Friend of mine recently purchased a jdm B16a from hondamotorsonline. Motor is supposed to be a version 1 B16a ... but I was searching the internet for how-to's on this swap into a CRX and came across a sight that tells you how to tell the 1st gen from the 2nd gen.

States that the 1st gen's valve cover will read DOHC in a larger size font then VTEC. And for the 2nd gen VTEC will be larger than DOHC. Well his valve cover matches that of a 2nd gen. Other than that I didn't see how else to tell them apart as the block for both of them would be stamped B16a and the number under that stamp would start with a 1 on both 1st and 2nd gens. As for the transmissions there were different codes.. but both 1st and 2nd gen's showed a transmission code of J1 which is what is on his transmission... The 2nd gen is supposed to be a hydraulic transmission where as the 1st gen was supposed to by cable except for I guess the Integra? I read that there were some integras that had the jdm B16a 2nd gen with a cable tranny ... We're just wondering which one he has as the 2nd gen produces 10 more HP than the 1st gen due to .2 bumps in compression and a different in the valve lift/duration. If anyone could tell me how to identify this motor for sure it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

-Mike