If you’re a fan of Japanese performance cars, you’ve likely heard whispers of the legendary “Spoon Engine.” But what exactly is it? Is it a specific engine model, a tuning philosophy, or something else entirely? This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the Spoon Engine, from its definition and technical specifications to its performance capabilities. Let’s find out:
Contents
Is Spoon Engine A Real Thing?
Yes, it is! It has this name because the company that manufactures these engines is called Spoon Sports.
The company mainly produces aftermarket motor elements but it rose to fame after starting to make these engines. The engines – which are fast, reliable, and expensive – are hand-built in Japan.
Spoon Sports has been operating in the industry for more than four decades. Based in Tokyo, the Japanese company produces these high-performance engines for various Honda models such as Honda S2000, Civic, Accord, and more.
The aim is to aid these Honda models to operate at the maximum speed possible.
Besides Mugen, Spoon Sports is one of the largest Honda tuner companies in Japan. It does not manufacture engines from basic components as the automakers do.
Rather, it remodels and upgrades the existing Honda engines with its parts. You can call it a company that uses aftermarket products to boost the speed of your Honda car to make it one unique and powerful Honda spoon.
What Are Spoon Engines?
The history of the “Spoon Engine” is less about a single, revolutionary engine design and more about a philosophy of meticulous tuning and performance enhancement deeply rooted in Japanese motorsport culture.
The story begins with Spoon Sports, a company founded in 1988 by racer and tuner Tatsuru Ichishima. Ichishima, a passionate Honda enthusiast, sought to create high-performance parts and tuning solutions that maximized the potential of Honda vehicles, particularly those designed for racing.
You can describe them in simple words, highly-modified, professional-grade Honda engines.
They could equal racing car engines in terms of power and speed. And if you wonder how much is a spoon engine costs, one such motor may cost as much as a new car.
The spoon engines are only the ones that are assembled with all Spoon parts at the Spoon factory in Japan. You can purchase all the Spoon components and assemble a unit in your garage, but it cannot be called a spoon engine.
Does Spoon Sports manufacture the components they use in these engines? The truth is, plenty of Spoon parts are balanced OEM Honda parts.
The company is less about producing hardcore racing motor accessories and more about refining and balancing OEM components from Honda engines.
How Are Spoon Engines Made?
Spoon engines are developed and constructed entirely by Spoon Sports. While it is theoretically possible to purchase each component separately and then build the engine on their own, doing so suggests that it is not legally referred to as a Spoon engine.
Instead of rebuilding the entire system from the ground up, a Spoon engine is nearly identical to the original engine of a car.
Aftermarket Spoon components are utilized to improve performance, however, their work is better seen as a modification process rather than a full transplant.
Spoon Sports mostly refined and balanced OEM Honda parts rather than manufacturing them for the engines.
But, what does that mean? Well, it involves modifying the motor components with some precise techniques:
- Weighing every engine part to 0.01 grams of precision.
- Balancing the rods and pistons by keeping their weight difference not more than 0.01 grams.
- Torquing the bolts within 0.01 N/M of Honda specifications.
The balancing and refining of the components improve the conditions of the engine components in several ways.
The process reduces the loss of power due to inefficiency, eases the power delivery, and enhances the engine and throttle response, making the engine rev faster so that it can handle high RPM better.
Overall, the engine performance increases, its performance gets better, and it enjoys a longer lifespan, especially in the racing arenas. These engines yield better power across the RPM band than normally assembled Honda engines.
Spoon engines are extremely popular in Japan, especially for racing purposes. Chances are high that every Honda car in a GT race has a modified spoon engine – either from Spoon Sports or from Mugen.
Shall You Purchase A Spoon Engine?
Spoon motors are exclusively built for racing purposes. They are used in circuit racing, which is different from drag racing.
The spoon units are all about a good amount of power without sacrificing longer lifespan and reliability because these are the requirements of circuit racing games.
On the other hand, drag racing is all about high power but the engine of the cars is less reliable.
Pro race teams are the main buyers of the Spoon engines. They need something that is built on stock parts and offers optimum efficiency.
You can purchase a spoon engine if you are a pro or amateur racer participating in a competition that requires cars to follow the FIA Group N regulations (which include having a stock motor).
Circuit racers can be the buyers too since circuit racing demands that kind of engine. Don’t worry if you are not a racer. Anyone with a pocket full of money and the desire to drive a car with an optimized stock motor can have the engine.
However, don’t go for it if you are a drag racer, looking for a high-power engine setup, or have a tight budget. Also, the spoon motors are not for you if you are not one of those drivers who love to feel the engine responses while driving.
Check out this video from Donut to get everything you need to know about the spoon engine!
FAQs on Spoon Engine
Is Spoon exclusive to Honda?
Spoon Inc. is a Japanese firm that specializes in engine tuning and aftermarket components to improve the performance of Honda automobiles.
How powerful is a spoon engine?
On average, a spoon engine produces 260 horsepower at 8500 rpm. Their modifications can boost horsepower significantly, often pushing engines well beyond factory specs, sometimes reaching over 300 horsepower depending on the specific model and tuning level.
Can a spoon engine be turbocharged?
Yes. However, this may be overkill because it does not necessarily increase Spoon engine power. Spoon engines are built for maximum performance and dependability.
So installing a turbo on a Spoon engine will result in extremely high compression, increasing the engine’s danger of detonation.
What vehicles are powered by spoon engines?
Here are the list of Honda spoon engines:
– Honda Fit
– Honda Accord
– Honda Civic
– Honda CR-Z
– Honda S2000
– Honda S660
– Honda N-One
– Honda Acura Integra
Can I make my own spoon engine?
No. The fact is, you could purchase any of the specialist Spoon motor parts if you wanted to alter or install an engine to your specs. To be called a Spoon engine, an engine must be built in the Spoon Sports plant in Japan.
So, technically, you can’t make a Spoon engine even if you buy and employ Spoon components in the process. Getting a spoon engine switch may be a better option than creating one yourself.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re a die-hard Honda enthusiast or simply appreciate the art of automotive tuning, the story of the Spoon Engine is a fascinating journey into the world of Japanese motorsport culture. It’s a reminder that true performance isn’t just about brute force, but about balance, refinement, and an unwavering pursuit of perfection.
So, the next time you hear the name “Spoon Engine,” remember it’s not just a label, it’s a legacy of innovation, passion, and the relentless pursuit of driving excellence.For more helpful industry knowledge and car maintenance tips, follow Car From Japan today!
