If you’re looking for the complete details on a popular and efficient four-cylinder engine, you’ve come to the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Honda D17A8 Engine Specs and Performance.
Honda D17A8 Engine Specs and Performance
Found in the European-market 2002–2005 Honda Civic SE and some other trim levels, the D17A8 is a standout member of Honda’s D-series family. It’s known for its balance of everyday usability, good fuel economy, and a touch more power than its base-model siblings. Whether you own a Civic with this engine, are considering buying one, or are just a Honda enthusiast, understanding its technical details helps you appreciate its design and maintain it properly.
Core Technical Specifications
Let’s break down the fundamental numbers that define the D17A8. These specs are the blueprint for how the engine operates and performs.
* Engine Type: Inline-4 cylinder, naturally aspirated (no turbocharger or supercharger).
* Displacement: 1,668 cc (1.7 liters). This is the total volume of air/fuel mixture the engine can draw in across all cylinders.
* Bore x Stroke: 75 mm x 94.4 mm. This “undersquare” design (stroke longer than bore) favors torque at lower engine speeds.
* Compression Ratio: 10.0:1. This is a relatively high ratio for a regular gasoline engine of its era, contributing to its efficiency and power output.
* Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 4 valves per cylinder (16 valves total). It uses Honda’s reliable VTEC system on the intake side.
* Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection (PGM-FI).
* Block Material: Cast iron. This provides durability and strength.
* Cylinder Head Material: Aluminum alloy. This lighter material helps reduce overall weight and improves heat dissipation.
Detailed Performance Figures
So, what do these technical specs translate to on the road? Here’s the performance data you can expect from a healthy, stock D17A8 engine.
* Maximum Power: 125 horsepower (92 kW) at 6,300 RPM. The power peak is high up in the rev range, typical for Honda’s VTEC engines.
* Maximum Torque: 114 lb-ft (154 Nm) at 4,800 RPM. Torque is what you feel as pulling power, and this peak is in a practical, mid-range spot.
* Redline: 6,800 RPM. The engine is happy to rev, but fuel cut-off occurs here to protect it.
* Fuel Economy (Approx.): While dependent on the vehicle and transmission, expect figures in the region of:
* Urban: ~28 mpg
* Extra-urban: ~45 mpg
* Combined: ~37 mpg
These figures made the D17A8 a peppy and economical choice for its time, offering a noticeable step up from the base 90hp D14 engine.
The VTEC System in the D17A8
The D17A8 isn’t just a simple SOHC engine; it’s equipped with Honda’s famous VTEC technology. However, it’s important to understand its specific implementation.
1. Type: It uses a SOHC VTEC-E system. The “E” often stands for “Economy,” but in this application, it’s a performance-oriented VTEC on the intake valves.
2. How It Works: Each intake valve has its own rocker arm. Below approximately 2,200 RPM, only one primary intake valve opens fully. The secondary valve opens just a tiny bit, creating a swirl effect for better fuel mixing and efficiency.
3. The “Switch”: When you rev past ~2,200 RPM under load, an oil pressure solenoid engages a sliding pin. This locks both intake rocker arms together, causing both intake valves to open fully for increased airflow and power. You’ll feel a subtle surge as the engine breathes better.
4. Benefit: This design gives you the best of both worlds: stable combustion and good fuel economy at low revs, with stronger performance when you need it.
Common Maintenance & Reliability Points
The D17A8 is generally a robust engine, but it has a few known areas that require attention. Staying on top of these will ensure a long engine life.
Timing Belt: This is a critical interference engine. If the timing belt breaks, the valves will collide with the pistons, causing severe damage. Change the belt, tensioner, and water pump every 60,000–70,000 miles or as specified in your manual.
* Valve Clearance Adjustment: The SOHC valvetrain requires periodic valve clearance checks and adjustments. Symptoms of out-of-spec clearances include a noisy valve tick or loss of performance.
* Oil Leaks: Common spots for leaks include the VTEC solenoid gasket (on the front of the head), the distributor O-ring (if equipped), and the valve cover gasket. These are generally straightforward fixes.
* Cooling System: As with any older engine, ensure the cooling system is flushed regularly and that the radiator is in good condition to prevent overheating.
* Spark Plugs & Ignition: Use the recommended NGK or Denso copper spark plugs for best performance. The ignition coils can also wear out over time, leading to misfires.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
Even reliable engines can have problems. Here are some typical D17A8 issues and what they might mean.
1. Engine Misfire (Check Engine Light P0301-P0304): This is often caused by worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, a clogged fuel injector, or low compression.
