Hi, I'm looking to get myself into a newer Prelude. I like the 97+ body style, so that's what I'll be getting.

Have all Preludes 97+ had the same 200hp 2.2DOHC engine? If not, could someone break down for me all the engines that were available, so I know what I'm looking for?

With the 200hp 2.2L engine, what octane level is required? I thought it was 91 .. but can you get away with less? Also, what are the typical mileage numbers for these cars?

Last .. any general advice as I'm looking to buy? I'm trying to find a lower-miles 97-98 .. are any of you aware of any chronic problems with Preludes? Anything model-specific I should check, test, keep my eyes open for .. whatever? Thanks in advance.

 

i have run 89 octane in my car, no problem

watch out for the 5th gear grind, sometimes when shifting into 5th gear, it grinds.. not to major tho.. thats all to watch out for i think. something with rear shock knock too, just need to add some more bushings tho to fix that.

 

Only the 2000-2001 is 200hp
I have to use 91 octane cause it laggs if I don't..
Usually half of the SS owners will experience tranny problems at least once in their time of ownership which should have been fixed under warranty because it occurs under 60k. Some ludes also needed to fix their timming belt tensioner because it causes the motor to rattle. This problem also usually occurs under 60k so it is usually fixed under warranty...

 

i would run 92 octane i believe the 97-99 have 197 hp

 

Cool, thanks. So the 97-99s are similar, right? Like 195hp or whatever?

Regarding the transmission problems you mentioned .. can you be more specific? Is there any way to check to see if it has been fixed? Is this just a random problem, or has there been a recall/TSB issued to get these all fixed?

 

197, 200, 195... bah.... That's all rubbish. In the real world you won't find any difference. Since the real world is what counts, get the car that has a good deal going on it.

5th gear synchros will go out first generally, so yes, keep an eye on that. (Not that it's a huge problem, they still typically last a while.)

All H22A's use oil. Some very little, others use more. That's just how it is, don't freak out.

At around 100,000 miles (give or take a few thousand) be sure to always keep the oil changed, and the oil level full. Run it low on oil, or let the oil get really nasty and you'll spin a bearing if you run the RPM high.

Timing belts will need to be changed at 90,000 or a little before. This is a $600+ job from the dealership, but trust me, other places can do it much cheaper. This is a good bargaining tool though. ("Knock off $500 on the price, cause in 3 months I'm gonna have to drop $700 on this thing.")

Other things to look for, brake pads and rotor wear, check and make sure the axles don't have much play at all, always run a compression check (and a leakdown test if you can)

Other than those things (which are very minor, but you did ask what to look for) the Prelude is one kick *** car to own and drive. Enjoy it.

 

Thanks. I just drove one today, actually. It was great, except it was auto, and I don't want that, even with the sportshift. I'm looking for a manual, probably w/ less than 60k miles. And red.

About how much oil consumption is normal? Also .. about the timing belt, I'm in Ontario, Canada, and EVERY dealer here tells you to change it at 60k miles, not 90. I've called like 4 different ones and they all tell you 60k, yet everyone on any forum I've ever been to always says 90k. Can you think of a reason for this? Maybe something about the Canada models? Is it safe to wait till 90k?

And about how much damage should a compression and leakdown test run me?

 

I wished we still had 92 octane here in cail... Our highest is now 91.. bummer

 

Damn, that sucks we also can get 101 octane