baller status

Keep the stock wheels. They're sick.

alenehan

The only reason I'd have different wheels is to run track tires. I wouldn't want to ruin them with my 100 mile commute.

Progress so far:
Timing belt is on and tensioned, just need to put covers back on and hook up alternator. I opted to remove the balance shaft belt.

All power steering equipment is removed except rack. When I get her running again I will start on the rack modifications.

Bilstein Sports and springs will be delivered in 4-5 days, as will the rear window.

alenehan

Interesting notes on the timing belt and tensioner, and my opinion as an engineer...

My hydraulic unit had failed, but not because the tensioner. The timing belt had stretched so much that the tensioner could not take up the slack, and the tensioner had bottomed out fully extended, and seized in that position.

My guess is that Honda should have had the timing belt service interval as 70,000 miles, and the tensioner units would never fail. They may have picked a higher quality belt that could run for 105,000 miles without issue, but the neglected to design the tensioner to complement it.

It is an engineering challenge to foresee the differences of real world conditions vs laboratory conditions, and they dropped the ball on this one. Still a good car and solid design, but the benefits of longer service life were overshadowed by reduced reliability, which we all know is a staple feature of Honda engines.

backinblue92

iTrader: (1)

Idk man my h22 has been incredibly reliable, and I'm sure many other would agree. They just have to be maintained, just maybe more so than other cars.

alenehan

I'm not trying to say the H22 isn't reliable... I was just saying that the timing belt tensioner, which according to these forums tends to fail, might not be the weak link in the system, and a manual tensioner might not be the best solution.

Out of curiosity, how often does one need to check the tension on the timing belt with a manual tensioner? It's almost as much work as replacing the belt!

backinblue92

iTrader: (1)

I personally leave my upper timing cover off at all times. I like the sound of the cams, yes but I have this fear of the h23 manual tensioner as well. Mine is locked in via the arm on the pulley, and I've noticed the newer belt is feeling a little bit looser than it once was.

So I'm gonna pull the crank pulley and tighten it soon, after 6k or so.

TheJGB3

The auto tensioner was only an issue on the 93-97 H22 engines. Honda had superseded the part to a newer design for the 98+ model years. Anyone replacing one on a 93-97 and ordering one from Honda will receive the newer style tensioner. Unless you are doing an all motor build with extremely large cams using the auto tensioner is perfectly fine.

alenehan

My '99 prelude's had failed by 100,000 miles. It was maxed out in its travel, and seized in place. The timing belt was dangerously loose.

alenehan

I plan on checking/adjusting the tension at 1,000 and 5,000 miles at least. Maybe once a year after that.

WiseguyY2K

On my 98 I had mine go around 100,000 as well and the timing belt started moving to the side and ended up chewing up the belt. Take off the cover to to a timing belt and there were shavings everywhere. Close to another 100,000 after that but this time everything looks ok.

mr_y82

Wow... Don't even own my Prelude (or a Honda) anymore, but had to sign on to say "way to go!" Good to see the progress too...

I had NEUSPEED Sport springs on KYB agxes... got great deal on springs and traded my old worn out h23 for the dampers... I loved the combo (poly bushing all around as well)...

Here was my project... that I miss very much... :::mr_y82::: 1992 Si - Honda Prelude Forum