2. VTEC Not Engaging (Code P1259 common): This results in a lack of high-RPM power. Causes include low oil level/pressure, a faulty VTEC solenoid, a clogged screen filter on the solenoid, or a bad oil pressure switch.
3. Rough Idle or Stalling: Could be a dirty Idle Air Control Valve (IACV), a vacuum leak in any of the numerous hoses, or a failing throttle position sensor.
4. Oil Burning: Excessive oil consumption can indicate worn piston rings or valve stem seals, especially in higher-mileage engines. Using the correct oil viscosity is important.
Tuning and Modification Potential
While not as popular for tuning as the B or K-series Honda engines, the D17A8 can still respond well to basic modifications. The gains are modest, so set realistic expectations.
* Intake & Exhaust: A cold air intake and a less restrictive cat-back exhaust system can improve throttle response and free up a few horsepower by improving airflow.
* Header: Replacing the stock exhaust manifold with a performance 4-2-1 header is one of the best bolt-on mods for this engine, helping it breathe better.
* ECU Tuning: Chipping or remapping the ECU can optimize air/fuel ratios and ignition timing, especially when combined with other bolt-on mods. It can also raise the VTEC engagement point.
* Important Note: Major internal modifications (like forced induction) are generally not cost-effective on the D17A8 due to its open-deck block design, which is less rigid than a closed-deck block for high boost pressures.
Comparison with Similar Honda Engines
How does the D17A8 stack up against its relatives? Here’s a quick look.
* vs. D17A1/A2 (US Spec 1.7L): The D17A8 has a higher compression ratio (10.0:1 vs. 9.5:1) and different camshaft/profile, resulting in 125 hp vs. 115-117 hp. The VTEC system is also configured differently.
* vs. D16Y8 (US 1.6L “VTEC”): The D16Y8 from the Civic Si is similar in concept but smaller. It makes slightly less torque but can rev a bit higher. The D17A8 offers more low-end grunt.
* vs. B-Series Engines: Honda’s B-series (like the B16) are DOHC, higher-revving, and made for more performance. The D17A8 is more focused on daily driving efficiency with a touch of VTEC fun.
Step-by-Step: Basic Health Check for Your D17A8
Doing a simple check can give you confidence in your engine’s condition.
1. Listen for unusual noises like rod knocks (deep knocking) or valve tick (light, rapid tapping).
2. Check the oil on the dipstick for level and condition. It should be amber to brown, not milky (coolant leak) or very black and thin.
3. Inspect for leaks under the car and around the valve cover, VTEC solenoid, and oil pan.
4. Warm up the engine and check that it idles smoothly around 700-800 RPM.
5. Test drive and note if there is any hesitation, loss of power, or if the VTEC engagement feels smooth around 2,200 RPM under acceleration.
6. Look at the exhaust smoke on startup and during revs. Blue smoke means oil burning, white smoke (that doesn’t dissipate) can mean coolant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What car has the D17A8 engine?
It was used primarily in the European 7th generation (2002-2005) Honda Civic in the SE and Sport trim levels.
Is the Honda D17A8 a VTEC engine?
Yes, it is a SOHC VTEC engine. It uses a specific VTEC-E system on the intake valves to switch between an economical and a performance valve profile.
What is the horsepower of the D17A8 Honda engine?
The Honda D17A8 engine produces 125 horsepower (92 kW) at 6,300 revolutions per minute.
Is the D17A8 an interference engine?
Yes, it is an interference engine. If the timing belt fails, there is a very high probability of the valves and pistons colliding, causing major internal damage. Regular belt changes are essential.
What oil is best for a D17A8?
A good quality 5W-30 or 10W-30 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil that meets API standards is recommended. Always check your owner’s manual for the specific grade.
Can you turbo a D17A8 engine?
While physically possible, it’s not generally recommended for high boost due to its open-deck block design. Low-boost setups can be done with proper fueling and tuning, but the cost often outweighs the benefit compared to an engine swap.
What’s the difference between D17A8 and D17A2?
The main differences are in the compression ratio and ECU tuning. The D17A8 has a higher 10.0:1 compression and different cam profile, making more power (125hp) than the ~115hp D17A2 found in base model Civics.
In summary, the Honda D17A8 is a cleverly engineered and practical powerplant. It delivers a reliable and engaging driving experience thanks to its unique VTEC implementation, all while maintaining the fuel efficiency Honda is known for. By understanding its specs, performance characteristics, and maintenance needs, you can ensure your D17A8 continues to run strong for many miles to come. Its a great example of Honda’s ability to blend technology with everyday usability.