Strengths and Weeknesses

The 5SFE's main design was to maximise low end torque for normal driving conditions. Unfortunately, due to this design, it lacks the ability to "breath" at higher RPMs and hence the torque curve drops dramatically. The "F" in the engine name means that the angle difference between the intake and exhaust valves is roughly 22 degrees. This gives good fuel economy but isn't great for flow. "G" heads are typically 45 degrees apart.

Built with strong and high quality components, the 5SFE can reliably handle extensive modifications (from my personal experience of beating the hell out of it for over 85000 miles without consequences).

The good thing is that the 5S is a big engine (relatively speeking!) for the car's light weight. The only problem with this engine is that it delivers very little Torque/HP at higher RPMs even when compared to other smaller engines...

The Iron block and solid internals can handle a lot more than the 130HP it had in stock form. The good news is almost every part of part of this engine can be upgraded and will yeild more HP than the average car just because the initial design is so shit and easy to improve! For example, a cam upgrade on a Honda will give you a maximum 10-15HP gain...why? because they already have high performance cams to start with. On my car I gained well over 30HP @6000RPM! why? because the stock cam on the 5SFE is NOT designed to give top end and hence there is a lot to be gained there...

To find out more about the individual parts and how modify them...go back and click on the Modifications performance gains VS. How much they cost link.