Honda/Acura Engine Performance [Paperback]

Mike Kojima (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2, 2002

A comprehensive guide to modifying the D, B and H series Honda and Acura engines.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mike Kojima is a chief engineer for Nissan Corp., and a frequent technical contributor to Sport Compact Car magazine, the world's leading small car performance magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: HP Trade (April 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155788384X
• ISBN-13: 978-1557883841
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Customize
  • #96 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Repair

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The best pick amongst similar books, May 23, 2006

By 

Jeremy (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Honda/Acura Engine Performance (Paperback)

As I strive to gather as much practical information on Hondas and Acuras, I've purchased several books on the subject. Engine and Driveline Handbook (editors of SCC), Honda/Acura Performance (editors of SCC), Honda/Acura Performance Handbook 2nd edition (Mike Ancas), and of course Honda/Acura Engine Performance by Mike Kojima (whom happens to be an editor of SCC). Rating Mike Kojimas book was a tough choice between three and four stars but I'll get one thing out of the way first. It is the best value out of all of the books I've mentioned. Engine and Driveline Handbook is a compilation of SCC articles with color photos and has great general information and is thoroughly enjoyable to read. Honda/Acura Performance is another compilation but with black/white photos, is poorly written, and lacks useful technical information. The book by Mike Ancas (2nd edition) is well written, fun to read, has great color photos, and contains plenty of useful information. However it doesn't have any detailed info on tuning but rather it is more of a tip book telling you things like most intakes don't actually increase power so be careful with what you spend your money on. Finally there is Mike Kojimas book. Despite a lot of typos it is enjoyable to read but most importantly it has a wealth of detailed information ranging between a great explanation of how headers are tuned to use reflected sound waves to scavenge the exhaust and telling you what combinations of Honda factory parts will get you more performance while saving money on aftermarket parts. The downside to this book is that it is not a completely original book. Half of the chapters are SCC articles found in the Engine and Driveline book that have simply been added to with some more information. As for the other half of the chapters, it was my first time reading them but I wonder if they too have already been written somewhere else. But in the end if you have yet to pick up any of these books then I strongly recommend Honda/Acura Engine Performance by Mike Kojima for a wealth of info crammed into an enjoyable and short read at a good price.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners, January 14, 2004

By 

"deevergote" (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Honda/Acura Engine Performance (Paperback)

As a beginning tuner, I have found this book to be very helpful. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in modifying their Civic, Prelude, Accord, or Integra. The information is presented in a fairly organized fashion, so it is easy to follow. Most of the parts and processes are described accurately in their cost and difficulty to install/perform. There are a few brand-name plugs, but most of the names mentioned are truly high quality parts (and not just paying sponsors).

The author seems very knowledgable about the topic, though there are some disheartening typos... Like VTEC being spelled VTECH... not usually the sign of a Honda expert!

A beginning tuner will enjoy learning the basics of engine design. Kojima wisely describes an engine as a giant air pump, and explains the importance of air flow very well. Thanks to this book, I knew exactly what size intake and exhaust to buy when I swapped an H22 engine into my 92 Accord (unfortunately, the info given on swaps is limited). There is also a good deal of detail when it comes to cam design and timing, head modifications, bottom end modifications, piston design, etc.

The majority of this book is focused on forced induction, such as nitrous oxide, supercharging, and turbocharging. The author clearly favors turbocharging, and goes fairly deep into some math and theory. There is definitely a wealth of information on turbocharging for anyone who is interested.

The book also seems geared toward the B series engines, with the H series being a bit of an afterthought. Still, I was able to learn very much useful information. I still learn a bit every time I pick it up! Definitely worth the money for a beginner. Experts may not find much new information here.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a gold mine!, June 13, 2002

By 

"robcadle" (Los Alamitos, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Honda/Acura Engine Performance (Paperback)

Wow. This is a very, very good book. I really did not expect to find a book with this level of technical detail for such a low price. The section on turbochargers was great! It did a fantastic job of covering all of the fundamentals, without using so much technical jargon that it is over the head of most readers.

The 'secret peaks' into some of the world's fastest all-motor Honda engines was also facinating. Even if you don't have a Honda, there is a lot of good, basic, sound engine performance information. If you are planning to modify a B-series or D-series Honda motor, you have to have this book!