If you’re looking for the details on the Honda D17A9 engine, you’ve come to the right place. This article covers the complete Honda D17A9 Engine Specs and Performance profile in a clear, technical format.
We’ll break down everything from its internal dimensions to its real-world driving feel. Whether you own a car with this engine or are considering one, understanding these specs is key.
Honda D17A9 Engine Specs and Performance
The D17A9 is a 1.7-liter, inline-four cylinder, naturally aspirated engine produced by Honda. It’s part of the D-series family, known for its reliability and efficiency. This specific variant was designed for a balance of power and everyday usability.
It was primarily used in the European-market Honda Civic (7th generation, model year 2001-2005) in the SE and Sport trim levels. It served as the top-tier petrol engine option for that chassis in many regions.
Detailed Technical Specifications
Let’s get into the precise numbers that define this powerplant. These are the core measurements every enthusiast or mechanic needs to know.
Displacement and Configuration
- Engine Code: D17A9
- Displacement: 1,668 cc (1.7 liters)
- Cylinder Arrangement: Inline-4 (Straight-4)
- Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated (no turbocharger or supercharger)
- Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder (16V)
- Bore x Stroke: 75 mm x 94.4 mm
Power and Torque Output
- Maximum Power: 125 PS (123 hp) at 6,300 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 154 Nm (114 lb-ft) at 4,800 rpm
- Redline: Approximately 6,800 rpm
Compression and Fuel System
- Compression Ratio: 9.9:1
- Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
- Fuel Requirement: 95 RON (Premium Unleaded) recommended
Dimensions and Weight
- Engine Block Material: Cast Aluminum
- Cylinder Head Material: Cast Aluminum
- Dry Weight: Approximately 130-135 kg (including manifold)
Engine Design and Key Features
Honda packed several of their hallmark technologies into the D17A9 to achieve its performance. It wasn’t just a simple SOHC design.
VTEC-E System
The standout feature is Honda’s VTEC-E system. Unlike the high-performance VTEC on B-series engines, this version is focused on efficiency. It uses a two-mode valve operation system.
- At low RPM and under light load, one intake valve per cylinder opens only slightly. This creates a swirl effect for better air-fuel mixing, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.
- At higher RPM or under load, a hydraulic pin engages the second rocker arm. Both intake valves open fully for better airflow and increased power output.
Engine Block and Internals
The open-deck block is lightweight and durable for normal use. The crankshaft is supported by five main bearings, a common design for smoothness. The connecting rods and cast pistons are robust enough for the engine’s output but are not designed for significant forced induction.
Real-World Performance and Driving Experience
So what’s it actually like to drive a car with the D17A9? The character is typical of Honda’s engineering philosophy from that era.
Power Delivery
The power band is relatively linear. Torque is adequate in the low-to-mid range for city driving, but the engine truly wakes up above 3,500 rpm. The VTEC-E crossover, typically around 2,500-3,000 rpm under acceleration, is subtle—you’ll feel a slight surge as the second valve engages, but it’s not a dramatic “kick” like in some VTEC engines.
Fuel Economy
This is where the engine shines. Thanks to the lean-burn capability of VTEC-E, real-world fuel consumption is excellent for its time. You can expect:
- Urban: ~ 8.5-9.5 L/100km (27-30 MPG)
- Extra-urban: ~ 5.5-6.5 L/100km (36-43 MPG)
- Combined: ~ 7.0-7.5 L/100km (31-34 MPG)
Sound and Refinement
The engine is generally smooth and quiet at cruising speeds. As you rev it out, it produces a characteristic Honda four-cylinder buzz that many drivers enjoy. It’s not as silky as some twin-cam units, but refinement is good for a economy-focused engine.
Common Modifications and Tuning Potential
The D17A9 isn’t the most tuner-friendly Honda engine, but there are still ways to extract more performance. It’s important to have realistic expectations.
Basic Bolt-On Modifications
- Cold Air Intake (CAI): Improves intake sound and can offer minor throttle response gains.
- Exhaust System: A cat-back or header-back system can reduce backpressure. Gains are usually modest, around 5-8 hp.
- Engine Tuning: Aftermarket ECU reflashes or piggyback units are limited due to the OEM ECU’s encryption. This is a significant bottleneck for this engine.
