The H22 VTEC engine family delivers roughly 200 horsepower in most US-spec applications, with JDM variants often rated higher, around 217–220 horsepower. Actual output depends on the specific variant, year, and market, as well as any factory tuning and emissions controls.
What is the H22 VTEC?
The H22 is Honda’s 2.2-liter inline-four that employs DOHC with VTEC to optimize valve timing for both efficiency and power. It was used primarily in the Honda Prelude and some Acura models in the 1990s and early 2000s. Power figures vary by variant and market, reflecting different tuning goals and regulatory requirements.
Stock horsepower by variant
Below are typical stock crank horsepower figures for common H22VTEC variants. Keep in mind that exact numbers can vary by model year and market.
- H22A (JDM and related markets): typically about 217–220 hp (162–164 kW) at roughly 6,800–7,000 rpm, with peak torque around 190–195 Nm.
- H22A4 (US-market Prelude 2.2L VTEC): about 200 hp (149 kW) at around 7,000 rpm, with peak torque near 156 lb-ft (212 Nm).
- Other H22A variants in various markets generally fall in the 210–220 hp range, depending on tuning and emission controls.
These figures reflect stock configurations; individual vehicles can differ due to production tolerances and specific sub-variant calibrations. Aftermarket modifications can increase peak horsepower, but results vary by build and reliability considerations.
Power at the wheels: drivetrain losses
Engine horsepower is measured at the crank, while wheel horsepower reflects the power delivered to the tires. For the H22, expect roughly 15–20% less power at the wheels on a stock, unmodified setup, though this varies with transmission type and other drivetrain components.
- Estimated wheel horsepower for a stock H22A4 (about 200 hp crank): roughly 170–180 hp at the wheels.
- Estimated wheel horsepower for a stock H22A (217–220 hp crank): roughly 185–190 hp at the wheels.
Understanding wheel horsepower helps explain real-world performance differences among cars that share the same engine family but differ in transmission, gearing, and drivetrain configuration.
Why the numbers vary
Differences arise from market-specific tuning, exhaust and intake options, ECU calibration, and whether the engine variant is the earlier, non-VTEC or later VTEC version. Always verify horsepower with a dynamometer on your specific vehicle for the most accurate reading.
Summary
In short, the Honda H22 VTEC commonly ranges from about 200 hp in US-spec applications to around 217–220 hp in certain JDM variants, with wheel horsepower typically 15–20% lower due to drivetrain losses. The exact figure hinges on the particular variant, year, and market, as well as any aftermarket adjustments.
How much power can an H22 make?
Once the motor was done the H22 spun the rollers to the tune of about 360 hp. That's nothing to scoff at considering this motor still has a completely stock head, is using 440cc injectors and is running pump gas. The bottom end itself would be good for gobs more power if it had the fuel system, and the head, to do it.
How much HP does a H22A VTEC have?
197 hp
H22A. Found in the Japanese 4th gen 1992-1996 Prelude Si VTEC (2WS BB4 & 4WS BB1). It produces 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @ 6,800 rpm & 161.5 ft⋅lbf (219 N⋅m) @ 5,500 rpm and comes with a black valve cover. Found in the Japanese 5th gen 1997-2001 Prelude SiR (2WS BB6 & 4WS BB8).
What engine has a 3 stage VTEC?
Three-stage VTEC is a multi-stage implementation of Honda's VTEC and VTEC-E (colloquially known as dual VTEC) technology, implemented in some of the company's D series engines from 1995 to the present day, allowing the engine to achieve both fuel efficiency and power.
Why is VTEC so fast?
A VTEC system opens the valve lift further and for a longer duration, allowing the engine to draw in more air and significantly increase power output.