So.. I might get a '91 Prelude Si for free..

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Old 06-16-2008, 10:52 PM
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So.. I might get a '91 Prelude Si for free..

Does anyone have experience working on the 3rd gen Prelude?

This car belongs to a friend of mine and he doesn't want/need it anymore now that he has a newer set of wheels. Its not in a good shape, he's somewhat of an automotive dunce and neglected all the maintenance. He's willing to give it to me

I'll most likely redo the entire interior, all new carpeting and cloth. I'll detail it myself..

As for the engine, I'm thinking either a B20/B18 hybrid or maybe a F22 or H22. I dunno what will work exactly since the hood is so darn low. The original B21 motor is tilted at an angle just so it fits.
Old 06-16-2008, 10:59 PM
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does it has 4 wheel steering? my old boss still has one in MINT condition and it's a DD.
Old 06-16-2008, 11:04 PM
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No experience with them, but I always thought they were an attractive car. Nearly bought one new many years ago, and kind of wish I actually did. How's the body on it? I imagine there are numerous mechanical upgrades such as you mentioned, but would think the body may be expensive to repair and find sheet metal for.

Good luck with it.

Terry
Old 06-16-2008, 11:10 PM
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Originally Posted by teranfon
No experience with them, but I always thought they were an attractive car. Nearly bought one new many years ago, and kind of wish I actually did. How's the body on it? I imagine there are numerous mechanical upgrades such as you mentioned, but would think the body may be expensive to repair and find sheet metal for.

Good luck with it.

Terry
Well thats the thing, the body itself IS surprisingly rattle free and in good condition. It has never left the northwest, never been exposed to salt on the coast. So its rust free

It has scratches, dings and such. I can get that taken care of.
Old 06-16-2008, 11:10 PM
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Originally Posted by The Dougler
does it has 4 wheel steering? my old boss still has one in MINT condition and it's a DD.
No, its not 4WS. Just a "vanilla" Si
Old 06-16-2008, 11:12 PM
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My friend bought one of those brand new when we were freshmen in college. I was so jealous.
Old 06-16-2008, 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
Well thats the thing, the body itself IS surprisingly rattle free and in good condition. It has never left the northwest, never been exposed to salt on the coast. So its rust free

It has scratches, dings and such. I can get that taken care of.
Sounds like it would be a great project car. Up in my area, when I do see one from time to time, they are nearly rusted through and in very rough shape. Sad.

Terry
Old 06-16-2008, 11:19 PM
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Yeah, thats one of the fringe benefits of the wacky northwest

Most of the cars that are "native" to the area age well if taken care of. I had an '88 Accord that was showroom quality when I owned it 6 years ago.
Old 06-16-2008, 11:24 PM
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Vanilla Si's are great fun solid, bulletproof cars. I dearly miss my 89 Si.

Working on them isnt too difficult. I'm not a gear head or anything but I did basically gut the interior to install a sound system, and I had a squeaky belt that I had to get to a couple times.

They are very easy to work on...as for engine swaps...i dont think a H22 would fit and I certainly wouldnt go with the F (SOHC right?)
Old 06-16-2008, 11:28 PM
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Yeah the H22 if I had to guess is too tall. The F22 is SOHC.

I'll lose a bit of torque with a B20/B18, but gain a lot of top end

I'm assuming it will fit.. There has to be someone who makes custom engine mounts for such a crazy idea
Old 06-16-2008, 11:32 PM
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My buddy had over 300k on his 91 Si when he totalled it. He still mourns the loss of that car. I don't think he ever replaced anything but brakes. He was using it as a courier and did 100k a year on it after he bought it with 23k miles about 7 years after it was new.
Old 06-16-2008, 11:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
Yeah the H22 if I had to guess is too tall. The F22 is SOHC.

I'll lose a bit of torque with a B20/B18, but gain a lot of top end

I'm assuming it will fit.. There has to be someone who makes custom engine mounts for such a crazy idea
If you search....which can be infuriating with some of the people you might find...You can find some decent info on ludes. If you want a little more power from the engine, I think turbo charging might be your answer.

I'm guessing the F22 is too big as well...and its just a disappointing engine for a sports car.

Believe it or not the stock engine is a peppy little bastard that will invoke torque steer. Sure its not the fastest thing out, but its a zippy little ride.

My look into dropping a K series?
Old 06-16-2008, 11:37 PM
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Well according to this Prelude forum... an H22 can be done and the engine mounts are available...

http://www.preludeonline.com/f62/h22...mounts-227929/

Oh boy..
Old 06-16-2008, 11:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
Well according to this Prelude forum... an H22 can be done and the engine mounts are available...

http://www.preludeonline.com/f62/h22...mounts-227929/

Oh boy..
Well, then, slap me silly and go nuts.

But a K series = more torque
Old 06-16-2008, 11:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Sarlacc
Believe it or not the stock engine is a peppy little bastard that will invoke torque steer. Sure its not the fastest thing out, but its a zippy little ride.

My look into dropping a K series?
Well the stock motor is just about dead. I'm surprised it still starts.

