Reliabilty SOHC vs. DOHC

[Slim_D]

What is the major differance in relability in the two? Performance wise the DOHC is better so logically it is more relable also. Anyone else here ever compared the two on the Civic? Is it a great differance or not noticeable?

[Jas_M]

Originally Posted by Slim_D

Performance wise the DOHC is better so logically it is more relable also.

Logically, i would conclude you're an idiot. Performance doesn't guarantee or increase reliability. If anything, it would lead to the engine being less reliable because it likely would be abused much more than one that is not as performance oriented.
As long as you take care of the engine properly there shouldn't be any real difference in reliability. They're Honda engines, after all, so they should last a long time. But if you run the hell out of them, and don't properly maintain them, you're asking for trouble.

[wheel1856]

whooooo...easy on the newbies Jas, he's just tryin' to learn.

although, slim_D, Jas is right. a properly maintained and well loved honda motor will last forever, I used to have a 92 hatch with 245k miles on it, and a friend with a 91 hatch with nearly 450k miles on it. both sohc, but then there are stories (not in my experience) of ('94 ?) del sol's and integras out there with just as many miles on them - usually before someone get a hold of them to rip into.

the only time I would say you start messing with a motor's reliability if properly maintained is when you start getting in the frankenmotors, like mini-me swaps, b16 blocks with b20 heads, ls-vtec, and so on, but even then there are folks out there with those swaps who use them as daily drivers.

reliability is what you make it.

[Shaguar47]

The D-series engines are the most reliable little buggers I have ever seen. Like wheel1856 said, they'll last as long as you treat it with respect and maintain it.

F-series are also pretty reliable too.

But when the B and H-series come in, they aren't the best out their for reliablity but the best for performance in hondas name.

We have yet to see what the K-series will come out to be.

[edman24]

Originally Posted by Shaguar47

The D-series engines are the most reliable little buggers I have ever seen. Like wheel1856 said, they'll last as long as you treat it with respect and maintain it.

F-series are also pretty reliable too.

But when the B and H-series come in, they aren't the best out their for reliablity but the best for performance in hondas name.

We have yet to see what the K-series will come out to be.

you are right about the reliability in the d and f series but dont discredit the b series motor. the only reason they tend to not last as long is because they are the most abused of all the other motors. if not abused and maintained properly they will last just as long as the other variants. now the h series is the only one that i would not say is as reliable as the other honda motors. but in comparison to most other car companies it is very very strong.

and my prediction for the k series is that they will last just as long if not longer than previous honda motors. they were engineered extremely well and i have not heard one complaint about them since they have been out.

[Shaguar47]

Originally Posted by edman24

you are right about the reliability in the d and f series but dont discredit the b series motor. the only reason they tend to not last as long is because they are the most abused of all the other motors. if not abused and maintained properly they will last just as long as the other variants. now the h series is the only one that i would not say is as reliable as the other honda motors. but in comparison to most other car companies it is very very strong.

and my prediction for the k series is that they will last just as long if not longer than previous honda motors. they were engineered extremely well and i have not heard one complaint about them since they have been out.

You know, I wouldn't be shocked if the 8th generation of civic's in 2006 have the K series standard. I am not doubting that are not realiable but are in a since more well built than the B's were. Shoot, all honda engines will last as long you properly mantain them. I've seen a 89 crx with over 400k on a D16A6. But even though the body isn't all good shape, the engine still purrs like a honda!

[untamedcivic]

can't help but to ask myself, "if i had had the resources to put a DOHC motor in a civic, would i care about reliability?" obviously without forced induction it'll last well over 100k. and if you had the money to put it in now, i'm sure you would when it breaks down. however long that may be

[megaman277]

if u take care of a motor (oil changes, tune ups, and fixing problems as soon as they occur) u should be fine, my friends has an 89 b16 that still running STRONG all because he just upkept the motor, but i have noticed that single cams do last longer than twins cams though

[kicker1_solo]

they're hondas and you're questioning their reliability? ha

[Geeko]

Originally Posted by kicker1_solo

they're hondas and you're questioning their reliability? ha

indeed. O.o

i can pretty much call ANY honda car that's taken care of a 300k mile car. my 96 dx has 140k on it right now, and it's factory-new-like. very, very strong feel to it. needs a CLUTCH >_< and it's already had the timing belt changed, but those are both part of matinence.

most hondas are about as indestructable as you can get. i had a problem with my clutch not working, and i called the dealership and talked to the head mechanic- he goes "it's a honda- if it didn't immediately break and stop running, it won't."

i love my car.