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Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q

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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 05:52 AM
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waterwagen23's Avatar
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Default Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q

Seriously thinking about a 5th gen prelude. Sold my Jetta weeks ago and I can only borrow other people's car for so long . I want something with performance, looks, and reliability in the 11 to 14k range so a 5th gen prelude with 60 to 70k miles seems to fit the bill. I've always loved how the 5th gen looks.

My big question is, should I go for an SH or not? They are a lot harder to find and usually a little more expensive, and I'm also a little concerned about the long term reliability of ATTS (sounds complex) since I'm going to be driving a LOT of miles. On the other hand, I've heard the SH system really improves the handling of the car(performance is important to me), and the SH always comes with a spoiler, which I think really improves the look of the car. Thanks for the help guys.
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 06:05 AM
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Default Re: Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q (waterwagen23)

Congrats on looking into the Lude's. You will not be dissipointed!! I've had my lude 3+ years and 65k and she has been nothing but Awesume! The car runs and runs and runs.
Now with the SH package. Are you planning on keeping it mostly stock? Or do you plan "big" mods. The base is a little "easer" to get parts for. I have never drove a lude with the ATTS. But can only dream of how nice it is.
Do you plan on racing the lude? If so what style? Auto-X, Drags?
There are a few things to look for, the only real thing off the top of my head is the 5th gear grind. If it is there it happens at higher RPMS going from 4th -> 5th. If you buy from a honda dealer have them replace it before you sign anything. I was able to just change the oil and have not ever had it come back.
Good luck with your purchase.
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 06:22 AM
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Default Re: Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q (KENLUDE97)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by KENLUDE97 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Congrats on looking into the Lude's. You will not be dissipointed!! I've had my lude 3+ years and 65k and she has been nothing but Awesume! The car runs and runs and runs.
Now with the SH package. Are you planning on keeping it mostly stock? Or do you plan "big" mods. The base is a little "easer" to get parts for. I have never drove a lude with the ATTS. But can only dream of how nice it is.
Do you plan on racing the lude? If so what style? Auto-X, Drags?
</TD></TR></TABLE>Thanks for the help.

Would definitely keep it stock for the forseeable future (especially enginewise, might put wheels or suspension on it at some point). I don't autocross now, but I'm thinking about getting into it. Not a big priority though, mostly I'll use it for backroads driving.
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 06:30 AM
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Default Re: Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q (waterwagen23)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by waterwagen23 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for the help.

Would definitely keep it stock for the forseeable future (especially enginewise, might put wheels or suspension on it at some point). I don't autocross now, but I'm thinking about getting into it. Not a big priority though, mostly I'll use it for backroads driving.</TD></TR></TABLE>

In that case spending the extra on ATTS (Type SH) might be a waste, use the left over money for suspension. The type SH engine is the same as non SH...
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 06:31 AM
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Default Re: Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q (waterwagen23)

if that's the case, i'd recommend you buy whichever model you find that's a good deal. both models are good handling cars. SH would be good for you if you arent going to be hpde/auto-x ing. i've talked to quite few SH luders and they are not sure whether they like the ATTS in a "race situations".

if you do get a base model, just make sure it's a 5-speed model. the sequential sportshift(SS) automatic is........ hahahah, i will let you search on the forum. i own the SS and it's ok for me. but nevertheless, it's a crummy tranny.

good luck!
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 06:37 AM
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Default Re: Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q (Tekwon-V)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tekwon-V &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if that's the case, i'd recommend you buy whichever model you find that's a good deal. both models are good handling cars. SH would be good for you if you arent going to be hpde/auto-x ing. i've talked to quite few SH luders and they are not sure whether they like the ATTS in a "race situations".

if you do get a base model, just make sure it's a 5-speed model. the sequential sportshift(SS) automatic is........ hahahah, i will let you search on the forum. i own the SS and it's ok for me. but nevertheless, it's a crummy tranny.

good luck!</TD></TR></TABLE>Oh trust me, no slushboxes for me. Question on the ATTS though, you guys don't seem real enthusiastic about it, while reviews I've read say iSH cars get much better road track times. Is it better to get a base and just put a bigger swaybar on the back to counteract understeer?

