The Japanese Domestic Market, or JDM, has long been a source of iconic engines that car enthusiasts around the world still talk about today. These engines, renowned for their reliability, power, and innovative design, have powered some of the most legendary vehicles in the automotive world. While many of these engines are no longer in production, they remain a significant part of car culture, often sought after for both their historical value and their performance capabilities. In this post, we’ll take a look at 5 of the most iconic JDM engines that people still talk about today.
1. Honda B-Series
The Honda B-Series engine is often regarded as the granddaddy of all JDM engines. Introduced in the late 80s, this engine has powered a wide range of Honda cars, from the Civic to the Integra, and has become a favorite among tuners and racers alike. Its popularity is due in part to its high-revving nature, impressive power output, and its ability to be easily modified for even greater performance. There are many variants of the B-Series, but the B16A and B18C are among the most revered.
The B16A, in particular, was groundbreaking as it was one of the first production engines to achieve a power output of 100 horsepower per liter. This was quite an achievement at the time and set the stage for the performance potential of smaller displacement engines. Meanwhile, the B18C, often found in the Acura Integra Type R, is praised for its high-revving abilities and robust build, making it a popular choice for those looking to build a high-performance, naturally aspirated engine.
2. Toyota 2JZ-GTE
Ask any car enthusiast about the Toyota 2JZ-GTE, and you’ll likely see their eyes light up. This engine, famous for its use in the fourth-generation Toyota Supra, has become a symbol of JDM performance. The 2JZ-GTE is a 3.0-liter, inline-six engine that features a twin-turbo setup. It’s known for its incredible durability, immense power potential, and its ability to handle extreme levels of boost.
The 2JZ-GTE is often considered one of the best engines ever made, and it’s not hard to see why. In stock form, it was capable of producing 276 horsepower, but with the right modifications, it can create over 1,000 horsepower. This engine is a favorite among drag racers and drifters, and it’s also become a popular choice for engine swaps, often finding its way into cars it was never designed to power.
3. Nissan RB26DETT
The Nissan RB26DETT is another iconic JDM engine that has gained a cult following. This 2.6-liter, twin-turbocharged, inline-six engine was used in the Nissan Skyline GT-R, one of the most legendary JDM cars of all time. Its robust design, high power output, and tunability have made it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The RB26DETT’s stock power output was around 276 horsepower, but like the 2JZ-GTE, it’s capable of producing much more with the right modifications. In fact, some modified RB26DETT engines have been known to produce over 1,000 horsepower. This engine’s legacy is so strong that even today, it’s often the first choice for those looking to build a high-performance JDM car.
4. Subaru EJ-Series
Subaru’s EJ-Series engines have powered some of the most iconic JDM cars, including the Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI. These engines are known for their unique boxer configuration, which provides a lower center of gravity and smoother operation. The most popular EJ engines are the EJ20 and EJ25, both of which are turbocharged and offer impressive performance.
The EJ20, in particular, is renowned for its high-revving nature and its ability to produce a significant amount of power from its relatively small displacement. The EJ25, on the other hand, is known for its torque and the distinctive rumble it produces, thanks to its unequal-length headers. Both engines have become favorites among rally enthusiasts and tuners, thanks to their performance potential and the unique driving experience they offer.
5. Mitsubishi 4G63
The 4G63 engine from Mitsubishi is another legendary JDM engine, best known for powering the Lancer Evolution series. This 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline-four engine is renowned for its durability, high power output, and tunability. It’s capable of withstanding extreme levels of boost, making it a popular choice among drag racers and tuners.
The 4G63 was used in the Lancer Evolution from the Evo I all the way to the Evo IX, and during that time, it proved itself to be one of the most reliable and potent performance engines on the market. Even today, the 4G63 is highly sought after by car enthusiasts, and it’s not uncommon to see this engine being used in a variety of different applications, from drag racing to circuit racing.