States between 1993 and 1997 as just the del Sol, its game changing moment came in 1994 with the VTEC model. Hondas famous variable valve timing system, VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) up until then had only been available in its true form on its high-end Acura Integra and the even more exotic NSX model. The more basic VTEC engines were Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) D-series units powering the Civic Si. While technologically advanced for their displacement in their own right, they only hinted at the true promise of VTEC as the Japanese had received the more powerful B-series motors domestically. In the SOHC D-series motors, VTEC worked by changing the profile of the lone camshaft to create 125bhp from 1600ccs of displacement. This was however no match for the DOHC B-series that used VTEC on the separate intake cam to produce what was then a record-breaking 100bhp per litre. The 1994 VTEC trim del Sol hit the market with an engine bore and stroke of 81.0 x 77.4 for a final displacement figure of 1595cc the B16A2 produced 160bhp at a screaming 7200rpm with 111lb/ft of torque at an equally high 7000rpm.

The most important thing to the hardcore was not just the tuneability of the motor, but the fact it could be installed into many other Honda chassis with ease. A used del Sol engine, in stock form, was a simple performance upgrade for any Civic, or even the older CRX. Even today, a used del Sol engine, or the B16A2 as its known, is still a popular choice for Honda tuners

About the Author:
James Frankson is a auto enthusiast who writes on auto related news and topics. For more information visit : used del Sol engine



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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