ACL Rod Bearings Honda B16A B18B B20B – Race Series 4B1946H-STD

Description

ACL Rod Bearings Honda B16A – Race Series 4B1946H-STD

The ACL Rod Bearings Honda B16A set, part number 4B1946H-STD, is ACL’s Race Series conrod (big end) bearing for the B16A, Honda’s original DOHC VTEC B-series engine. The same set also suits the B17A1, B18A1, B18B1/B2 and B20B/B20Z. That makes it a popular choice for LS-VTEC and B20-VTEC builds that use the B18B or B20B block. The set contains 8 identical half shells, enough for all four connecting rods.

What makes the Race Series different

Standard replacement shells are designed for a road engine at normal revs. ACL’s Race Series rod bearings are built for sustained high rpm and higher cylinder pressures:

• Hardened steel backs on all rod bearings. These support the bearing lining and help keep the shell in place in the rod housing.
• Thinner, high-strength overlay (around 0.013–0.018mm on rod shells). This improves fatigue resistance under load.
• Increased crush: the shell locks more firmly into the big end eye and sheds heat better.
• Increased eccentricity: to cope with rod bore distortion at high rpm.
• No tin flash plating: nothing can migrate on the back of the shell, so contact with the housing stays consistent.
• Tight, consistent wall tolerances: so you can hold your target oil clearance on every journal.

ACL Rod Bearings Honda B16A specifications (4B1946H-STD)

Don’t worry if the ACL Rod Bearings Honda B16A shells in the photos look darker than standard bearings. Race Series shells have no tin flash, and ACL says the tarnished colour has no effect on bearing operation.

• Size: STD (standard crank). Half type: identical halves.
• Material: tri-metal with hardened steel backs.
• Crank pin size: 44.98–45.00mm. Rod housing size: 48.00–48.024mm.
• Max wall at crown: 1.504mm. Max overall length: 19.5mm.

Using ACL’s formula of 0.020–0.025mm per 25mm of journal plus 0.013mm, a 45mm crank pin works out at roughly 0.049–0.058mm. If you need more clearance, ACL’s 4B1946HX-STD gives an extra 0.025mm. A 4B1946HD version with a dowel hole is also made, for rods that have a dowel location in the cap. Ask us about either.

Matching parts for a B16A or B18B rebuild

Pair these shells with the ACL main bearings for the B16A, B18C and K20 (5M1959H) and a set of ACL thrust washers, or order everything in one go with the ACL bearing set for the Honda B16A. Note that the B18C uses a different rod bearing. If you have a B18C, see the ACL B18C rod bearings. Browse the full ACL Bearings range, or check applications in the ACL Race Series catalogue.

Engines this rod bearing set fits

• Honda B16A (1595cc DOHC VTEC)
• Honda B17A1
• Honda B18A1, B18B1, B18B2
• Honda B20B, B20Z
• Honda B18A and B20A (SOHC only)
• Honda F18B, F20B, and A18A, ES, ET, A20A

Honda models this fits

The ACL Rod Bearings Honda B16A set is linked to these Irish and UK-market models in our car filter:

• Honda Civic [EF/EF9] (1988-1992) – EF9 1.6i-VT / SiR (B16A)
• Honda Civic [EG/EG6] (1992-1995) – EG6 VTi (B16A2)
• Honda Civic [EK] (1996-2000) – EK4 VTi (B16A2)
• Honda CRX [ED] (1983-1993) – ED9 1.6i-VT (B16A)
• Honda Del Sol (1992-1998) – Del Sol VTi (B16A2)