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What motor is in 96 Del Sol?

The 1996 Honda Del Sol was powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This compact and efficient engine was a key component of the Del Sol's sporty and fun-to-drive character.


Engine Specifications


The engine in the 1996 Honda Del Sol was a 1.6-liter D16Y5 VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) four-cylinder. It produced 106 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 103 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm.


This engine was part of Honda's D-series engine family, which was known for its high-revving performance and excellent fuel efficiency. The VTEC system allowed the engine to switch between a more economical low-lift cam profile and a high-lift, high-performance cam profile, providing a broad power band.


Transmission Options



  • 5-speed manual transmission

  • 4-speed automatic transmission


The manual transmission was the more popular choice among Del Sol enthusiasts, as it allowed drivers to better take advantage of the engine's responsive power delivery.


Driving Dynamics


The combination of the 1.6-liter VTEC engine and the Del Sol's lightweight, nimble chassis resulted in a driving experience that was both engaging and efficient. The Del Sol was praised for its sharp handling, communicative steering, and peppy acceleration, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.


Overall, the engine in the 1996 Honda Del Sol was a key part of the vehicle's sporty and fun-to-drive character, providing a balance of power, efficiency, and responsiveness that made it a popular choice among compact sports car buyers of the era.

How much is a 1996 Honda Del Sol worth?


The value of a used 1996 Honda Civic del Sol ranges from $653 to $3,295, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.



Is the D15 engine VTEC?


D-series engine technology culminated with production of the D15B three-stage VTEC (D15Z7) which was available in markets outside of the United States. Earlier versions of this engine also used a single port fuel delivery system called PGM-CARB, signifying that the carburetor was computer controlled.



What engine is in the Honda Del Sol?


The Honda del Sol was available with several engines depending on the trim and year, with the most common being the D16Y7 (1.6L SOHC) for the base "S" model and the D16Z6 (1.6L SOHC VTEC) for the "Si" model (1993-1995). The most powerful engine was the B16A3 (1.6L DOHC VTEC), which was in the top-trim "VTEC" model (1994-1995). 
Here's a breakdown of the engines:
Base "S" Model 

  • D15B7: 1993-1995: (1.5L SOHC)
  • D16Y7: 1996-1997: (1.6L SOHC)

"Si" Model 
  • D16Z6: 1993-1995: (1.6L SOHC VTEC)
  • D16Y8: 1996-1997: (1.6L SOHC VTEC)

"VTEC" Model 
  • B16A3: 1994-1995: (1.6L DOHC VTEC) 



What engine came in 96 Del Sol?


In 1996, the del Sol received a minor interior and exterior styling refresh and the S model got a 1.6-liter SOHC 4-cylinder engine replacing the 1.5-liter engine that came in the 93-95 models.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.