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15 Iconic JDM Engines People Still Talk About Today

R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R
Image Credit: Mohammad Danish, Unsplash.
Madison Clark

Madison Clark

If you’re a car enthusiast, there’s a high probability that you’ve heard about JDM engines. JDM, standing for Japanese Domestic Market, refers to Japan’s home market for vehicles. These are vehicles and components that were designed and built specifically for the Japanese market, and many JDM engines are renowned for their high performance, reliability, and innovative technologies.

Even today, these engines continue to be a hot topic among car enthusiasts, mechanics, and racers alike. Here are the 15 most iconic JDM engines that people still can’t stop talking about.

Honda B-Series

Honda B-Series engine bay showing DOHC motor with Honda Motor Co. valve cover, intake manifold, and various automotive components
Image Credit: Jefff88 – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Honda B-Series is a line of four-cylinder engines that were produced between 1988 and 2001. What makes this line iconic is the fact that it was the first to introduce VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), a revolutionary technology that offered improved performance and fuel efficiency.

The B-Series became popular for its high-revving nature and its potential for tuning. The B16A, for example, could rev up to 8,200 rpm and produced 160 horsepower from a 1.6L engine, a feat that was unheard of at the time. This is why the B-Series is still a favorite among tuners and racers today.

Toyota 2JZ-GTE

Toyota 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six engine bay showing teal valve cover, intercooler piping, turbocharger, and various engine components
Image Credit: Skif113 – CC0/Wiki Commons.

When it comes to JDM engines, the Toyota 2JZ-GTE is arguably the most legendary. This 3.0L inline-six engine was used in the Toyota Supra, a car that became an icon in the automotive world thanks to its appearances in movies like The Fast and the Furious.

The 2JZ-GTE is known for its strength and durability. It can handle high power levels without requiring any significant modifications, making it a popular choice among drag racers and drifters. Furthermore, with its twin-turbo setup, it can produce over 300 horsepower straight from the factory, as the USDM version pumped out 320 horsepower.

Nissan RB26DETT

Nissan RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-six engine bay showing distinctive red valve cover, white strut tower brace, and turbocharger setup
Image Credit: X-Ray91270 – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Nissan RB26DETT is another JDM engine that has reached legendary status. This 2.6L inline-six engine was used in the Nissan Skyline GT-R, a car that has gained a cult following due to its impressive performance and racing pedigree.

The RB26DETT is loved for its smooth power delivery and high RPM capabilities. It’s also highly tunable, with many examples pushing over 1,000 horsepower with the right modifications. This engine has proven itself on both the streets and the racetrack, making it a favorite among JDM enthusiasts.

Mazda 13B-REW

Mazda 13B-REW twin-turbo rotary engine bay in red RX-7 showing silver intake manifold, turbocharger, and red strut tower brace
Image Credit: C0rbin99 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Mazda 13B-REW is a unique engine in this list, as it’s a rotary engine. Unlike traditional piston engines, rotary engines use a rotor to convert pressure into a rotating motion. This engine was used in the third-generation Mazda RX-7, a car known for its light weight and excellent handling.

The 13B-REW is famous for its high-revving capabilities and the unique sound it produces. It’s also known for its tuning potential, with many examples pushing well over 400 horsepower. However, this engine does require a higher level of maintenance compared to traditional piston engines, which is a headache to some enthusiasts but adds to its charm for others.

Subaru EJ20

Subaru EJ20 engine bay showing red headers, silver top-mount intercooler, turbocharger, and characteristic horizontally-opposed engine layout
Image Credit: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Subaru EJ20 is a 2.0L flat-four engine that has been used in a wide range of Subaru vehicles, including the Impreza WRX STI. This engine is known for its distinctive boxer rumble, a sound that has become synonymous with Subaru.

The EJ20 is a versatile engine that can handle both daily driving and high-performance applications. It’s also highly tunable, with many examples pushing over 300 horsepower with the right modifications. This engine has proven itself in both rally racing and on the streets, making it a favorite among Subaru fans.

Mitsubishi 4G63T

Mitsubishi 4G63T turbocharged engine removed from vehicle, showing valve cover branding, turbocharger, manifold, and various engine components on concrete
Image Credit: Nippon Auto Spares Ltd/ebay.

The Mitsubishi 4G63T is a 2.0L inline-four engine that was used in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a car that has gained a cult following due to its impressive performance and rally racing pedigree.

The 4G63T is loved for its robustness and high RPM capabilities. It’s also highly tunable, with many examples pushing over 400 horsepower with the right modifications. This engine has proven itself on both the streets and the racetrack, making it a favorite among JDM enthusiasts.

Honda K20A

Honda K20A engine bay showing silver valve cover with red accents, Honda branding, intake manifold, and various engine components
Image Credit: Hatsukari715 – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Honda K20A is a 2.0L inline-four engine that was used in the Honda Civic Type R, a car that has gained a cult following due to its impressive performance and high-revving nature.

The K20A is loved for its VTEC technology and high RPM capabilities. It’s also highly tunable, with many examples pushing over 300 horsepower with the right modifications. This engine has proven itself on both the streets and the racetrack, making it a favorite among Honda fans.

