Tech Inspection L15B7

The New L15B7 Turbo from Honda: We take a close look a the L15B7 that comes in the new Civic EX Turbo.
By Brian Gillespie
We got our hands on a turbo 1.5 liter from a 2017 Civic and it's radically different from Honda's engines of the past. It's compact, powerful and can out perform the last generation's K24 powered Civic Si. Imagine if you put that engine in a car that's lighter than the corpulent 2016 Civic.
It's chock full of high tech goodness too. Honda tuners are already getting horse power numbers of 230+ using Hondata and KTuner modified computers. What will be possible when the new Si L15B7 comes with a starting point of 200HP?
Honda has already sold over 100,000 of the new turbo Civics and guess what? They're already stacking up in salvage yards around the US. With numbers like that, it's only a matter of time before the price on used engines drops low enough to make them a viable swap choice. Right now, engines with just a few thousand mile can be had for under $1500.
We're not wasting any time. We're going to try this engine on for size in everything we can get our hands on. And as soon as we figure out what car it's going to go in, you will be the first to know.
Here's what we discovered when taking a closer look at the little bundle of Honda hotness...
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[@brodieandre]

so happy to see an OG in the game enthusiastic and premoting inovation instead of bitching and moaning like most the honda fan boys who don't wannna leave the K's behind. i can only imagine what they would have done back in 01 when folks started tinkering with the Ks and everyone thought it would never be able to stand up against the B series. eager to see wha t comes of this for good or bad.

[@MikeyMike923]

I agree with this, but the K series is far from dead. The new CTR is powered by a K20C

[@brodieandre]

MikeyMike_CD7 yeah i know the new motors are Ks also. and they're fantastic. just folks arnt ready for change/progress

[@andrewsolis2988]

ANDRE BRODIE That is bc this turbo mini motor barely makes what a NA K does. When everyone is going big 4 banger like Subaru with the 2.5 and Mazda with the 2.3 turbo...Honda does this??? IMO and many other people who see reality...see this as a step backwards vs "innovation". Honda should have just made a newer turbo K instead of this crap

[@brodieandre]

Honda has their big power 4cyl in the type r. this is their base motor that they want to hypermile. its reasonable and with proper bolt ons which is what honda is best known for. it's gonna be a bulk (d series esq motor that's in alot of hondas. these are good things. if you want set on kill go get the type r.

[@MikeyMike923]

This isn't a fair statement as the Type R won't be mass produced, it will be limited availability. They need a detuned k20c for the masses imo.

[@TheCatMurray]

the most professional video I've seen from you guys. great info and great work

[@spacecowboy426]

Thanks for doing a video like this! Would like to see more!

[@silverdetox]

new L family honda motors will b killing the game from now on! imma miss the k vs b rivalry.

[@ProdByAce]

Now it’s gonna be new gen K’s vs L’s

[@pFbSpecV]

You share so much info!! I hope you continue to share info brian!

[@slammedeghatch1653]

who cares if its ugly? lmao this is a great page, I have very limited knowledge on the new honda engines and always curious to learn new innovations that honda is doing. keep up the great content.

[@knifemind]

slammedEGhatch Lots of people care. Car enthusiasts like clean and pretty engine bays. this thing is an eyesore and will never have the simple elegance of the older engines. Doesn't mean it's a bad engine though. I just hope all the plastic stuff holds up over time.

[@worldhello1234]

"slammedEGhatch Lots of people care. Car enthusiasts like clean and pretty engine bays. this thing is an eyesore and will never have the simple elegance of the older engines. " Superficial "car enthusiasts" called ricer. Lot's of car enthusiasts don't give a shit, deal with it.

[@GMZee559]

slammedEGhatch Agreed!

[@michaelskff]

slammedEGhatch what the fuck is so great about an engine with plastic parts all over it?

[@mmwosu]

knifemind The Mark V Supras have a plastic air to water charge cooler. I’m pretty sure manufacturers today have their polymer technology pretty well figured out for stuff like this.

[@metaomicron72]

Just watched a Speed Academy video with this bloke. I commented saying I could listen to him all day, well, I just found this video =)

[@cnvrtbl5]

Thank you! Always wondered if the 1.5 turbo can be installed on the Fit. Really enjoyed the practical in depth insights on this new engine.

