CarBUZZ.com: Japanese Tuning Icons Part 2: Honda Prelude

Bring back the Prelude....Bring back the Prelude....Bring back the Prelude....

The Prelude was an excellent sports car from day one. It's too bad Honda couldn't find a permanent place for it in the model lineup. 

 

The Honda Prelude was the car which put Honda on the performance map before the tuning floodgates would even open. Its long hood gave it a look sort of like a scaled-down muscle car, and the well-balanced car was enjoyable to drive even in stock form. The Prelude was also quite an easy car to modify, and as a model which had been intended as a performance car from the outset, the aftermarket community gave it quite a bit of attention.

 

The Prelude first debuted in 1978 as a 1979 model. In Japan it was available only through Honda's "Verno" dealerships, a more youth-oriented sales channel, similar to Toyota's North American Scion brand of today. The car was based heavily on the Accord sedan, but with pony car-esque styling to make it competitive with Toyota's recently-introduced Celica. The 1.6-liter engine came from Accord and produced 72 horsepower, earning it the nickname "Honda Quaalude" upon its debut in the US from those expecting a car with this kind of styling to produce more power. 

 

Improvements to the emissions control system would improve things in 1980, and then the second generation of the car would debut in 1983 with more power. But it was the third-gen Prelude, introduced in 1988 where the car would really come into its own. The B20 engine was now considerably more powerful, and in Si trim, the Prelude now had nearly double the horsepower offered when it was introduced a decade before. Handling was excellent as well, and when Road & Track did a slalom test of the 1988 Prelude Si, it beat every other car that year, including some seriously exotic European models.

 

Though the third generation might have been the point when Honda's work on the Prelude really stepped up, it is the fourth generation which tuners really became interested in. Introduced in 1991 in Japan and 1992 in North America, the fourth-gen Prelude finally abandoned the B-series engine in favor of either an F22, H22 or H23 engine. The VTEC H-series engines are generally those favored by tuners for a number of reasons. The H22A1 produced 187 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque in stock trim, and offered better low-end torque than was typical in Honda's high-revving engines.

 

It was also soon discovered that the engine could handle more boost in stock form than was usually the case, and this was always good news. Significant gains could be achieved by getting the head flowed and ported, and while the head was off, it certainly didn't hurt to go ahead and put in a more aggressive cam as well. With some upgrades to the fuel system, a turbocharger could be added here as well, and with a strengthened and balanced bottom end, a much larger turbocharger could be added. Of course, this is still a front-wheel-drive car, and this more than the engine will ultimately limit the amount of usable power that you can squeeze out of the engine.

 

A fifth generation of the Prelude debuted in 1997, with boxier styling more reminiscent of the third-gen car. The H-series engine stayed, but now produced more power in stock form, and the Type-S was now up to 217 horsepower. But by this point the Prelude was being squeezed out of the lineup by the Civic Si on one side, the Accord Coupe on the other and the Acura RSX/Integra from above. It had become irrelevant and was killed off in 2001 after a massive drop off in sales. But the Prelude is one of those cars which got better with each generation, and never had to suffer the indignity of what happened to the poor Mitsubishi Eclipse.

 

Those looking for an old Prelude for some tuning work should probably just buy the newest one they can find. The fifth generation gives you the best starting point, although if you're going to be taking the whole engine apart anyway, a fourth-gen Prelude would probably work just as well. It should go without saying that you won't get the kind of performance out of this that you would from, say, a Toyota Supra. But the Prelude is also much cheaper, both to buy initially and to tune. Throw in that unbelievably good handling and you've got one of the best budget tuner cars around.

 

Source;

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2012/12/10/Japanese-Tuning-Icons-Part-2-Honda-Prelude-7711971/

Honda's sporty Prelude still commands a premium

Here's a nice little article on everyone's favourite retired sportscar....
Like many of its competitors, the Honda Prelude gracefully bowed out of the sports car scene after 2001, having become a casualty of low sales volumes and increasing fuel and insurance costs.

