hey guys, im new here but have done tons of lurking around for a while, and tons and tons of searching about everything from internals of the different engine series to turbo setups. I'm looking for a fun reliable weekend/daily driver. i have a civic to drive daily and winters already. i really like the del sol and think a b18 swap (hmotors) would be really fun, then possibly buy a used jrsc kit (or greddy turbo kit) i just like the design of the del sol. i also like honda preludes 97-01 too. iv wanted a prelude for about 4 years. i like how the del sol is small, and the top comes off and i think it would be a fun toy, but the prelude is sexy : ) i like them both and cant really decide. im leaning towards the del sol since i have a civic to fit more people already.. del sol would need atleast a swap, but i think it would be more fun to drve. the prelude comes with an h22, and looks great and has more tq then a b18. i could also boost the h22 in the future.. i have atleast 6-7k off the bat, and a decent paying job.
-which car would you say would is better choice, for a run reliable vehicle?
-is it worth dumping 6k into a del sol instead of just buying a newer prelude?
-wich car would you choose to have as your "fun" car?
-any other input?

 

Preludes do not have the aftermarket support and they are heavy. The reason I got rid of mine. Boost it and you won't want to drive anything else.

 

hmmm. when you say boost it are you talking about the prelude?

 

In my opinion the coolest thing about the del sol is the targa top and roll down rear window. Not many (if any) cars have this all in one package. Make those lambos and bugattis jealous.

The only down side to the del sol is the twisty frame. You also have to maintain the roof seals or the squeaking will drive you crazy (a little pure silicone grease does the trick). But its still fun as hell to drive. No rear seat makes for plenty of leg room and a cavernous trunk for such a small car.

I recommend severe limo tint on the windows (especially the rear window) because peoples bright a$$ed headlights shine RIGHT in your mirrors.

Fun and reliable does describe the del sol.

 

I'd say the Del Sol. Plenty o parts available all over, fun to drive, and having the top down cruising around in the dark is just epic.

 

I'd go for the del sol lighter than the lude way more aftermarket support for the sol

 

Yes. That's the only way to overcome it being so damn heavy. Out of the box it's head and shoulders above any Civic or DelSol. It takes a lot of work to get a Civic just to match the performance and handling a Prelude has in it's stock form. And the torque is sorely is something I miss in this Civic. But the aftermarket support just isn't there so you'll wind up paying more for the same parts. That was my experience any way.

 

I just bought a Del Sol Si, yesterday. And I drove that thing around ALLL day yesterday with the top off. So you know where my vote is.

 

i like the bodies of preludes. but as grumble said they're heavy.

id say get the del sol, then drop in an h22. best of both worlds.

 

thanks for the replies they were sightful. so heres another question. lets say i find a del sol shell for cheap and i have enough money left over. would you pick a gsr turbo 8psi, or type r with a few bolt ons..? basicly na or turbo b18. because every once in a while i find a del sol with the motor pulled for cheap, and maybe this would be my chance to take advantage of that : ) again my main concern is stayin reliable and having fun.

 

H2B.
8PSI doesn't mean anything until you've picked the turbo.

 

i was thinking just a simple bolt on greddy kit, with tune

 

If you can even find a Greddy kit any more.

If I had it to do over I'd go H2B instead of boosting.

 

h2b is h22 with b series tranny? if so what series tranny would be good? and why do you reccomend this over the type r? it must be cheaper, with more torq but also much harder to swap i would think

 

More power/torque. Less expensive. Period. Not harder to swap.

 

If your thinking about going b18 from hmotors id look into a b20 just because it has more torque then a b18a/b. Basically the same engine. Same stroke, bigger bore and it would be awesome for your small amount of boost your looking for. It would end up being a somewhat cheap and very fun turbo project with lots of torque.

 

h2b, IMO