Spoon Engines: The Inside Scoop on These High-Performance Powerhouses

“I need NOS. I need NOS.” These iconic words from Paul Walker’s character Brian O’Connor in 2001’s The Fast and the Furious introduced many car enthusiasts to the world of high-performance engines. 

But it wasn’t just NOS that caught viewers’ attention. The mention of “Spoon engines” left many wondering. What are these engines, and should you consider one for your car?

The Origins of Spoon Engines

Spoon engines aren’t the result of kitchen utensil alchemy but rather the brainchild of Spoon Sports, a Japanese company founded in 1988 by Tatsuru Ichishima. (ref) This former Honda race car tester and driver set out to create high-performance engines and parts specifically for Honda vehicles. 

Spoon Sports quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the most potent naturally aspirated Honda engines on the market.

The company’s philosophy centers around precision tuning and balancing OEM Honda parts rather than completely redesigning engines from scratch. 

This approach allows Spoon to extract maximum performance while maintaining reliability—a crucial factor for street and racing applications.

What Makes a Spoon Engine Special?

At its core, a Spoon engine is a highly modified Honda powerplant. But what sets it apart from your average tuner build? Here are some key characteristics:

• Precision balancing of all rotating components
• Upgraded valvetrain for higher RPM capability
• Ported and polished cylinder heads for improved flow
• Custom camshafts for optimized power delivery
• Carefully matched pistons and cylinders for tighter tolerances

These modifications result in engines that can rev higher, produce more power across the RPM range, and maintain reliability under extreme conditions. 

Spoon engines are particularly well-suited for circuit racing, where sustained high performance and longevity are crucial.

The Spoon Engine Building Process

Creating a true Spoon engine isn’t simply bolting on aftermarket parts. 

The process begins with a brand-new Honda engine, which is then completely disassembled at the Spoon Sports facility in Japan. Each component is meticulously inspected, balanced, and upgraded as necessary.

One of the hallmarks of Spoon’s approach is its attention to detail. For example, it maintains a large inventory of pistons, allowing it to precisely match each piston to its corresponding cylinder bore. 

This level of precision results in tighter tolerances and improved performance compared to stock Honda engines.

Should You Consider a Spoon Engine for Your Car?

While the allure of a high-performance Spoon engine is undeniable, it’s not the right choice for every Honda enthusiast. Here are some factors to consider:

• Cost: Authentic Spoon engines are expensive, often costing as much as a new car.
• Intended use: Spoon engines excel in circuit racing but may be overkill for casual street driving.
• Modifications: Installing a Spoon engine may require additional upgrades to your car’s drivetrain and suspension.
• Availability: True Spoon engines are rare and difficult to source outside Japan.

A Spoon engine represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance for serious racers and hardcore Honda enthusiasts. However, for most drivers, a more modest set of upgrades or a different high-performance engine option may be more practical and cost-effective.

Whether you’re considering a Spoon engine or simply admiring their engineering from afar, there’s no denying the impact these powerplants have had on the world of Honda performance. 

From the silver screen to the racetrack, Spoon engines continue to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide.