What makes an engine 'modifiable'?


FraserD

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First of all, I'm relatively new to the tuning scene in general so apologies in advance if this is a bit of a daft or stupid question haha..

I was with a mate the other day when we saw a civic with a bumper sticker saying "I like my Hondas how I like my women... D's, not B's!" and he explained to me how a lot of folk preferred D series engines cause they were more modifiable etc. but it's only now that I've thought about it, what is it that makes an engine 'more modifiable' than another? Surely with the forced induction and mapping -within reason obviously- there can't be much difference between two engines of similar size?

Is it the capabilities of it without having to go forged internals or is it the actual space it takes up, leaving more room under the bonnet for mods etc?

Again, sorry if this was a stupid question and thanks in advance for any replies
 
Depends on what he means by tuneable?
More gains on the d series? Because it's a **** engine to start with....
 
I've no idea what he meant to be honest, I've been looking around a bit more and it looks like in terms of bang for buck its much cheaper to modify a d series but looking at maximum potential from the engine the B series is still much better. that and the D series is more reliable
 
B over D any day.
Tbh K over B aswell.
 
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Hmmm think I'll have to go back and double check with him haha..
Am i right in saying that the B series are the engines you'd find in Type R's etc. whereas the D series are the more sensible/economical engines..?
 
B series comes in the 90s type R and afew other models in different forms.
D series is more your Eco/cheap engine.
 
D<B<K. No matter what some people say that's a fact. Yes you can make a D series to be more powerful than stock B series, but like for like B will practically always be quicker, much like K will practically always be better than B (it's a more modern engine so no surprise here!). I have nothing against people modding D series btw, each to their own, and in all fairness they do have some advantages (mainly weight) but overall Honda used B series in Type-Rs for a reason.
 
Some D deries engines are pretty good out the box as well. The d16a9 that came in CRXs are an amazing little engine. 130hp 16v. Honda must have done something right as most newer 1600 engine hothatches couldn't get near that...
As oifovo explained. Its the advances in technology, and aslong as the yanks get the motor there will be plenty tuning potential with aftermarket parts.
 
What makes one engine better than any other is purely subjective. If you want to make a high power 1.6 for a race class then the K is far from ideal.
 
I agree with John that it is subjective. To me, what makes an engine more modable is the budget and will to mod it really. You could have a small budget and a k20a and make 240 brake or a massive budget, a d16z and forge and turbo it to death to make 400. Doesn't mean the D is more modable, just that it has been taken to a higher level. Horses for courses if you know what I mean.
 
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