Custom-built ’97 Honda Prelude Makes 427 horsepower
Here is how a fifth-generation Honda Prelude transformed into a 427 HP JDM-spec showstopper.
To watch a long time project together is one of the most gratifying feelings for a builder, and such builds always offer the most satisfying stories. Automotive website Super Street Online recently covered the story of Arturo Castillo and his 1997 Honda Prelude.
After acquiring his fifth-generation Prelude, Castillo began modifying the coupe as per his desired specifications, and after years of hard work, the project has morphed into a JDM spectacle. Castillo’s love affair with Honda harkens back to his high school years when he first became infatuated with Japanese imports.
Castillo told Super Street Online, “I’ve always had a soft spot for Hondas, from Civics, Integras, and CRXs to the NSX, Honda was definitely my favorite. I used to love watching videos on YouTube of these really fast Civics beating Lambos and other exotic sports cars. I thought it was the coolest thing ever and since then, I knew I’d have to get something like that for myself someday.”
The car did not receive any modifications for the first three years, but Castillo did lower the Prelude and installed a new set of wheels. At first, Castillo only made minor additions to the coupe and used the car as his daily driver. The Prelude started taking shape only when the builder moved into a new house that had a garage where he could shape his dream car into a reality.
Castillo started by repainting the entire car (including the engine bay) in a Ford Magnetic Grey Metallic color scheme. The builder removed the engine to carry out the paint job and swapped all the front-end pieces with JDM parts. Castillo also installed Mugen rear Valance, PCI side skirts a custom front splitter to give the Prelude its final look.
We are particularly fond of the bronze GramLights 57DR alloys that complement Prelude’s new color scheme and JDM panels well. Instead of reinstalling the stock H22 powertrain, Castillo decided to introduce a modified version of the H23A “blue top” motor.
The list of modifications made to the VTECH engine is endless and includes upgrades like a custom Turbo kit by Enticed Motorsports, KS Tuned balance shaft eliminator kit, ProSeries intake manifold, Mishimoto coolant reservoir, and a KTuned 74mm throttle body. Castillo also installed a 3-inch stainless steel exhaust system and a GDM T2T4 transmission.
With the help of 1000 cc injectors and Hondata S300 V3 plug-in module, the H23 motor now produces 427 HP of power and 400 lb-ft of maximum torque. This Prelude is quite an impressive build, but Castillo is not done modifying his ride just yet, “My future plans in the works are to put in a built block and transmission, do an AWD conversion and maybe install a standalone engine management system with a digital dash display.”
Photos: SuperStreetOnline
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