Interestingly, even some years later, the last-generation of Honda’s coupe still commands relatively high premiums in the used market as a reliable and relevant sports car.

The fifth and last generation of the Prelude hit the scene in 1997, and all models were two-door, four-seat front-drive units with four-cylinder power. Said power came from a 2.2-litre VTEC engine with 195 or 200 horsepower, depending on model year. A manual five-speed transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic was available optionally, and featured manual-mode shifting.

Features included ABS disc brakes, air, a sunroof, leather seating, and a CD-changer audio system. Exceptional handling and braking were part of the package. Prelude might not be Honda’s most practical used model, but many an owner say their machines deliver reliable driving enjoyment, day in and day out.

What Owners Like
Power, handling and driving dynamics were among the last-generation Prelude’s most highly-rated attributes according to owners. Reliability and fuel mileage are well-rated, too.

What Owners Hate
Prelude’s most common gripes centre around limited interior and cargo space, squeaks and rattles over time, and a rough ride on some surfaces.

The Verdict
At the end of the day, a relatively stock example of a Prelude that’s been well maintained and loved should give new owners few, if any problems.

Common Issues
Prelude doesn’t seem to suffer from any glaring or systematic problems, though several checks are advised. The Prelude’s H22 engine used a timing belt tensioner that could be a source of grief in the event of a malfunction that allows too much slack in the timing belt. This could cause skipped belt teeth and even potentially fatal engine damage.

Be absolutely sure to ascertain the engine’s timing belt situation. This very important belt needs to be changed at a prescribed interval before failure in order to prevent catastrophic engine failure. Checking the condition and level of all fluids is also advised, as is a full check of all interior accessories for proper operation.

Source;
http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver/life/article/593402--honda-s-sporty-prelude-still-commands-a-premium

IF there were to be a Next Gen Honda Prelude, It is Voted to get a High Performance 4 Cylinder Engine

Honda Prelude Unanimous Winner in Retired Revival Survey

In case it's too hard to read thats 69 votes out of 140 going to the Prelude. Can't say I'm too surprised. Really makes you wonder what could have been....

Canadian Driver: Modern Classics: Honda Prelude, 1979-2001

First Generation Honda Prelude
Second Generation Honda Prelude

Third Generation Honda Prelude

Fourth Generation Honda Prelude

Fifth Generation Honda Prelude

The first Honda cars to reach North American shores in the early 1970s were anything but exciting, but the Civic and Accord would prove to be reliable and fuel-efficient alternatives to what other manufacturers had to offer – notwithstanding their tendency to rust out in Canadian winters.

Honda offered reliability and fuel efficiency at a time when fuel prices were starting to skyrocket as a result of the OPEC oil embargo in 1973. On this side of the Atlantic, the car-buying public were “warming” quickly towards fuel efficient vehicles. The days of stuffing big motors into small and medium-sized cars were becoming a thing of the past.

It was important for Honda to make a good first impression, and that they did. Throughout the 1970s, the Civic and Accord models could best be described as bland, ordinary “grocery-getter” type vehicles. If North Americans wanted to experience excitement from the folks at Honda, they would have to wait nearly a decade for the Prelude to be unveiled.

The Prelude was Honda’s first attempt to introduce a more refined and “interesting” sports coupe to its lineup, one which consumers might be persuaded into paying a premium dollar for. It debuted in 1979 and shared many components with the Civic and Accord models.

In comparison to later-generation Preludes, the 1979 model was an ugly duckling, complete with a high belt-line and a very Civic-looking front end. The wheel-base for the Prelude was almost three inches shorter than the Accord, giving it a stubby, awkward appearance. Exciting it was not – but as the name “Prelude” suggests, it would become a model in future years that would house some of Honda’s most advanced automotive technology.