Toyota 1JZ-GTE

Toyota 1JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-six engine bay showing black valve cover, blue strut tower brace, turbocharger, and intake piping
Image Credit: Blueck – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Toyota 1JZ-GTE is a 2.5L inline-six engine that was used in a variety of Toyota vehicles, including the Chaser and the Soarer. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and high RPM capabilities.

The 1JZ-GTE is a versatile engine that can handle both daily driving and high-performance applications. It’s also highly tunable, with many examples pushing over 300 horsepower with the right modifications. This engine has proven itself in both drift racing and on the streets, making it a favorite among Toyota fans.

Nissan SR20DET

Nissan SR20DET twin cam 16-valve engine bay showing red valve cover, intake manifold, turbocharger, hoses, and various engine components
Image Credit: RB30DE – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

The Nissan SR20DET is a 2.0L inline-four engine that was used in a variety of Nissan vehicles, including the Silvia and the Pulsar GTI-R. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and high RPM capabilities.

The SR20DET is a versatile engine that can handle both daily driving and high-performance applications. It’s also highly tunable, with many examples pushing over 300 horsepower with the right modifications. This engine has proven itself in both drift racing and on the streets, making it a favorite among Nissan fans.

Honda F20C

Honda F20C engine bay showing red valve cover with VTEC branding, silver intake manifold, hoses, wiring, and various engine components
Image Credit: Pws – CC BY 3.0/Wiki Commons.

The Honda F20C is a 2.0L inline-four engine that was used in the Honda S2000, a car that has gained a cult following due to its impressive performance and high-revving nature.

The F20C is loved for its VTEC technology and high RPM capabilities. It’s also highly tunable, with many examples pushing over 300 naturally aspirated horsepower with the right modifications. This engine has proven itself on both the streets and the racetrack, making it a favorite among Honda fans.

Toyota 4A-GE

Toyota 4A-GE engine cutaway display showing internal components including pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, and alternator in cross-section view
Image Credit: TTTNIS – CC0/Wiki Commons.

The Toyota 4A-GE is a 1.6L inline-four engine that was used in a variety of Toyota vehicles, including the Corolla AE86 and first-gen MR2. This engine is known for its high-revving nature and its tuning potential.

The 4A-GE became popular for its light weight and its potential for tuning. The engine could rev up to 7,600 rpm and produced 130 horsepower from a 1,600cc, a feat that was quite impressive at the time. This is why the 4A-GE is still a favorite among tuners and racers today.

Mitsubishi 6A12TT

Mitsubishi 6A12TT V6 DOHC twin-turbo engine photographed against blue gradient background, showing intake manifold, turbos, and various engine components
Image Credit: El Guardiola/Car and truck engine.

The Mitsubishi 6A12TT is a 2.0L V6 engine that was used in the Mitsubishi FTO, a car that is known for its sporty looks and impressive performance.

The 6A12TT is loved for its smooth power delivery and high RPM capabilities. It’s also highly tunable, with many examples pushing over 300 horsepower with the right modifications. This engine has proven itself on both the streets and the racetrack, making it a favorite among Mitsubishi fans.

Nissan VR38DETT

Nissan VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 engine bay showing silver intake manifold with Nissan logo, hoses, wiring, and various engine components
Image Credit: Hatsukari715 – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Nissan VR38DETT is a 3.8L V6 engine that was used in the Nissan GT-R, a car that is known for its mind-blowing performance and advanced technology.

The VR38DETT is loved for its smooth power delivery and high RPM capabilities. It’s also highly tunable, with many examples pushing over 1,000 horsepower with the right modifications. This engine has proven itself on both the streets and the racetrack, making it a favorite among Nissan fans.

Subaru FA20DIT

Subaru FA20DIT turbocharged boxer engine showing timing chain cover, pulleys, crankshaft, wiring harness, and various engine components in warehouse setting
Image Credit: JDM PLANET INC/ebay.

The Subaru FA20DIT is a 2.0L flat-four engine that was used in the Subaru WRX, a car that is known for its impressive performance and distinctive boxer rumble.

The FA20DIT is loved for its smooth power delivery and high RPM capabilities. It’s also highly tunable, with many examples pushing over 300 horsepower with the right modifications. This engine has proven itself on both the streets and the racetrack, making it a favorite among Subaru fans.

Mazda 20B-REW

Mazda 20B-REW three-rotor rotary engine showing silver intake manifold, turbocharger system, wiring harness, and components on wooden pallet
Image Credit: LA JDM/ebay.

The Mazda 20B-REW is a unique engine in this list, as it’s a rotary engine. Unlike traditional piston engines, rotary engines use a rotor to convert pressure into a rotating motion. This engine was used in the Mazda Cosmo, a car that is known for its unique looks and excellent performance.

The 20B-REW is famous for its high-revving capabilities and the unique sound it produces. It’s also known for its tuning potential, with many examples pushing well over 300 horsepower. However, this engine does require a higher level of maintenance compared to traditional piston engines, which adds to its charm for some enthusiasts.

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