I may be needing to up-size my family hauler in the next few years and love the idea of the mini-minivan.
I was bored and started goofing off on wikipedia. Comparing the specs of the '95-98 Honda (accord chassis) odyssey with the Mazda5 that everyone in yon thread is raving about: The Honda has a slightly lower curb weight, wheelbase=3" longer, overall length= 6" longer, 1.5" wider, .4" taller.
After some brief googling, I've come to find out that the H22 out of the Prelude is basically a bolt in swap and a 5-speed swap has been done as well.
The H22 has about 190hp/160lbs of torque which seems like the perfect type of motor for a light minivan even if you were stuck with an auto trans.
Throw some Accord Konis under it and lop a coil off the springs (or aftermarket if they're available) Put some decent rubber on it and I say you've got a minivan that would be a hoot in the twisties and still pull down 30mpg on the highway.
Anything I'm missing?
Probably more rear storage than the 5 as well.
mndsm
SuperDork
1/7/11 11:57 p.m.
Biggest problem is gonna be the fact that those things are still worth their weight in gold. Or at least some people think so. BUT- if you can find yourself an Isuzu Oasis (the clone, ala Geo Prizm/Corolla) then I'd consider it. Also, they look HOT slammed out bippu style.
I want the J series 6 cylinder/6 speed out of a TL Type S with an old Jackson racing supercharger...
sounds like fun.
Would a '95 be preferable because of OBD1? I don't know much about honda swapping, but OBD2 seems like it would add a level of complexity.
Sounds like the perfect idea when your wagovan runs out of power or space.
That would be awesome. I like minivans, at least back when the "mini" part meant something.
hinged versus sliding rear doors makes this a non-choice for me. but i like the way you're thinking.
Vigo
Dork
1/8/11 10:26 p.m.
Anything I'm missing?
Nope. You're absolutely right. They're cool.
I considered trying to trade one of my caravans for one (a 96 for that one) but as pointed out, some people still value them pretty high.
It's too bad because from what little time ive spent looking at and driving them, i really like them! I just hate paying for anything.. 
