hello,
im in the market for a Prelude, and i found a fantastic buy on a 99 w/ 9,900 miles!. but its the base model 5speed, and i am wondering what differences (engine-wise) between the base and the SH? i'd rather have a cloth interior than leather, so thats a plus, but im wondering the main differences in the engine specs

thanks

 

Get the base the only thing is the ATTS. The base I think is better. You really don't need the ATTS and if you want to make it into a turbo car that's gonna be a bitch if you have the SH.

 

what is the ATTS? what does it do? so the SH and the base have the same 2.2L Vtec engine? thanks agian for the help, anyone else have any imput?

 

atts basically means stock for stock, a SH will wipe up a base model

 

Base and the SH come with the same motor.. the only difference is the SH weighs more because is it comes with Active Torque Transfer System.... i would reccomend the Base model over the SH only because it has the same powerplant as the SH but it weighs less... i personally own the base model, and i am extremely happy with it...

 

As for the differences, you'll have to do a search...they're actually quite a bit.
(problems turboing an SH are grossly exaggerated; its more 'hear say' then actually fact)

If you can get a deal on the base, I would reccomend getting it.

 

stock to stock, in the Straight line 1/4 mile, the SH is at a disadvantage because it weighs more, but in a circuit the base model will get dogged because the ATTS helps the SH get in and out of the turns much better.. (both come with the same exact powerplant.)

 

thanks for all the info guys. im looking for a daily driver with some pep, ive always liked the 97 bodystyle more than the others. are there any active recalls or anything i should look for when purchasing? maybe electrical problems, etc? thanks for all your help so far

 

i heard that there was a recall on the ignition switch on some of the 5th gens.. i havent had any problems with mine, but apparently the problem causes the car to shut off unexpectedly.. enjoy the new ride.. i personally love my lude..

 

The difference between a base and SH:

1) The doors come w/ a little light on the bottom edge
2) Rear deck doesn't have the space for a third brake light
3) Spoiler comes stock.
4) ATTS - you'll notice this more if you're an aggressive driver (auto-x, hit the mountains runs often).
5) Side sills and rear lower sill are color matched to the car on SH's.

There are a few other things as well, but they're very minor.

Known TSB's (service bulletins) are a weak 5th gear synchro and shock knock coming from the rear suspension. If your car doesn't experience any problems, then chances are you don't have this problem.

Also, leather does not come stock on the SH's. They're a dealer installed option. If you can find a killer dealer on the '99 w/ 9,900 miles and the price is right, I'd definately go for it.

Good luck.



[Modified by Buckwild, 11:07 PM 8/18/2002]

 

thanks alot - i dont really like the spoiler, im a wingless kinda guy. i plan on purchasing the OEM body kit, but i was looking on edmunds.com and there isnt any silver listed for 99's. what is the actual color for the silver in the 99s? is it satin silver or is it that nordic mist color? thanks alot

 

I definately think that you should go with the normal Prelude if you're planning to do your own body mods.

One more important difference about the 2 models is that the SH comes with a different front suspension geometry, and has stiffer suspension all round.

In canada, the 'silver' colour was called crystal blue metalic (similar, but more blue than nordic mist)...so im not sure if its the same in the US.

 

btw, what is the fantastic deal? something like $15000 would be awesome, considering the extremely low mileage.

 

is it satin silver or is it that nordic mist color? thanks alot
[/QUOTE]

look on the inside of your door panel and you will see a number. that is the code number for you color paint. a honda tech will know it if you drop by and ask. and no base or sh lude comes with leather, that is a 3rd party custom thing done by people or dealers.

 

theyre getting back to me with a number, but im referring to the fact that its a 4 model year old car that has 10k miles on it. i dont see too many lower milage ludes in my area

 

Colorwise: 97-98: nordic mist metallic, 99-00: crystal blue metallic, 01: satin silver. nordic mist and crystal blue shines a light purple under the sun and crystal blue is more bluish. *these are the US specs.

For the OEM body kit, good luck finding them. They don't make the front lip no more.

For 15k w/ 10k miles, I'll take that definitely (if the car is clean)

 

HandAAcessories has some EBP front lips, ill just have to get it repainted...