Transmission choices for the first generation Prelude were a five-speed manual and a two-speed Hondamatic. This transmission was dropped in 1980 and replaced with a three-speed automatic.
Powering the Prelude was a 1,751-cc version of the Accord’s SOHC (single overhead cam) four-cylinder engine, producing 72 hp and 94 pound-feet of torque. These numbers, while nothing less than abysmal by today’s standard, were comparable with other vehicles in its class.

Some critics denounced the interior finishings as well as the “gadgetry” that Honda used, but what the feature pundits had the most disdain for was the amount of space (or lack thereof) that rear passengers had – suggesting the rear cabin of the vehicle would provide passengers with a “claustrophobic-like” touring experience.

The second-generation Prelude, introduced in 1983, was a much more refined model, and possessed little relationship to the Civic and Accord. It was more performance-oriented, longer and wider, and its beltline was lowered, providing the car with that “go fast” appearance, even when parked.

It did, however, share the Accord’s 96-inch wheelbase and was powered by a brand new 1829-cc SOHC 12-valve four cylinder engine producing 110 hp at 5500 rpm. The low belt-line, complete with pop-up headlights and lowered nose, produced a drag coefficient of only 0.36 - promoting it to “best in class.”

Most notably, the suspension involved an innovative upper and lower arm layout (called double-wishbone) providing for a tighter and more responsive driving experience. Midway through the 1985 model year, Honda launched a new 2.0-litre engine in the Prelude Si model featuring fuel injection. The Si was also outfitted with front and aft spoilers, premium sound system and cruise control. This second generation Prelude lasted five model years – from 1983 through to 1987.

To improve upon the next generation Prelude, Honda tweaked its performance and made subtle changes to its appearance. The exterior proportions of the 1988 Prelude were familiar but more purposeful and refined.

Honda also introduced four-wheel steering in 1988. When moving slowly, the rear wheels would turn slightly in the opposite direction to decrease the turning radius, while at higher speeds, they turned in the same direction, to increase high-speed stability, such as in lane changes. These models were badged “4WS” and would cost the consumer an extra $1,300. To this day, it remains the only true mechanical four-wheel steering system offered on a production vehicle. Other manufacturers offered either electronic or hydraulic four-wheel steering systems.

Two engines were available for the late 80’s edition of the Prelude: a 2.0-litre SOHC four-cylinder producing 104 hp was stuffed into the Prelude “S” model, while a more robust fuel-injected DOHC (double overhead cam) 16-valve four-cylinder producing 135 hp was standard for the Prelude Si – at the time, this was the most powerful engine offered by Honda in a production vehicle. By 1990, the powerplant of the Prelude Si received an upgrade to a 2.1-litre all-aluminum 140-hp DOHC 16-valve engine.

By 1990, Honda designers were already busy sharpening their tools and the lines of the newly redesigned 1992 Prelude. Gone were the pop-up headlights and the more familiar exterior stylings of the two previous generations. The wheelbase was shortened by almost an inch, and the exterior offered a more stylish and aggressive appearance.

Three engine choices were available during its five-year production run, a 133 hp 2.2-litre inline four was standard for the “S” model and a 158-hp 2.3-litre inline four powered the Si version. For 1993, a new and innovative range-topping VTEC (Valve Timing Electronic Control) 16-valve four, producing 187 hp, was introduced. This VTEC-powered Prelude could catapult to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds, trouncing the competition.

This fourth generation Prelude was perhaps best known for its dashboard, complete with blue backlighting, and the newer Preludes (1994 – 1996) featured translucent speedo and tachometer dials. While the Canadian version of the Si came with heated mirrors and optional leather seats, the Japanese version could be had with an optional in-dash television set. Hmmm, I wonder if A&W ever offered window service in Japan?

This Prelude once again had its critics and as with the very first model, complaints about the lack of legroom in the rear were prevalent. By 1995, the 4WS version was finally dropped as consumers weren’t willing to pay the extra price associated with it. Other critics referred to the overall exterior design as “unbalanced,” stating that the bulkiness of the rear-end did not match the sleek, shark-like design of the front.