[@juliusjones8285]

Thanks for videos great info for guys like me wish it would fit in my my 97 civic cool to see turbo honda motors from factory.

[@javicano100]

looking forward to seeing what potential this little motor has

[@brockweaver8476]

All things considered, it’s shown itself to be a tough little motor. With MAPerformance running tons of 500whp drag passes on a stock bottom end

[@mariosrx7]

love all your videos. they are very useful!!!!

[@ScooterBlia2]

Not sure how electronics will work for a swap but something for the GE8 would be awesome! With the way these motors are responding to aftermarket parts, would be perfect in a FIT.

[@evolvedsix]

Thank you for making videos like this, it's nice to know there are innovators out there. I love Hasport! Although these motors cannot be swapped into eg/ek/dc, maybe the turbo system will be a good swap over for d-series guys; since the turbo system is designed for a smaller displacement engine already. I'm imagining a rod and piston, coil on plug d16z6 eg with one of these turbo system, retaining ac/and power steering. Quick spool, w/ low hp, high torque -- wll make for a great dd and clean sleeperish underhood setup.

[@TheUnendingJourney]

i'm sure in a few year hasport will have mounts to make swapping this into the older civics a reality. Otherwise, us with welders will make mounts ourself until then.

[@VTECAcademy]

We now have mounts to swap these engines into the EG, EK and DC2

[@colinmorand129]

I have just got this engine in my Crv - really appreciate the info

[@RiQWitDaBliQ]

Great video absolutely informative and kinda entertaining. Looks like it would fit nicely in a Ek.

[@daniyaalmaneveld3779]

Very informative, thank you. Would love a setup like this in my Honda City GM6.

[@overboostn]

That catalytic convertor is freaking HUGE!

[@AutomotiveAnatomy]

Awesome video. Im glad you are ok!

[@ramvanbobby3889]

wear were u back in the days when I had my 89 hatchback I use to street race Iam 43 now seeing your videos has woke up a desire to build another one 😀

[@VTECAcademy]

RamVan Bobby ahaha! Do it!

[@archibaldvonfookface7364]

Dude you're never too old for the hobby

[@roadddog53]

I'm 44 and I have my 91 si in the garage still.

[@jwizzle4400]

Dropping science like a goon !!! I enjoyed this !!! Keep making vids

[@arcadiagreen150]

Brian Gillespie = honda god. Most honda motor swap guys owe their gratitude to Brian

[@FlyingGentile]

Thanks for this. I like to know what i’m getting before i buy it!

[@kakamagi]

You have to best and most informative video.

[@hondatrix]

Great video. Thanks

[@mikoht]

So much knowledge!!!

[@IntegraDIY]

Good info, this is good for the fit guys. Those Honda Fits are gutless. If I wanted something high output and compact for an older series, a built booted d series would do just fine. For more room to grow the b series.

[@everythinghondapro5548]

Very good job man👍👍👍👍

[@delphimindgames]

Just discovered this channel and it’s fucking amazing. Subscribed.

[@iriotninja5965]

Would love to throw one of these in my 94 DX Hatch.

[@metaomicron72]

VTC just kicked in yo!

[@yardman0001]

Love these damn videos and this channel

[@xKizai]

REALLY love the video, I just went to look at a Civic Si and saw the new motor, didn't know much about the engine but only knew that it comes with turbo and it's non VTEC. This video explains a lot since I will be getting under the hood of the car, thanks a lot!

[@miriamvivo4279]

Just found your channel I guess better late than never

[@davidflo_86]

This engine looks very similar to the 1.6t used in the Sentra sr turbo I have I guess smaller engines with turbos and direct injection are becoming very popular

[@insaneTrout]

would love to see a kit for this to go into the first gen CR-V's but the awd 5spd manual crv. and also keep the awd setup

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Sounds like a bolt on turbo might require a lot of changes, but a mild tune and the lighter flywheel might make a noticeable difference. Especially in a Fit!

[@hapkidokid1]

Bolt on turbo is dead easy

[@sweettooth7124]

put it in the old school 1988 3rd Gen prelude si. that would be sweet. give the old ba4 some love

[@jbw9999]

The engine became available for both the sedan and coupe for the same 2016 model year. The sedan was available for purchase a few months before the coupe though.

