Customer Reviews

Honda/Acura Engine Performance

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

After reading every magazine I can get my hands on about tuning Honda's the wait for a comprehensive book on performance is over. This book will not collect dust! Topics range anywhere from simple bolt-on performance to high hp turbomotors. In my opinion it's the ultimate resource for anyone interested in adding power to their Honda or Acura.

For years I've enjoyed many of Mr. Kojima's articles in Sport Compact Car. I've got the other Honda/Acura books and wasn't expecting to learn much. I was wrong. This is the most comprehensive book on engine performance by far. If you're looking to increase the performance of your Honda/Acura, you should read this book first.

Being a ameteur tuner, I bought this book and learned so much. Every question I had was answered regarding B series and even more! It doesnt go insanely into depth about some things mentioned in the book, but it goes into depth where its needed. It even gives you suggestions for OEM part swaps to gain hp for less money. excellent buy... a must have for any honda enthusiast!

Honda/Acura Engine Performance

I thought this book was a dissapointment. If you want a book with some pictures and general discussions, the book is pretty good. But if you want some technical facts and data points about these engines, this book is lacking. I have to stretch to find one real technical fact in this book, not one detail about things like valve spring pressures, max lift, valve size, flow improvement numbers, etc.; This seems like a "fast food" type of engine performance book. Compare it to a David Vizard book and you will see a striking difference. I finished this book and know nothing more about these engines than I did before I bought it, and I have never driven one or seen one. I bought this as a reference to learn more about SOHC and DOHC engines, and again there is not one piece or real data in the whole book. Ther is a lot of information and pictures of add on parts and high performance service providers, so if you want a catalog of those items and services, it might be a good book for you

Mike writes a great book about performance and every step of engine modification. He goes in great detail, though somethings need to be read twice to understand, and goes from basics on how a engine works to customizing your own tubro system. This book is great for beginners of pros to the art of imports. A great read and a lot of fun. :D

Great book, good details.

If your looking to go turbo this is the book for you. Has many usefull and helpful hints. Great all around book.

Could have added more in the n/a and hybrid sections. Other than that it was a great read.

There is almost everything you need to know about honda / acura performance in this book. All aspects of performance are covered except stand alone engine managements and drivetrain. I still highly recomend it, because its the best out there.