TorqueList Original Technical Art
Honda B18C1
Inline4 · N/A
Honda · B-Series DOHC VTEC
Honda B18C1
The 1.8-liter VTEC engine behind the U.S.-market Integra GS-R.
109.8
Cubic inches
The B18C1 combined the B-series' high-rpm VTEC character with more stroke and street torque than the B16A, making it one of the most popular Honda performance engines of the 1990s.
Displacement
109.8 ci
Bore
3.189"
Stroke
3.433"
Years
1994–2001 U.S. application era
Key Takeaway
The B18C1 stretches the B-series formula with a 3.433-inch stroke while retaining the familiar 3.189-inch bore and DOHC VTEC head. That extra stroke adds midrange torque without abandoning the high-rpm breathing and compact aluminum architecture that defined Honda’s performance fours.
Technical Specifications
- Horsepower
- 170 hp in U.S. Integra GS-R specification
- Torque
- 128 lb-ft @ 6,200 rpm in 1994 U.S. Integra GS-R specification
- Architecture
- DOHC inline four
- Block
- Aluminum with iron liners
- Cylinder heads
- Aluminum
- Valvetrain
- DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder with VTEC
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery
- Electronic multi-point fuel injection
The B18C1 stretches the B-series formula with a 3.433-inch stroke while retaining the familiar 3.189-inch bore and DOHC VTEC head. That extra stroke adds midrange torque without abandoning the high-rpm breathing and compact aluminum architecture that defined Honda’s performance fours.
Internal Specifications
Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.
Notable Applications
Strengths
- Excellent head flow
- Strong aftermarket
- More torque than B16A
Weaknesses / Watch-outs
- Oil consumption on worn engines
- Timing-belt service required
- Original GS-R engines command premium prices
Common Upgrades
- Type R-style intake manifold
- Camshaft/valvetrain package
- Naturally aspirated or turbo builds
Racing History & Legacy
The B18C1 became one of the most popular Honda performance engines of the 1990s. Its combination of displacement, VTEC head flow, and aftermarket support made it a favorite for naturally aspirated, hybrid, and turbocharged builds.
References & Image Credit
Engineering Notes Worth Knowing
3.189 x 3.433-inch bore and stroke; 109.8 cu in / 1.8 L.
DOHC 16-valve VTEC with aluminum block and cylinder head.
U.S. Integra GS-R output was 170 hp with 128 lb-ft in documented 1994 specification.
Factory application was the Acura Integra GS-R.
History · context · related reading
The Story Behind Honda B18C1
The B18C1 gave the Integra GS-R more street torque than the smaller B16 while keeping the same high-rpm VTEC personality. That balance made it especially attractive to enthusiasts who wanted one engine that worked well both as a daily driver and as a tuning foundation.
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