I'd love to do a K series, but that just sounds expensive.. plus that block is a bit tall if I recall.

But hey, I've been surprised already with the H22 swap information
Old 06-16-2008, 11:42 PM
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One thing I'm worried about is the clearance for the engine oil pan on a H22 swap. I imagine it is really really low to the ground.
Old 06-16-2008, 11:47 PM
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Hehe, I forgot how low that car is...pretty shocking for a stock econo sport coupe but fuck it handles.

Like I said about the stock engine...bulletproof...thats why it still turns over after all the neglect and abuse.
Old 06-16-2008, 11:52 PM
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It must be bulletproof, i doubt he did anything other than change the oil irregularly.

And yes, those cars DO handle and ride very well. I figure I'll put some dynomat in the doors and floor and call it good.
Old 06-16-2008, 11:55 PM
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Can't wait to see pics

A guy at my school just picked one up for $500 in decent condition (as in, it runs) considering the price.
Old 06-17-2008, 12:08 AM
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I see them a lot here of course...and when I see nice ones...specially 4WS models (once in a blue moon) I get tempted to leave a note on the windshield asking how much.
Old 06-17-2008, 12:15 AM
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sigh

here is my beloved 89 Si....somewhere on my trip driving it from Ohio to NC to LA.

I miss her may she rest in peace:

Old 06-17-2008, 12:16 AM
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PS, It came with the bra, and I only used it for the X country drive.
Old 06-17-2008, 12:21 AM
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Sweet..

Looks really nice!

Old 06-17-2008, 12:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
Sweet..

Looks really nice!

Looked

I cant seem to find any pics of the wreck.
Old 06-17-2008, 12:27 AM
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BTW, this is what I'm hoping it'll look like after i'm done. I've shamelessly posted someone elses

Old 06-17-2008, 12:29 AM
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painting body molding

the 90-91 also have the clear/red tails instead of the orange/red tails I had. But the stock motors in the 90/91 were also known as oil burners. not that that matters if you swap.
Old 06-17-2008, 12:29 AM
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I actually like the front end of my lude better that pic though.
Old 06-17-2008, 12:39 AM
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I do too. But I think I like the taillights and rear bumper on the '90/'91 more.
Old 06-17-2008, 12:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
I do too. But I think I like the taillights and rear bumper on the '90/'91 more.
Old 06-17-2008, 12:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Sarlacc
sigh

here is my beloved 89 Si....somewhere on my trip driving it from Ohio to NC to LA.

I miss her may she rest in peace:

It's been a long time since I've seen a nice older Prelude. Up in the frozen tundra our salted roads and pea gravel isn't kind to any sort of car. It's a rarity to see something over fifteen years old if it's driven on a regular basis.

Terry
Old 06-17-2008, 01:03 AM
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h22 fits

http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/car/722500860.html
Old 06-17-2008, 01:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Infamous425
Right, but what issues do i have to deal with?

Low oil pan?
Low headers?
Custom exhaust?
Transmission issues?

Maybe I'm worrying too much, but if an H22 can be done right, I'll get to it.
Old 06-17-2008, 05:49 AM
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^^ Yup, you indeed are worrying too much, get the damn thing and go crazy with it .
Old 06-17-2008, 07:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
Right, but what issues do i have to deal with?

Low oil pan?
Low headers?
Custom exhaust?
Transmission issues?

Maybe I'm worrying too much, but if an H22 can be done right, I'll get to it.
Possible tranny issues seem to pop into my head. Just trying to get it all to fit that is.
Old 06-17-2008, 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by teranfon
It's been a long time since I've seen a nice older Prelude. Up in the frozen tundra our salted roads and pea gravel isn't kind to any sort of car. It's a rarity to see something over fifteen years old if it's driven on a regular basis.

Terry
Thanks, this was a total midwest car. I had all the records dating back to when it was originally purchased in Cleveland. So, it saw over a decade of snow and salt. The evidence was under the car, but the two previous owners took well enough care of the car that rust was never an issue. The front hood was actually pitted up pretty well. I just kept that car washed and waxed and it made a huge difference.

I had JUST gotten the car washed about 5 minutes before it wrecked...so it went out shiny and clean.
Old 06-17-2008, 10:42 AM
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i have a soft spot for preludes.. i say just do the maintenance and keep her as a dd... lucky bastard wish i got a free car
Old 06-17-2008, 10:50 AM
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You are a lucky man!! I know that as these become older the parts are starting to get more rare/expensive.. but if the car itself is free who cares? Make some friends on the prelude forums and get some connections. Post pics of the work and congrats!
Old 06-17-2008, 11:18 AM
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please drop a Turbo H22 in it.
Old 06-17-2008, 11:29 AM
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Hardly see these anymore around here. Seems like the salt caused most of them to rust out. Nice lude Sarlacc.
Old 06-17-2008, 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by zeroday
Hardly see these anymore around here. Seems like the salt caused most of them to rust out. Nice lude Sarlacc.
I still can find pics of the wreck...I guess I lost them.


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