I have a USDM H22A4 from my '01 Prelude Base.
I have considered several hypothetical turbo build options ranging from a non-sleeved, stock internal build with a smaller turbo,
making maybe 250-300hp on factory FRM liners. This would be cheaper and somewhat reliable. I really only need something quicker
and fun for the street (city/highway cruising, daily/fun) but I really enjoy the idea of a seriously built and overpowered bigger turbo car
that would be reliable, hard to tame but have plenty of power on tap. This is mainly budget dependant. A ~300hp smaller turbo build might be $7-8K
all said and done. For 400 to maybe 700hp I would sufficently/over build and get a nice big turbo, this might cost closer to $15k+

The reason I am posting here is because I want to explore maybe the idea of staying n/a.
I of course understand that there is a little less power potential and it can get costly to make serious power n/a but I need to decide between the following potential directions:

N/A:
1) Affordable, simple n/a performance build (220hp?)
2) All-Out n/a build - How much power? 250? Can you make more without spending $12k+?

Turbo:
1) 250-300hp, stock sleeve, stock internal, smaller turbo build
2) 400-550hp, sleeved, forged internal, bigger turbo build
3) 700hp+, sleeved, forged internal, big turbo build

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I am excited to go with an n/a build on the H series.
Some things im looking into:

• Aggressive Cams
• Performance Ignition
• Overbore
• Stroker Kit (2.49L)
• High Compression
• Headwork (Oversize Valves, P&P)
• Custom Intake Mani
• Headers
• Custom Tuning

 

Building NA HP is the most expensive cost per pony... as you can see in my signature, I have a H22A4 that I have thrown the kitchen sink at (no CNC port job and the block isn't sleeved) and it makes 244 wheel HP. The best part about this NA build is that it is super reliable. The engine has evolved over the last 20 years, but the short block has remained the same for twenty years and has tens of thousands of miles on it... no troubles.

If you want to go the turbo route, send me a PM. I have exactly what you need... ready to go.

 

I'm just trying to decide, I've never built or driven a modified or boosted H series.
The H series is really an n/a motor, technically a performance motor and a pretty good one.

I know the n/a route will really stick to what the design of the engine really is.
To only add $2-$3k n/a however isn't going to make much power, maybe 30-50hp if that? But would I be happy doing so??
On the other hand, If I can afford a stroker kit (~$4k) and go all out n/a, It will romp pretty hard and totally be worth it

What is worth what?

Either Boosted or N/A?
-Power
-Budget
-Specific Performance / Behavior
-Driveability
-Reliability

Being that the engine is in great shape, fairly low mileage and I dont have a really huge budget...
I am thinking a budget turbo, stock motor build with a gtx2860r, 250-300hp (~$8k)
BUT, sway me n/a guys
I am realizing people are making ~240hp n/a, similar power...
What does it cost to make 240-250hp n/a?
Might be able to build and stay n/a, make similar to budget turbo power, for same $.

 

I vote for stock motor with small turbo. Never done an H series specifically, but messed with these same options on D and B series. The most fun - and reliable - street car I've had of them all was a stock D series with T25 turbo.

N/A you just aren't going to get enough torque to make it fun without spending a ton of money. Most of the power will be top of the rev range, not really where you want it on the street.

I also have a built B series turbo car and it makes too much power to be fun on the street compared to a stock motor with smaller turbo. The lag makes it less fun to drive and the power is not usable on the street above around 300-350whp with front wheel drive. I have the boost turned down for traction and am considering changing to a smaller GT2860 for faster spool.

 

In my opinion turbo’ing a h22 is kind of a waste. Not that they can’t preform it’s just so much easier and cheaper to do a really basic ls turbo and run a decent amount of boost on it to make a dirt cheap fun and simple turbo car. H’s do decently well na, wouldn’t be my top choice but if it’s what you have I would start with good quality bolt ons like a nice race style header and 2.5-3” exhaust for the car, have someone who knows what they are doing tune it and if you enjoy it go from there. You don’t have to do it all at once, sometimes going in smaller steps gives you a better idea of what you actually want out of the car instead of just chasing some idea of some number with no reference to how the car actually feels and preforms.

 

If you do the work yourself, I think you can replicate my NA H22 for less than $8K if you started with a bone stock 5G Prelude. I am talking all engine internals, intake, header, exhaust, and engine management.

 

N/A:
I am having trouble deciding what the ideal car for an n/a build is. I know alot of drag guys test the limits of the engine and push boundries for top power.
Is it typically a street car power build thing? I mainly do highway/city daily, some touring. I would like to maybe be able to autocross or do some circuit.
It's my understanding its bigger bore or stroker kit and making a big shaking beast n/a motor out of a 4cyl but what do they make power like?
I like n/a performance and especially throttle response, lower rpm tq but not at the sacrifice of revving really high to make hp.
$8k 240hp H22 Street Car - Probably Not
$$$ 250-300hp H22 Race Car - YES

Boost:
Thinking however, make more power than similar $ n/a build by 50-60hp and do my first turbo build.
To spool up and somehwhat quick, turbo might thrust a bit harder and be more fun.
Good / stronger low end & mid range, focused there too and with decent top end.
Likely a factory 7,400 redline, make 300hp or so somewhere between 6,800-7,000rpm.

Also considering a supercharger...
What options are there for getting a centrifugal s/c or twin-screw s/c? - Stock Motor - 250-300hp
Rotrex, M62, M90, M112, TVS?

 

 

I will likely stick with the factory liners. Make about 300 wheel hp with GTX2860R 46mm.

My options to potentially consider at this point are to run:

• OEM Pistons & OEM Rods
• OEM Pistons & Aftermarket Forged Rods
• Mahle Gold Series Pistons & OEM Rods
• Mahle Gold Series Pistons & Aftermarket Forged Rods

Thinking for most reliable, boost friendly, strong setup (with stock liners):

• Mahle PowerPak Gold Series Forged Pistons (87mm - 10:1)
• CP Carrillo Pro-SA Forged Rods

 

I would say this combination is a good choice.