[@jsr3793]

Thank you very much for the video. Now please try to fit it in FIT. And a crx.

[@manolognzz2651]

very good video.

[@boxer951]

that L15B7 motor is kinda like the B16 imo except with more technology and a turbo of cource..if i had a fit,i would swap that engine in it vs the k-series since it will probably be easier to install but for other honda cars im sure they will stick with the K-series for many years to come for many reasons.@briangillepsie thanks for making this interesting video.

[@14bonanza]

Good videos

[@genoneblog6834]

I second your thoughts on putting it in a first generation CRX or third generation Civic hatch!! Actually... I'm going to add a 'PRETTY PLEASE!' for good measure. :)

[@balistict0fu842]

I'd really like to see the si in a fit that would be awesome

[@mrmiles3502]

Hasport - What does it take to fully swap this into a 1/2 gen Fit? I heard you were attempting it or at least looking into it. Build video?? Thanks again for what you do for the Honda scene.

[@dabell12]

Hello Brian: i have simple question , does it helps to install a oil catch can on this 1.5 turbo engine ?

[@pawg206]

Yes I need to learn more about my civic si! Thanks for the video hopefully I can crack it open someday at the moment I’m so scared of it because it’s nothing like the good old b series or even K.

[@krzysztofpl5871]

Can you please please do a video like this but on Thr 2 L naturally aspirated civic ? I have looked all over and cannot find a comprehensive review of the 2 L naturally aspirated civic engine .. By the way great job on this video and thank you for doing such !!

[@ingram10]

I've been watching your recent Videos of the k20c1 trying to test fit them into different chassis, try this into the CRZ/GE8 chassis

[@alexgunn1211]

In a crx? That would be nuts! My brother has a civic lx hatchback with that motor and I tried it out, it shocked me!

[@DB-sd3cw]

Can you be any more vague?

[@jaimemelendez5443]

Really hope these drop in on a GD3 first gen Fit.

[@EricKiplagat]

Jaime Melendez with a stick shift.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

this would be great in a G1 Insight

[@Sebast1an89]

Yes I want to swap mine in the future but I don't know if I'll go with a k series or an L series

[@brewsterbrews8953]

Great vid! What does it measure from front of pulley to rear of gearbox? Hoping this could fit in an Acty

[@Em12k]

so many fanboys complaining about the looks of the engine, gentleman its an engine. its under the bonnet (hood) for a reason!!! this engine is far more advanced than the k, f, and b series!! that's why its so groundbreaking, shoot im getting 45-50 mpg in our ext sedan. i would recommend drive one since you wont buy one and you will see where us actual civic x gen owners are coming from. its just a matter of time before someone starts developing parts and starts making these motors go far beyond their potential, just like it has happened with every new honda engine that has been released through the years , the E, PO7a, A series man i can go on,one thing i can advise learn to adjust to change , have an open mind, because Honda is Honda and who knows what they are planning next

[@VTECAcademy]

Just because it's an engine doesn't mean it can't be good looking.

[@TheUnendingJourney]

an engine should be good looking!

[@PistonAvatarGuy]

The K-series is still in production if you want a pretty engine. Also, you can't have it all at this price point, if you want something high performance that looks good, you might as well start saving for a Ferrari.

[@worldhello1234]

... but it doesn't necessarily mean it should be. You talk about an engine, not a dildo.

[@worldhello1234]

Bullshit!

[@hopesfallxx2m]

Thank you for some good info. I just bought a 2019 civic si. It makes 205hp.

[@cr4zym3x1c4n]

hopesfallxx2m hope you’re liking it. Already ktuned mine at 1,000 miles and looking to do cobra CAI and PRL intercooler

[@MikeMUFC91]

Managed to get my Sport Touring Hatch to around 230hp and it feels like a completely different car now.

[@mmwosu]

cr4zym3x1c4n I just ordered a 2020 Si. Any updates on yours or general suggestions?

[@mmwosu]

Michael Marks Did retuning get rid of the rev-hang when shifting?

[@NicolasMourra]

mmwosu I recommend going Ktuner and getting the Tsp stage 1 tune. I’ve been running it on my civic si for a few months and yes it gets ride of the rev hang and the car literally feels like a beast. Crazy difference with just the tune. I leave mine in map 3 sport mode all day and I love it

[@justtwoseats]

Lots of great info in this video. Have you guys had a chance to weigh this setup? How does it compare to the K20/K24 setups out there?