While sales of the Prelude were brisk throughout the 1980s, consumer interest waned in the 1990s, perhaps as a result of soaring prices. The Prelude was inching close to the $30K mark, and there were now strong alternatives being offered for that kind of money. Sales figures started to slump mid-way through the 90s, signalling yet another design change.

The fifth and final generation saw a return to the box-like exterior styling of the 80s Prelude, minus the pop-up lights. Even the headlights of this latest offering from Honda were boxy (square) in style. The styling features were clearly an acquired taste and the redesign did little to boost sagging sales.

The engine powering this fifth generation Prelude was, however, the 2.2-litre VTEC producing 195 hp. Honda squeezed another five hp out of this engine for the 1999 through 2001 models. A five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions were available. Both base and Type-SH models possessed a generous number of standard features such as ABS (anti-lock braking system), cruise control, air conditioning and power windows, mirrors and locks. All in all, a very impressive line-up of creature comforts.

Despite Honda’s attempt to win back the buying public by producing a great performing car with numerous standard features, the $26,000 price tag was clearly more than what individuals were willing to pay and the Prelude was discontinued after the 2001 model year.

Will the Prelude ever be resurrected? Who knows for sure, but the Prelude did prove to be a solid “testing ground” for many of Honda’s most innovative and technological automotive advances, many of which can still be found in Honda vehicles today.

Source;

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/07/22/modern-classics-honda-prelude-1979-2001.htm/2

Prelude Truck?

Found this link on Autoblog, I've seen conversion vehicles before, but never a Prelude/Truck. The owner calls this a 'CRUCK'.

Source; http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/car/732603318.html

Bring Back the Honda Prelude

Ever since Honda did away with the Prelude, fans have clamoured for a comeback. I think that with all of the reintroductions of the 'muscle cars', a la Camaro, Challenger, Charger, and even Toyota entertaining the idea of bringing back the Celica, that the time could be right for this to fly. Nissan has created a stir with finally bringing Skyline to North America, but not too many people will be willing for fork over the $100k+/- for the car. A $30-40k, pure sports car from a company that knows how to make a sports car would be nice.

Here are a couple of petitions to bring back the Prelude;
http://www.youchoose.net/campaign/bring_back_the_honda_prelude
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/bring-back-the-honda-prelude.html

Impending Import Sportscar Comeback

Well the domestic's started it first, by having their 'muscle car' comebacks with the new Dodge Challenger, Charger, old is new again Ford Mustang, and the coming GM Camaro/Firebird. All creating excitement for the respective brands with beautiful designs. (The Challenger and the Camero are going to be HOT cars!)

It looks like the Imports won't be taking this lightly, looking at reinstating some of the retired vehicles. Honda has already in a way entered the fray in 2006 with the Honda Civic Si, which has been argued to be the 'official' replacement of the Prelude. Nissan is rumoured to be bringing back the 240SX for 2010, which would fit nicely in a price point below the 350Z.

2010 Nissan 240SX?

Toyota; rumors of a new Celica are not offical, but some car magazines say that a newly revived Celica may be built by 2011 in front or all-wheel-drive, powered by a V-6, while the sibling Rear-wheel-drive Supra may possibly return as a 2010 model with a supercharged V-6 or hybrid model.

2010+ Toyota Celica?!?

2011+ Toyota Supra?!?

Honda is also talking about bringing back the CRX (see prev. posts) and another rumour is that they may re-badge the S2000 a Acura (here in North America) and bring out a 2 door version of the TSX called a 'Prelude Edition' of some sort. I am not so sure Honda is convinced that it needs another 2 door with the success of the new 2008 Honda Accord. They have the V6 wrapped up with the Accord and they have the 4Cylinder wrapped up with the Civic Si (and the 4Cylinder Accord).

2011 Honda CRX?!? Doubt it.