i have the auto 01 prelude, and at some point in the cars life it will become a manual, but i also want to build up my engine as much as a N/A h22 can do . i think ur answers might just be whatever my preference is but id still like ur opinions, i.e. what u would do first + why. THX!

 

I would go for the parts first. At least if you end up selling the car you will have something to show for the money invested.
Is your tiptronic? If so all you are lacking under a manual is of the get go, that and you cant shift quite as fast.
I have put thousnds into my manual 5th gen. I just raced a bone stock one with tiptronic and only won by a car length. My car so needs to be tuned.

 

4 GEARS SUCKKKKKKKKKKK i live in denver, co so i have the altitude but the fastest ive gotten my cai + header upgraded engine 0-60mph was 9.30seconds..... a 5speed manual ive seen do it nearly 2 seconds faster, i want manual ONLY cuz it has 5 gears, i actually prefer my auto

 

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1305462

try this... it should answer your question.... i do remembering reading a quote,, in someones sig.." manual from suck *** auto.. best mod i ever spent money on"

 

Sell it and get a manual.