P.S. Really need some quick help here guys! NEED to buy a car, and I'm finding some interesting cars, particularly a sweet looking SH relatively nearby.


Modified by waterwagen23 at 7:35 PM 9/29/2003
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 07:10 AM
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Default Re: Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q (waterwagen23)

get the base, not the SH. The SH will just be a head each when you start to mod. The ATTS is not all that's it cracked up to be IMO.
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 08:43 AM
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Default Re: Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q (57STS)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 57STS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">get the base, not the SH. The SH will just be a head each when you start to mod. The ATTS is not all that's it cracked up to be IMO.</TD></TR></TABLE>

The Type SH was rated as the best handling car under $30K.
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 08:46 AM
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Default Re: Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q (AndyD)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AndyD &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

The Type SH was rated as the best handling car under $30K. </TD></TR></TABLE>How reliable is the hardware that is part of the ATTS(not planning on any mods other than possible wheels and suspension)?
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 09:06 AM
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Get a base 5 speed, and a good suspension and I think you will be happy with the lude looks better without the spoiler. Btw for some reason I got attacked(4vws coming at me at 100+ at the same time by three jettas and a gulf on the interstate on the way back from hin a few weeks ago(I75 S), and beat all three jettas with my slushbox
( I am aware there are alot of jettas faster than me) but the gulf hatchback, handed me my *** on a platter. I love jettas though, and do realize they can spank my *** with a good driver and a few mods.
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 09:10 AM
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btw- what kind of track. 1/4 mile track the base is little quicker due to weight of atts system
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 10:41 AM
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Default Re: (skunk2lude01)

if your going to do anything at all with suspension GET THE BASE. Mod'n the SH suspesion can be a major pain.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The Type SH was rated as the best handling car under $30K.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't think that true anymore, with the new cars out today. Just add LSD to the base and your way better off IMO. Also if the ATTS was so great then why do they not put in in any other honda's anymore? It's not even on option in the newer cars. You can make the base handel great with the right suspesion set up, and will have less trouble doing it than with an SH... and the car will weigh less in the end, and cost you less in the end.

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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 12:58 PM
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Default Re: (57STS)

I agree with everyone else that the base is probably the better buy.
However, the SH handles better stock v. stock, no question about it. Given equal drivers on an autocross course (stock) the SH will be very tough to beat with a base. The SH definitely does what it advertises. As to why it isn't on any other Hondas, who knows (and it might show up again)? Maybe it's too expensive. But Volvo's new SUV has a very similar system, and GM borrowed the 4WS from the 4th gen, so just because Honda doesn't make it anymore doesn't mean it's crap.

The reason I think the base is a better buy is that it's less effort to modify if you want. If you're looking for a stock car that's just a daily driver/occasional autox (not super competitive), then the base is a very fun car to drive on the street, as is the SH.
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 01:36 PM
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Default Re: (Steppin Razor)

i say get the SH, if all you are going to do are the basics(suspension and intake) than i think that is the choice.. heres why. Sure a base with an LSD would proly handle better than the SH. waterwagen said that be are talkin bout basic mods here. and we all know a new LSD is far from basic. And about the reliability of the ATTS, just based off of hondas records im sure it is very reliable. im callin SH on this one...
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 02:14 PM
  #15  
natasD5nt
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Default Re: (LudeTuner)

GET A BASE MAN. THE SH IS SO OVERATED
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 03:08 PM
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either one is ok.

ATTS isn't so great at the limit. but it's reliable. so far no one's experiencing the same issues as the 4ws problem on the 4th gens with the ATTS. but the "the simpler the less likely to break" rule prob still applies.

if you find a base or a sh in the right color for the right price, get it.
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Old Sep 29, 2003 | 03:26 PM
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Default Re: Newbie here, from the VW world. Got a Prelude Q (AndyD)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AndyD &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

The Type SH was rated as the best handling car under $30K. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Did they test the base model in the same test? NO THEY DIDN'T. It's quite possible the base is the best handling car under $30k as well, but Honda sent their best handling model.

ATTS is cool, but to the practical driver they will never really know the difference.

VW guy says he plans to put on lots of mileage so I say get the base, less hassles and cheaper.
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