Searching the local ads I found a 88 'Lude Si for $2200. Since I'm broke, it looked like a pretty good deal, but I know nothing about Preludes of that era. Can someone educate me here? (pics/info would be great) Would I be purchasing an H22a 'Lude or something else? The car appears to be stock. Thanks for all the help

 

I like older Ludes, But would suggest staying away from AWD and 4WS, not sure on what years that was avail but when it breaks its allways expensive.

I as many here know drive a 85 Lude for local drags. Its prob not the best choice but I like it and I have fun with it.

As for Engine Swaps, Find out what it has, Most SI will be Fuel Inj, unlike my dual carbs on a non SI. Find out what engine it has, and if you are low on cash keep what you get in it, and work from there. There is a few low tech low budget things to boost power.

Look at what aplication it will be used for, if its for daily use, dont go trying to have a 400hp rice-mobile. Make a decision, if you want to go fast or look good, either way you can do it in a lude. However if you want to combine them both, dont go with alot of cosmetic stuff, make em wonder what you are running.

Start with a cold air intake, and new plugs, wires, cap and so on. Also invest in a K&N air filter if you dont do a cold air intake. Also look at your pcv valve/screen. Next I would go with tires, and/or rims. Tire size is also based on what you are using it for. For Drag, I like small rims tall tires with low pressure. Looks go with larger rims and small over all size tires.

if it were Me and the car was mechanicly sound I would get it and not think twice.

 

Well honestly, 3rd gen prelude (88-91) are great cars. The thing is that you have to find one that been kept up (theres not many) Before you get into buying this car, just keep in mind that there isnt much aftermarket support for our beloved 3rd gens...but with the right research and enough time you will find a good bit of stuff (cams,turbo kit, full head packages, rods. coilovers, i also heard that you can swap an h22 in the 3rd gen...but i wouldnt know anything about that )

As far as the 4 wheel steering issue (4ws was available from 88-93-4)...i havent had a problem. I had my car for 4 years and have put a tad over 32,000 miles on it.. no problems yet.

Also keep in mind that these are older cars and they are goin to need a little TLC if you will. But like i said, with the right time and effort these minor things can be taken care of fairly easy.

Here are some engine stats for ya:
88-89 S 2.0 liter SOHC 120 hp
88-89 Si 2.0 liter DOHC 130 hp
90-91 Si 2.1 liter DOHC 140 hp <----those motors suck
90-91 S 2.0 liter DOHC 130 hp

The 90-91 had a ALB option and the 88-89 didnt.


Overall, its a good car...just make sure you have it checked out before you buy it.

Hope i was helpful if you need anymore help let me know