Civic debuted in 1973 and achieved more than 40 mpg on the highway with dimensions with an 86.6-inch wheelbase and 139.8-inch overall length. Powered by a 1170cc EB1 all aluminum engine except for the cylinder liner, with the 2 speed Hondamatic or four speed standard transmission made this quite the economy car to drive. In 1974 the engine grew to 1237cc EB2 and grew 146.9-inch in length. The cylinder head is aluminum with a crossflow design, intake ports on the back and exhaust on the front side. This design produces more power than others with both ports on the same side.
In 1978 the cylinder head (EB3) was redesigned with larger intake and exhaust valves and larger straighter intake & exhaust ports including a deeper combustion chamber with domed pistons. This engine design lends is self to high performance modifications. This design has won many racing championships including a great Canadian driver Jacques Villeneuve or American driver Adam Malley still racing his today.
How to identify a 1200: -1200cc engine, designated EB1,EB2, or EB3 -Engine will only say Honda on the rocker cover -Hose for air filter goes to passenger side fender (if it’s still stock) -Water pump is on the front drivers side and alternator is on the back -Fenders shorter in length than the CVCC -2 spoke black steering wheel -Hondamatic or 4spd transmission Standard 1200’s never received a 5spd transmission Only the Canadian 1978-79 Special X version received the 5spd transmission.
