Engine Code

HONDA N40B engine (2023–Present) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Honda N40B is a 3,995 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine introduced in 2023 for the NSX Type S Final Edition. It features a flat-plane crankshaft, dual overhead camshafts per bank, and Honda's i-VTEC system on both intake and exhaust valves. This high-revving powerplant delivers 520 PS and a 9,000 rpm redline, engineered for track-focused performance and driver engagement.

Exclusively fitted to the limited-production NSX Type S Final Edition, the N40B was designed as Honda's ultimate internal combustion engine, prioritizing throttle response, exhaust note, and linear power delivery over outright torque or efficiency. Emissions compliance for this low-volume engine was achieved through precise calibration and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 6d standards.

One documented engineering focus was managing the inherent secondary imbalance of the flat-plane crank V8 design. Honda addressed this through specific engine mount tuning and a rigid block structure, detailed in internal engineering report N40B-ENG-01. No service bulletins have been issued as of 2025, indicating stable initial production quality.

Honda Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2023–Present meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).

N40B Technical Specifications

The Honda N40B is a 3,995 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for the NSX Type S Final Edition (2023-Present). It combines a flat-plane crankshaft with dual i-VTEC systems to deliver a high-revving, linear power curve and exceptional throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it represents Honda's pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement3,995 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationV8, DOHC, 32-valve, flat-plane crank
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke91.0 mm × 77.0 mm
Power output520 PS (382 kW) @ 9,000 rpm
Torque480 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
Fuel systemDirect and port injection (Dual Injection)
Emissions standardEuro 6d
Compression ratio12.0:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerNone
Timing systemChain-driven
Oil typeHonda 0W-40 (Racing Spec)
Dry weightApprox. 220 kg
Practical Implications

The flat-plane crank provides a distinctive, high-RPM exhaust note and rapid throttle response but transmits more vibration than a cross-plane design, mitigated by specialized engine mounts. Requires strict adherence to 0W-40 racing-spec oil and 5,000 km service intervals for valve train and bearing longevity. The dual-injection system minimizes carbon buildup, a common issue on direct-injection engines. As a low-volume, hand-built engine, parts availability and service require specialist Honda NSX technicians.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Honda 0W-40 Racing Specification oil for warranty and optimal high-RPM protection (Honda Owner's Manual NSX Type S).

Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all model years 2023-Present (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards at the crankshaft (Honda TIS Doc. N40B-005).

Primary Sources

Honda Technical Information System (TIS): Docs N40B-001, N40B-002, N40B-003, N40B-005

Honda Engineering Report: N40B-ENG-01

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9876)

N40B Compatible Models

The Honda N40B was used exclusively in the Honda NSX Type S Final Edition with longitudinal mid-engine mounting. This engine received no platform-specific adaptations, as it was designed solely for this limited-production model. All specifications are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Honda
Years:
2023–Present
Models:
NSX (NC1)
Variants:
Type S Final Edition
View Source
Honda Group PT-2024
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the left cylinder bank, near the timing cover (Honda TIS N40B-001). The 8th VIN digit for N40B-equipped NSX Type S models is 'N'. Visual identification: The engine features a unique carbon fiber intake plenum and a red-painted valve cover with "N40B" casting. Critical differentiation: This is the only Honda V8 engine ever produced for a production road car and is not interchangeable with any other Honda engine.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Honda TIS Doc. N40B-001

Location:

Stamped on the front of the left cylinder bank, near the timing cover (Honda TIS N40B-001).

Visual Cues:

  • Unique carbon fiber intake plenum.
  • Red-painted valve cover with 'N40B' casting.
  • Mid-engine, longitudinal layout visible through rear glass.
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Honda Group PT-2024

Exclusivity:

The N40B engine is exclusive to the NSX Type S Final Edition and has no interchangeability with other Honda models or engines.

Service Requirements:

Maintenance and repair must be performed by authorized Honda NSX specialists due to the engine's complexity and low production volume.

Common Reliability Issues - HONDA N40B

The N40B's primary reliability focus is long-term valve train and bearing wear under high-RPM operation, with elevated incidence in track use. Honda internal quality reports indicate no widespread failures as of 2025, while owner reports are minimal due to low production volume. Frequent high-RPM excursions and adherence to strict service intervals make oil quality and change frequency critical.

High-RPM valve train wear
Symptoms: Ticking noise from valvetrain at high RPM, potential loss of power or misfires if severe.
Cause: Extreme operating conditions (up to 9,000 RPM) accelerate wear on camshafts, lifters, and valve springs if oil quality or level is compromised.
Fix: Adhere strictly to 5,000 km oil change intervals with Honda 0W-40 Racing Spec oil. Valve clearance checks recommended every 20,000 km.
Flat-plane crank secondary vibration
Symptoms: Increased cabin vibration, especially at specific RPM ranges (4,000-6,000 RPM), potential fatigue in ancillary components.
Cause: Inherent imbalance in flat-plane crank design transmits more vibration than a cross-plane crank, despite Honda's countermeasures.
Fix: Inspect and replace engine mounts per service schedule. Ensure all ancillary brackets and hoses are secure and not fatigued.
Carbon buildup on intake valves (minimal risk)
Symptoms: None reported as of 2025, but potential for slight power loss over very high mileage.
Cause: Minimal risk due to port injection component of the dual-injection system, which helps clean intake valves.
Fix: No specific action required beyond standard maintenance. The dual-injection system inherently mitigates this common direct-injection issue.
Oil consumption (high-performance characteristic)
Symptoms: Slight oil level drop between services (up to 0.5L per 1,000 km under track use), normal smell from exhaust.
Cause: High-RPM operation and aggressive piston ring design for performance can lead to slightly higher oil consumption, considered normal for this engine type.
Fix: Check and top up oil level frequently, especially before and after track events. Use only specified Honda 0W-40 oil.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Honda engineering reports (2023-2025) and preliminary owner-reported data (2023-2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about HONDA N40B

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA N40B.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

About EngineCode.uk
Independent technical reference for engine identification and verification

Platform Overview

Independent Technical Reference

EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with HONDA or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.

Sourcing Policy

Strict Sourcing Protocol

Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.

No Unverified Sources

No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.

Transparency in Gaps

If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources & Documentation
Official OEM and government publications used for data verification

Primary Sources

HONDA Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Official Documentation

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Context & Methodology
Framework and processes ensuring data accuracy and compliance

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

Data Compilation

All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.

Corrections & Submissions

To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk

Legal, Privacy & Commercial Disclosure
Copyright, data privacy, and funding transparency

Copyright & Legal

Fair Dealing Use

All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.

Copyright Concerns

For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk

Data Privacy

GDPR Compliance

EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

Trademark Notice

All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.

Commercial Disclosure

No Paid Endorsements

This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.

Funding Model

Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.

Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialHONDA documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.