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Honda Prelude

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Honda Prelude: Honda mid-size sport coupe across five generations from 1978 to 2001. The fourth and fifth generations are par
Photo: Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Honda mid-size sport coupe across five generations from 1978 to 2001. The fourth and fifth generations are particularly respected.

The Honda Prelude is a mid-size sport coupe produced from 1978 to 2001. The Prelude was Honda upmarket two-door coupe, positioned above the Civic and Integra in the lineup. The model went through five generations, with the fourth (1992-1996) and fifth (1997-2001) generations particularly regarded as well-engineered grand tourers. The fourth-generation Prelude (BA8, BA9, BB1) introduced the H-series engine to the platform, with the H22A1 in the Si and SH variants making 200 horsepower. The chassis used double wishbone suspension front and rear (a Honda specialty), and the Si was particularly well-balanced. The SH (Super Handling) variant added Honda first ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System), an early electronic torque vectoring system that improved cornering performance. The fifth-generation Prelude (BB6, BB8) refined the formula with revised styling and improved interior. The SH variant continued with the ATTS system and the H22A4 engine. Production ended in 2001 with no direct successor; Honda focused on the Civic, Acura RSX, and other platforms going forward. Honda has announced a new Prelude for production starting around 2025-2026, which would revive the nameplate after a 25-year hiatus. The new Prelude is expected to use a hybrid powertrain. Specifications and timing have not been finalized. On WhipJury, Prelude submissions are increasingly common as the cars age into nostalgia. Fourth-generation Si and SH builds are particularly popular, often with H22A engine modifications, suspension upgrades, and OEM-plus styling.

The H22A engine

The H22A inline-four (used in fourth and fifth generation Preludes) is one of Honda's more significant non-K-series engines. 2.2 liters, naturally aspirated, dual overhead cam with VTEC. 200 horsepower in stock form (slightly more in JDM Type S variants). The H22A has been swap-popular for various Honda projects, including Civic and Integra builds.

Generations

First (1978-1982). Original Prelude. Conservative styling, modest performance.

Second (1983-1987). Refresh with sleeker styling.

Third (1988-1991). First Prelude with sport-tuned chassis and 4-wheel steering option.

Fourth (1992-1996). The breakthrough generation. H22 engines, double-wishbone suspension, SH variant with ATTS torque vectoring.

Fifth (1997-2001). Refined fourth-generation. Discontinued 2001.

Prelude on WhipJury

Fourth and fifth generation Si and SH submissions are common. JDM Prelude Type S imports (with H22A4 making slightly more power) appear occasionally. Modified examples often have H22A swaps, suspension upgrades, or aftermarket aerodynamics. The community recognizes the Prelude as an underrated Honda chapter.

Frequently asked questions about Honda Prelude

Will the new Prelude be released?
Honda has announced a new Prelude for production starting around 2025-2026, ending a 25-year hiatus since the 2001 model year ended. The new Prelude is expected to use a hybrid powertrain. Specifications, timing, and pricing have not been finalized. The launch represents Honda commitment to two-door coupes.
What is the difference between Si and SH?
Si is the standard sport variant. SH (Super Handling) adds ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System), Honda first electronic torque vectoring system. The SH variant has improved cornering performance through electronic distribution of torque between left and right wheels. Si is the more common; SH is rarer and slightly more expensive.
Are Preludes hard to find now?
Project Preludes are still relatively common in the used market. Clean low-mile examples are increasingly rare and pricing has been climbing. The cars were produced in moderate volumes (around 100,000-200,000 per generation in North America). Quality examples typically sell quickly.
Can I swap a K-series into a Prelude?
Yes, with significant work. The K-series is a popular swap candidate for Preludes seeking more power than the H22A provides. The swap requires engine mounts, axles, ECU, and transmission considerations. Swap kits exist for fourth and fifth generation Preludes. The combination of K20 and Prelude chassis can produce a credible track car.
Is the H22A engine swap-popular?
Yes. The H22A is commonly swapped into Civics, Integras, and other Honda chassis. The 2.2 liter displacement and 200 horsepower output fit between the smaller B-series and the larger K20 K-series engines. The H22A swap has dedicated communities and has been the foundation of many street and track Honda builds.

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