Advanced Modifications
For more serious power, owners sometimes consider these steps. The cost often outweighs the benefit, leading many to recommend an engine swap instead.
- Forced Induction: Turbocharging or supercharging kits exist but require low boost, robust engine management, and often internal upgrades for reliability.
- Internal Work: Higher compression pistons, camshaft upgrades, and porting the cylinder head can help. However, the SOHC design and head airflow have inherent limits.
Reliability, Common Issues, and Maintenance
Overall, the D17A9 is a very reliable engine if maintained properly. It shares the D-series reputation for longevity. However, there are a few known areas to watch.
Common Problems
- Valve Clearance Adjustment: The valvetrain requires periodic valve clearance adjustment (check every 25,000 miles). Tappety noise is a common sign it’s due.
- Ignition Coils: The ignition coils, located under the valve cover, can sometimes fail with age, leading to misfires.
- Oil Leaks: Valve cover gasket and distributor o-ring leaks are common but inexpensive to fix.
- Engine Mounts: The hydraulic engine mounts, especially the rear/torque mount, can wear out and cause vibration.
Essential Maintenance Schedule
- Oil Changes: Every 6,000-8,000 miles with quality 5W-30 or 0W-30 oil.
- Timing Belt: Crucial! Replace the timing belt and tensioner every 60,000-70,000 miles or 5-6 years. Failure will destroy the engine.
- Coolant: Replace every 3-5 years using Honda Type 2 coolant or an equivalent silicate-free formula.
- Spark Plugs: Replace with standard NGK or Denso copper plugs every 30,000 miles.
Comparing the D17A9 to Other Honda Engines
Where does this engine fit in Honda’s lineup? It’s helpful to see how it stacks up against its siblings.
D17A9 vs. D17A2 (US 1.7L)
The North American D17A2 makes 115-117 hp. The A9’s higher output (125 hp) comes from a more agressive camshaft profile, a slightly different intake manifold, and ECU tuning. The A2 also lacks the VTEC-E system, using a simpler VTEC implementation.
D17A9 vs. B-Series (B16A, B18C)
This is a big gap. The B-series are DOHC, high-revving performance engines. A B16A makes about 160 hp from 1.6L. The D17A9 is more economical, torquier at low RPM, but lacks the top-end power and tuning ceiling of the B-series.
D17A9 vs. K20A2 (2.0L i-VTEC)
The K20 from the later Civic Type R and EP3 is in another league. With 200 hp, DOHC i-VTEC, and a 8,000 rpm redline, it’s a true performance engine. The D17A9 is its more modest, economy-focused predecessor.
FAQ Section
Here are quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about this engine.
What car has the D17A9 engine?
It was used in the 2001-2005 European Honda Civic (7th gen) in SE and Sport trim levels.
Is the Honda D17A9 a VTEC engine?
Yes, but it uses the VTEC-E system, which is primarilly designed for fuel efficiency rather than maximum power.
How much horsepower does a D17A9 have?
It produces 125 PS, which is approximately 123 brake horsepower (bhp).
Can you turbo a D17A9 engine?
Yes, but it requires careful tuning and low boost (often around 6-8 psi) on stock internals. The engine management is difficult to tune, making it a challenging project compared to swapping in a more tunable engine.
What is the difference between D17A9 and D17A8?
The D17A8 is a lower-output version (around 100 hp) used in base model Civics. It has a different camshaft, intake manifold, and exhaust manifold, and often lacks the VTEC system entirely.
Is the D17A9 engine reliable?
Very reliable, provided you follow the maintenance schedule, especially the critical timing belt changes. They are known to last well over 200,000 miles with proper care.
Final Thoughts
The Honda D17A9 engine is a clever piece of engineering that successfully balanced everyday drivability with good fuel economy and a touch of Honda’s character. While it’s not a high-performance unit, its 125 horsepower output was respectable for its class in the early 2000s.
Its strengths lie in its simplicity, reliability, and efficiency. For owners, sticking to a rigorous maintenance routine is the key to ensuring it runs smoothly for years to come. For tuners, it presents challenges that often make an engine swap a more viable path to significant power gains. Ultimately, the D17A9 remains a solid, well-engineered workhorse that powered a popular generation of the Honda Civic.