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...

Nothing but Hondas. That’s exactly what you’ll find at VTEC Academy. Not because some of the other automakers’ cars that inherently drain the life out of the driving experience bore us, but because Soichiro Honda’s passion for motorsports and his company’s ability to express that in the machines they produce make a whole lot of sense.

VTEC Academy is a place for Honda fans who feel the same way and who seek the most accurate technical information and commentary to continue that very legacy and make whatever Honda it is that they drive just a little bit better. And faster.

The editors and contributors of VTEC Academy are some of the industry’s most experienced and trusted, which means the informative, unique perspectives you need are all right here. And, like you, we’re also obsessed with Hondas.

[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.

[silverdetox]

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

[slammedeghatch]

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.

[ScooterBlia]

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.

[javicano]

looking forward to seeing what potential this little motor has

[TheCatMurray]

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

[arcadiagreen]

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

[spacecowboy]

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

[cnvrtbl]

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.

[dabell]

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

[metaomicron]

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 =)

[Emk]

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

[ramvanbobby]

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 😀

[pFbSpecV]

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

[overboostn]

That catalytic convertor is freaking HUGE!

[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!

[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.

[mrmiles]

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.

[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

[jbw]

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.