Overview
The goal of the engineers who designed the engine for the 1992 Integra was to provide more power and increased torque, while retaining the strengths and basic design of the 1.8-liter,second-generation Integra power plant. The 1992 engine produces 140 horsepower, a 10 horsepower increase over the 1991 model. It is an all-aluminum, transverse-mounted 4-cylinder, dual overhead cam, 16-valve design.
The engine is specifically designed and tuned to provide power over a wide rpm range, improving all-around driving performance in general, and mid-range and high-end performance in particular. To this end, torque has been increased to 126 lbs.-ft., with the biggest improvement coming in the 2000 to 5500 rpm range.
A standard 5-speed manual transmission, and an optional electronically controlled 4-speed automatic, with driver-selectable Sport Mode are available. The 1992 Integra uses equal-length halfshafts to virtually eliminate torque steer.
Cylinder Head and Induction System
The Integra's cylinder head is a compact, aluminum die casting with pent-roof combustion chambers and centrally located spark plugs. With multiple valves and carefully tuned intake and exhaust ports, the cylinder head is able to "breathe" efficiently.
This combustion chamber shape is widely accepted as the best configuration for a 4-valve-per-cylinder internal combustion engine. Its layout is nearly identical to the design of Honda's championship-winning Formula 1 engines. To further improve volumetric efficiency and boost low-end power, a new high efficiency intake manifold was developed.
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Precise control of fuel induction is essential for instant throttle response, smooth acceleration and engine efficiency.To provide such control, the Integra engine's PGM-FI uses an sixteen-bit microprocessor. It directs the system so that the correct amount of fuel is injected into each intake port at the proper moment. For 1992, subtle refinements in the programming of the microprocessor have achieved increased power, with impressive flexibility and fuel efficiency.
Manual Transmission
The manual transmission's gear ratios have been revised to match the power and torque curves of the new engine. Due to increased engine output, it was possible to use slightly taller ratios for first, second, third and fourth gears; the final drive ratio has been shortened slightly.The new Integra offers improved acceleration while maintaining fuel economy at cruising speeds.
Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission has a programmed lockup torque converter that's operational in second, third and fourth gear when accelerating, and third and fourth when decelerating.
There's also a driver-selectable Sport Mode which permits the driver to choose a shift pattern more appropriate to spirited driving.When the driver selects the "S3" Mode, the transmission shifts at higher rpm points, at partial throttle openings, from first to second, and second to third gears. To shift to fourth gear in the Sport Mode, the driver presses the "S4" button. Using the Sport Mode increases responsiveness and is useful on long grades or mountain roads to keep the transmission from "hunting" for gear ratios.