3rd gen. preludes?

I'm going today to look at a 1990 Prelude, the 2.0si version. this is the 135hp B20 engine, non 4 wheel steering model.

With all my Honda experience, I really don't know the first thing about these cars. What can people tell me about them? Are they reliable? Common problems to look for? Can they get out of their own way at an autocross?

I thought I heard somewhere that when C&D did performance and handling tests for these things in 1990 they out-handled (not sure if that means slalom, auto-x or what) every other single production car available that year, including exotics. Might be thinking of 2nd gen though.

That's all I (think I) know. I never see any aftermarket support for them, but I'm betting there's someone out there with a digital camera and a desire and a garage full of tools haunting a forum or two.

Prelude.com

Here's a good source for Prelude info; there is a separate forum for each generation. Lots of information available and (usually) knowledgeable people, too.

If the car has been maintained well, it should be a good and reliable car; not too much in aftermarket performance support, though.

I inquired about them a long time ago.

The engine in that car is not the same as the B20 in the CRV. Different geometry altogether, not much of a performance engine.

The general opinion was that it was kinda heavy and flexible, too.

Being me, I ignored them, but I could never find one that wasn't rotted out and under $3k.

Every now and then I see a 3rd gen. and even occasionally a 2nd gen. Prelude in my area. They are as reliable as any other Honda, and about as well built, too. The bad news? For their size, they can be on the HEAVY side. And, there isn't much in the way of aftermarket support for gens 1 through 3....though, since a 1st gen is based on the Civic, engine swaps can be done.

Unless you just need a decent set of wheels/ a DD sort of car, go with the 4th gen or later cars.

integraguy wrote: Every now and then I see a 3rd gen. and even occasionally a 2nd gen. Prelude in my area. They are as reliable as any other Honda, and about as well built, too. The bad news? For their size, they can be on the HEAVY side. And, there isn't much in the way of aftermarket support for gens 1 through 3....though, since a 1st gen is based on the Civic, engine swaps can be done. Unless you just need a decent set of wheels/ a DD sort of car, go with the 4th gen or later cars.

My '86 Prelude Si weighs-in at a porky 2400lbs. Except for 1st-gen Integra's, I'd guess all the dimunitive Acura's weigh at least as much.

Jamesc2123 wrote: I'm going today to look at a 1990 Prelude, the 2.0si version. this is the 135hp B20 engine, non 4 wheel steering model. With all my Honda experience, I really don't know the first thing about these cars. What can people tell me about them? Are they reliable? Common problems to look for? Can they get out of their own way at an autocross?

I'll make this quick- a) Yes they are reliable, just avoid the 2.1L/140hp version as it will consume lots of oil due to the FRM cylinder sleeves. b) Common problems - mainly rust. The usual Honda main relay ,issues that's about it. Visit www.prelude3g.com for some common problems/fixes. c) There are a few people that auto-x them, never tried mine yet. I would think that they'd do ok? Good torque for a honda.

Any other questions let me know!

Preludes are HEAVY for a Honda, compared to a Civic or an Integra....maybe they don't seem so porky.

My reference for vehicle weights shows a '86 Prelude to be 2200 to 2300 lbs....the '88 Preludes? The same reference lists them as over 2600 lbs.

I will admit that I have, since my previous post, found out that 3rd gen Preludes can have engine swaps done SOMEWHAT easily. If the F22 engine is used, there isn't much of a horsepower gain. If a H23 engine is used, it looks a bit better, but if you are going to the trouble...use the engine later model Preludes used: the H22 series. An H22 can produce, in stock form, 190-200 horsepower. The swap isn't a simple "plug and play", but it's easier than the same engines into Civics.

So, bottom line? A 3rd gen CAN be livened considerably, if you go for an engine transplant. Otherwise, you are still stuck with a fairly heavy car that has limited aftermarket support.

Well, the car was as described by all of you here (as usual). Good torque, lots of rust, otherwise no mechanical issues.

I should just wait till a decent Civic or CRX pops up, but something makes me think the Prelude has some potential. Its power to weight is a good bit better than any of its smaller kin, and it still has the same good suspension. I think it could still be a decent alternative to the ubiquitous other Hondas.

Mostly I'm just looking for a decent daily driver that I can Autox occasionally, but has anyone ever seen one of these do well on the cones?

I always liked the cars, but they all came with power glass sunroofs which, in addition to adding a lot of weight up high, really cuts into headroom. I could never fit in one with the sunshade closed. Forget about wearing a helmet, unless you mount a racing bucket directly to the floor.

Jamesc2123 wrote: Well, the car was as described by all of you here (as usual). Good torque, lots of rust, otherwise no mechanical issues. I should just wait till a decent Civic or CRX pops up, but something makes me think the Prelude has some potential. Its power to weight is a good bit better than any of its smaller kin, and it still has the same good suspension. I think it could still be a decent alternative to the ubiquitous other Hondas. Mostly I'm just looking for a decent daily driver that I can Autox occasionally, but has anyone ever seen one of these do well on the cones?

Since you're located in NY, you may have a hard time finding a good, low-rust car that's twenty years old. Since you've modified your options to include Civic's and CRX's, you may also want to consider the EG Civic ('92 - '95) in either the hatchback or coupe body styles. Heck, even the sedan is still a pretty little car. All the EG's have better aftermarket support and are far more numerous; chances are better in finding a good one.

My '86 Prelude Si was originally purchased in Binghamton, NY and has only a small, single spot of rust on a corner of the read deck lid.

Thank (insert your deity here) the second owner moved south and is/was a restorer who actually cared about his cars. I bought it from him in the spring of 2001; it's still a good ride - even though it now needs a clutch to prove it.

The 3rd gen is not a decent alternative to other Hondas.

Heavy, and that motor suffers from a huge lack of aftermarket because it's not a "true" B-series. It's got some funky sleeves that don't really like power.

If you aren't worried about power, then it puts you in a better place.