[@VTECAcademy]

Not yet. I need to do that.

[@benh4222]

mint vid

[@raiderrichard7291]

Im such a Honda fan

[@arturb5152]

Really great knowledge 🙂Can You make the same movie on One liter three-cylinder engine ?

[@mstoker5821]

Do you think using a base map from KTuner or Hondata with no other changes on CVT model will significantly decrease long-term reliability?

[@Dcastkid]

Do you think it will fit in the CRZ? the mount points look similar, and theyre both 1.5L L-series

[@paulhutton1507]

do you think it would fit in the 7th gens? I have a '01 sedan that's past 200k so I'm looking at possible engine swaps.

[@DragnixXander92]

I've just finished watch your video, I did see Blow off valve; but I didn't see where the Throttle body that connect to the air intake.

[@methodikz]

1st Gen mounts please!!! Then I can steal my parents' new 10th gen's motor and put it in my 1st gen :)

[@alpalchevskiy3886]

sounds like this guy really knows his stuff :) One thing I was wondering, is this engine open-deck or close-deck?

[@georgesheffield1580]

Open

[@jackburton6986]

I think it would be a cool swap for the first and second gen fit. Make some mounts.

[@VTECAcademy]

Jack Burton instagram.com/p/BiceolsFOwY/

[@VTECAcademy]

Jack Burton kzbin.info/www/bejne/ml7QmXeEp9JpipI

[@PatrickAntiArrhythmicKerce]

I want one of these in a 1st gen Insight.

[@miriamvivo4279]

Thanks for the quick reply. Im doing a 1995 honda odyssey head rebuild

[@tenkkutn]

I just found this video! This guy is awesome... I love how we are now getting 240+ BHP after a Hondata or KTuner tune I'm not sure if Honda carried those SI vs EX-T differences to 2017 to '21. It is fun to believe that the SI was just tuned by Honda for more power and a higher boost limit on the controller.

[@VTECAcademy]

There are a few differences in the EX-T and Si, like different intake cam with a different high pressure fuel pump lobe and different turbo, but they are very close to the same engine.

[@xfatal_hdx251]

You dont have to worry you can still get the k20c2 which is in the 2020Lx ..

[@kevinolaughlin4278]

I wonder if carbon build up on The intake valves is a problem like other direct injection engines, doesn’t look like it would be since the fuel is spraying across the valve while it’s open just curious.

[@blos90]

I really want to put that engine in an eg

[@tonyzase]

It's going to be fun to perform a carbon deposit cleaning of the intake valve with the intake manifold facing the firewall.

[@Apolloneek]

I just learned about you from roadkill

[@krisiwanowski11]

@VTEC Academy L15 could be really amazing on EF/EE platform. Give it a try ;)

[@bobbyarmijo3307]

MG Mini? That would be sweet! They'er pretty boxey......

[@lastempire7302]

If I were to apply the intake valve cleaner to this engine, which vacuum line is the most suitable? Will I throw a code if I unplug the PVC breather line to inject the cleaner? Is the brake boost line a better option?

[@honda116969]

This is the motor that came in my 17 Civic hatchback & it's freaking quick car weighs about 3,000 lb + just a hondata reflash & a drop in air filter car ran 14.1@99mph I could imagine what it would do in a little hatchback with a Dyno tune 6 Speed downpipes it would be a fast car & reliable! Lol💪👍

[@VTECAcademy]

George R Absolutely!

[@jmazda6v6]

Nice thats cool man. I just bought a 19 hatch. Did you run it stock? If so what you ran please?

[@timsul3092]

Compared to the 2.0, how durable will the direct injected turbo be? Trying to decide between the two on a 2017 Civic purchase. Thanks.

[@Sebast1an89]

I'd like to see this on a first gen Honda insight

[@replacement4displacementr492]

Brian will the 1.5 vtec head off the new accord fit this non vtec L15b7 also can u swap the larger intake tube off the accord that actually comes off the turbo ? I noticed is round unlike the turbo civic intake tube that’s flat ?

[@glennthompson9133]

I have a 2018 Civic Si. They forgot about the clutch and it is the weak point in the higher performance version. I am upgrading my clutch and flywheel due to slippage at high boost in higher gears. Otherwise the performance of this engine has been excellent.

[@VTECAcademy]

Thanks for watching! Definitely a learning curve when it comes to handling torque from the boost. Soon we will do a comparo with the 1.5T from the Accord.

[@elementaleighteight]

put one in my 97 accord se!!!

[@garyboyh]

What's your thought about fuel dilution on this particular 1.5 turbo engine? I heard lots of complaints

[@leomelton3243]

I would love some ek mounts to put an L15b7 in my rd1 crv

[@hapkidokid1]

The rods are a tad bigger in the SI, As well as the inlet for the MAF is slightly larger

[@dangeranddamage8701]

Where can I purchase an L15B7 engine and the 6-speed transmission? The wiring harness also along with the ECU.

[@jeryjohn]

Amazing video its my L15b7 reference video, do you know if the crv cams are different to the civic sport or Si? Civic seems to rev more freely up top

[@VTECAcademy]

It's all in the tune. The cams are the same part number.

[@jeryjohn]

@@VTECAcademy awesome thanks, its for my dads crv which is a 2018 1.5t awd 6mt, awesome car lucky we got it in manual in europe, its running a custom tune on ktuner and has a prl hvi with race maf housing making around 230hp on 93oct

[@VTECAcademy]

@@jeryjohn Very nice!

[@mmmbison]

Its about time honda got into the turbo game, but I am surprised how much tech they've taken from vw. sodium filled exhaust valves have been used for almost 20 years now, and dual mass flywheels even though they're only good for traffic jams.

[@yermailmain206]

Audio is absolutely amazing... To those who can read lips

[@thare2597]

So what's the final verdict on these 1.5L turbo Honda's? Are they as solid and reliable as prior Civics? I'm torn between a 2018 Civic Hatchback, a Mazda3 Touring Hatchback or maybe an Impreza.

[@ryaandnice]

As it turned out - Honda did use the heavy dual mass fly wheel - and that’s too bad - cause it ain’t so so revy of an engine and could use a lighter fly wheel.

[@marky685]

Are you guys going to restock the t shirts size (L) I would like to buy a pair. Thank you for your videos!

[@Carslol234]

Have you guys tried fitting this in the new 3rd gen Honda Fit? Even with the CVT transmission.

[@mikeamarh482]

Is it advisable to put in intake on the 2017 honda civic touring turbo? If so please any recommendation?

[@DxsPro]

Put it in a GE8..i guess at the 7:02 mark you meant lift not valve timing... anyway, very good video, been looking for a breakdown. Too bad it is not a easy bolt in for a Fit

[@VTECAcademy]

You mean lift also. VTEC changes valve timing and lift. It will eventually be bolt in. Just give Brian at Hasport some time.

[@DxsPro]

I meant around 7:02 when it was said there is no variable timing for the valves

[@VTECAcademy]

Yes, VTEC stands for variable valve timing and electronic lift control. VTEC controls both timing and lift. I was being lazy and left out the word lift. The L15B7 uses VTC which is simple variable timing control by advancing and retarding the camshafts to control valve timing

[@DxsPro]

We are on the same page.

[@benitoloco892]

You say this engine has a lot of plastic parts. I say that plastic partd help mitigate expansion/contraction rates and assists with keeping the engine quieter.

[@frankgile1996]

I never understood why Honda would never make a properly sporty version of the Jazz/Fit platform... I mean, I get that it could be turning customers away from buying a Civic/CR-V instead, but I think it's probably just as good as those, and smaller/lighter.

[@mrniceguy7168]

Interesting video even though much of it went over my head, not being a mechanic. I wonder if/when Turbo’s fail, what horsepower does the engine create?

[@VTECAcademy]

Dramatically fewer horsepower.

[@mrniceguy7168]

@@VTECAcademy Yeah the NA 2.0 in the Sport sedan makes like 158? I imagine it will turn into a slug when it is 130HP @ 3,000lbs. Sucks as an owner of this who plans on keeping it til the wheels fall off.

[@RaphaelYC]

Would you say this is an advance engine compare to let say vw 1.6 tfsi, Hyundai 1.6 t or any other new generation small displacement turbo charged engine?