The Honda N600E is a 598 cc, air-cooled, inline‑two petrol engine produced between 1967 and 1972. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two carburetors, and a chain-driven valvetrain. This compact engine was designed for Honda's first mass-market passenger car, delivering 31 kW (42 PS) and 50 Nm of torque, enabling a top speed of over 130 km/h.
Fitted exclusively to the N600 sedan and coupe, the N600E was engineered for lightweight efficiency and high-revving character, reflecting Honda's motorcycle heritage. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through precise carburetion and ignition timing, predating formal Euro standards but meeting contemporary Japanese and US regulations.
One documented engineering focus was managing heat in the air-cooled design. Honda addressed this through finned cylinder heads and barrels, and a thermostatically controlled cooling fan, as detailed in the original N600 Service Manual. This system proved effective for its time but requires meticulous maintenance today to prevent overheating.
Honda
Production years 1967–1972 predate formal Euro emissions standards. Engine meets original Japanese Ministry of Transport and US DOT/FMVSS regulations for its production era.
The Honda N600E is a 598 cc air-cooled inline‑two petrol engine engineered for the pioneering N600 passenger car (1967-1972). It combines a high-revving SOHC design with twin carburetors to deliver spirited performance for its size. Designed for its era, it reflects pre-catalyst engineering focused on mechanical simplicity and lightweight construction.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑2, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 60.0 mm × 53.0 mm | |
| Power output | 31 kW (42 PS) @ 8,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 50 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin Keihin side-draft carburetors | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-catalyst (Meets 1967-1972 JIS/US DOT) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air-cooled with thermostatic fan | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (Mineral, non-detergent) | |
| Dry weight | 68 kg |
The high 8,000 rpm redline demands precise valve clearance adjustment every 5,000 km to prevent valve float or damage. The air-cooling system is susceptible to overheating in traffic; ensuring the cooling fan and ducting are intact is critical. The twin carburetors require synchronized adjustment for smooth running. Using modern detergent oils can damage the original non-hardened valve guides; non-detergent SAE 10W-40 is specified. The chain-driven valvetrain is robust but requires periodic tension checks.
Oil Specs: Requires non-detergent SAE 10W-40 mineral oil (Honda N600 Service Manual, 1968). Modern detergent oils can accelerate valve guide wear.
Emissions: Predates Euro standards. Compliance based on 1967-1972 Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS D 1001) and US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Peak power requires precise carburetor synchronization and valve clearance (Honda N600 Service Manual).
Honda N600 Service Manual (1968 Edition)
Japanese Industrial Standards: JIS D 1001
US Department of Transportation: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), 1967
The Honda N600E was developed exclusively for Honda's N600 platform and is not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine received no major platform-specific adaptations during its production run. All applications are documented in the original factory service manual.
Locate the engine number stamped on the left side of the crankcase, just below the cylinder barrel (Honda N600 Service Manual). The engine code prefix is "N600E". Visually, the engine is identifiable by its distinctive air-cooling fins on the cylinders and heads, twin side-draft carburetors, and bright red or silver paint (depending on model year). Critical differentiation from the later EA-series: The N600E is air-cooled with an SOHC design, while EA engines are water-cooled with overhead valves. No service parts are interchangeable.
The N600E's primary reliability focus is maintaining its air-cooling system and precise mechanical tolerances. Honda's original durability testing showed excellent longevity when serviced correctly, while owner data from vintage clubs suggests overheating and valve train wear are the most frequent issues. Neglecting valve clearances or allowing the cooling system to become obstructed leads to rapid engine degradation.
Analysis derived from Honda N600 Service Manual (1968) and aggregated data from Honda N600 Owner's Club (USA & Japan, 2010-2024). Repair procedures should follow original manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HONDA N600E.
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