Hey guys, I just bought a project 89' prelude si 5-speed yesterday and have some general questions about it. The body of the car is in horrible condition but the interior is great and the motor only has 78k on it. I bought it from a younger kid who had bought it about 2 months ago from his grandpa's friend (an older man, who I assume to be the original owner)

When I went to look at it the kid had a horrible looking body kit zip-tied all the way around it, and when we went for a drive he free revved to 6.5k and dumped the clutch......stock clutch. I thought "oh my gosh" but the motor was so quiet and has such low mileage I couldn't pass it up. (first thing I did was take a short drive to advanced auto and stomped the body kit off (literally) and threw it in their dumpster.


So my questions are pretty simple ones, first off, what motor does it have? Wikipedia says that the si came with 2 different motors, but other places say otherwise (either choosing one of the two on wikipedia) I think it has the B20a5 but I'm not sure.

As for upgrades and bolt-ons what do these motors like? I have a 92 tsi with some mods but I'm completely unlearned on the n/a stuff. I don't want to get crazy with this car, just make it a fun little DD. Thanks for any and all help.


EDIT: Also what about the timing belt? Is this an interference motor like my dsm?

 

Seriously??? No one can point me in a good direction for this car?

 

The engine code is stamped near the tranny in front of the engine. The engine is an interference motor.

 

The old preludes have A20's. They werent good for much back then, and they still arent now.

 

Thanks, looks like it is in fact the b20a5. What is the recommended interval between timing belt changes? What else should be changed while I'm in there?

 

Older ones like that I think the tbelt interval was 80k, so you're due. Belts, seals, & water pump to start. I'd give it a good freshen up as well: plugs & wires, valve lash, oil & fuel filter change. For a mild build, stick with the bolt-ons: CAI, decent header & exhaust.

 

Change the entire motor. IMO Its trash. But my brother in law loves his.

So w/e u do. G/l with it.

 

You dont gotta worry about CRANKWALK ;]

 

preludepower.com has TONS of resources for 3rd gens, I'd head over there. This place is mostly 4th and 5th gens

 

A local guy here ran 9.80s with a nitrous A20

 

bstiles, read the manual.

www.spoonertuner.com/manuals.

 

Thanks for the info.

lol, I have a 6 bolt so I'm good, crankwalk is soooooo overrated anyway, most people who claim to have it don't. There's lots of guys making over 500whp on the stock 7bolt block.

Thanks for the link, I always buy a haynes anyway but wanted to get acquainted with people and get some recommendations.

EDIT: They don't have my motor on that page.

Thanks I'll check it out.