What are the main advantages of the H22A engine?

Excellent balance of power and reliability - unlike many high-performance engines of its era, it delivers strong performance while staying manageable The power delivery is outstanding - strong low-end torque transitions into high-RPM VTEC power at 7600+ RPM Fuel economy is reasonable for the performance level - typically 8–10 L/100km in mixed driving The H22A powered the Accord Type R and Prelude - cars now considered classics, adding to the engine's desirability The aluminum construction keeps weight reasonable while delivering a high-revving, responsive character rare in a 2.2L engine

What are common issues and problems with the H22A?

The VTEC solenoid screens can clog with age, preventing proper VTEC operation - regular oil changes with quality oil are absolutely essential The timing belt is critical and must be replaced at specified intervals - interference engine means valve damage if the belt breaks. Do the water pump at the same time Oil consumption can increase with age, particularly on high-mileage examples - the PCV system needs attention, and valve guide wear contributes Sourcing good condition H22A engines is becoming harder - insist on a compression test and valve clearance check before buying The engine is getting old - age-related issues including wiring and vacuum hose deterioration are increasingly common on surviving examples

What torque does the H22A engine produce?

The H22A engine produces 221 Nm.

What is the compression ratio of the H22A engine?

The compression ratio of the H22A engine is 10.6:1.

How much displacement does the H22A engine have?

The H22A engine has 2.2L (2157 cc) of displacement.

What is the fuel consumption of the H22A engine?

Reported fuel consumption for the H22A engine is 10.2-7.1L/100km.

Honda H22A Engine Specs

Honda

Quick overview

Honda H22A is a 2.2L (2157 cc) petrol engine with 200 HP, 221 Nm, 10.6:1 compression ratio. Fuel consumption: 10.2-7.1L/100km. Typical service life: 300,000+.

200

2.2L (2157 cm³)

Displacement

221 Nm @ 5250 RPM

Torque

Petrol

Fuel

Description

The impressive H22A is a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated engine that became Honda's flagship powerplant for the Prelude sports coupe. This engine represented Honda's commitment to high-revving, naturally aspirated performance in an era when many manufacturers were turning to turbocharging.

Built with an aluminum block and head, the H22A featured Honda's VTEC technology and was capable of producing 190-200 hp depending on the variant. The engine was designed to provide strong performance across the entire rev range while maintaining Honda's legendary reliability.

The H22A's character is quintessentially Honda - smooth, high-revving, and responsive. The VTEC transition is dramatic but smooth, providing a significant increase in power and an intoxicating sound that enthusiasts cherish.

General Information

Production Years: 1991-2002

Fuel Type: Petrol

Environmental Standards: Euro 2

Fuel Consumption: 10.2-7.1L/100km (33.1-23.1 mpg)

Power (HP): 200

Displacement: 2.2L (2157 cm³) (131.6 cu.in)

Torque: 221 Nm @ 5250 RPM (163-3872 lb-ft)

Cylinder Block Alloy: Aluminum alloy

Cylinder Head Alloy: Aluminum alloy

Has Turbo: No

Engine Layout: I4

Aspiration Type: Naturally Aspirated

Fuel System: Sequential Fuel Injection

Head Type: DOHC, 16 valves, VTEC

Timing Drive: Belt

Cooling Type: Liquid cooling

Cylinders Count: 4

Technical Details

Cylinder Diameter: 87.0mm

Piston Stroke: 90.7mm

Total Valves: 16

Firing Order: 1-3-4-2

Weight: 140 kg (309 lbs)

Rings per Piston: 3 (2/1)

Compression Ratio: 10.6:1

Hydraulic Lifters: No

Cylinder Coating: Cast iron sleeve

Minimum Octane: 95

Maintenance

Oil Capacity: 4.5L (4.8 qts)

Recommended Oil: 5W-30

Operating Temperature: 80-90°C (176-194°F)

Thermostat Temperature: 87-92°C (189-198°F)

Service Life (km): 300,000+ (186 miles)

Timing Belt/Chain Interval: 105,000 km

Scores

Reliability

Economy

Power

Values 1–100. Calculated from engine specs.

Advantages

+ Excellent balance of power and reliability - unlike many high-performance engines of its era, it delivers strong performance while staying manageable
+ The power delivery is outstanding - strong low-end torque transitions into high-RPM VTEC power at 7600+ RPM
+ Fuel economy is reasonable for the performance level - typically 8–10 L/100km in mixed driving
+ The H22A powered the Accord Type R and Prelude - cars now considered classics, adding to the engine's desirability
+ The aluminum construction keeps weight reasonable while delivering a high-revving, responsive character rare in a 2.2L engine

Pay Attention

! The VTEC solenoid screens can clog with age, preventing proper VTEC operation - regular oil changes with quality oil are absolutely essential
! The timing belt is critical and must be replaced at specified intervals - interference engine means valve damage if the belt breaks. Do the water pump at the same time
! Oil consumption can increase with age, particularly on high-mileage examples - the PCV system needs attention, and valve guide wear contributes
! Sourcing good condition H22A engines is becoming harder - insist on a compression test and valve clearance check before buying
! The engine is getting old - age-related issues including wiring and vacuum hose deterioration are increasingly common on surviving examples

Used in Vehicles

Honda Prelude BB1 SiR (1991-1996)

Honda Prelude BB4 Type S (1996-2001)

Honda Accord Euro R CL1 (1999-2002)