Hello everyone... Through a strange turn of events I find myself the new owner of an '88 Prelude S. I must say I'm impressed as hell with this little car just as it is... BUT, I know it can always be improved.

Through my internet searchings I've discovered something horrible. It seems that no one bothers with producing products to enhance the B20A3 engine that came in the S model! There are a few parts around for the B20A5, so obviously swapping would be a good idea if I want to get anywhere.

But that leads me to another question: which other engines will bolt into the stock mounts?

Yes, I could do like everyone else and spend a few grand on an H22, and another $700 for the mounts to shoe-horn it in place... But I've also seen engines of similar horsepower that might be a better fit.

Another issue is the B20A3 is a carburated engine... so I wonder what kind of a pain in the butt is it going to be to switch to a fuel injected engine?

Anyway... Enough newbie ramblings for now. Greetings once again to everyone, and thanks in advance to the 3G owners who've been where I am and can help answer some of my questions

- Doc

 

there aren't many 3rd gen owners on here, but there are a few.

I've heard of a good 3rd gen site, but i can't remember the name. someone will know it though.

anyway from what i've read about the 3rd gen and swaps. Swapping in a b20a5 won't yield the best results, as they are somewhat problematic engines. However it depends on what you will use the car for and how much you are willing to spend. Most people will recomend the h22, but it all depends on your intentions.

anyway good luck and welcome to the site, hopefully a knowledgeable 3rd gen owner can help you with your questions.

 

Well, my intention is cost effectiveness... B20A5's are actually cheaper than the stock B20A3, and have a few performace mods available. Whereas no one seems to give a hoot about the B20A3's

I'm by no means a street racer, just looking to add some zip to my ride... Mainly low end power (to get me on the Texas highways without getting creamed).

Obviously, if I had the cash, I'd go for the H22/H23... But that won't happen for quite some time.

- Doc

 

Hey man. Welcome to the wonderful world of the 3rd gen lude. Its a great car, but unfortunatly you nabbed an "S" model. Not that they are a bad car, but for aftermarket availabilty they are not well accepted. I have a turbo 90 si, but after 8,000$ in parts/labor, it is still not running. I just need to get some form of engine management and then im good. But on to your case. You can drop in a b20a5, it will bolt right in. But you need to swap the entire wiring harness and ECM. If you are interested I have a low milage B20A5 and I would be willing to pull the entire wirirng harness out of my parts car for you. The B20A5 is a very good, strong engine. The 3rd gen prelude engine you want stay away from is the B21A1. It is notorious for burning oil and blowing ring seals. It is just a horrible engine. I had that engine in my car when I first bought it and had nothing but trouble with it. I now have a fully built JDM B20A. It is pretty much the same as the B20A5, just has 5 less horse power. If have any question, or want to work out a deal on my engine/wiring harness, feel free to pm me on here, or email me at xxx_fury@hotmail.com my AIM screen name is "sxeturboluder" if you would like to contact me on there. Good luck.

 

Welcome to the site Dr...as 93preludevtec stated, there's not too many of us here but welcome just the same! Just and FYI (mods please don't flog me) http://www.preludepower.com is a fairly large 3G sight...plenty of support for the 3G's there if you want to take a look.

Pretty much your only options for "drop in" motors are the B20A (JDM), B20a5, B21A1 or...you could drop in another B20A3 but it's not worth the time...the only difficulty is swapping out all the pieces for the carb>>EFI changeover which is a lot of time consumption. Well worth it if you're going to keep her and ESPECIALLY if you want to actually apply modifications. Still though...a lot of work to get that swap done though there are several guys on PP.com that have done it so they'd be the ones to ask for over there.

Welcome to the world of the redheaded stepch....errrrrrr 3rd gen ludes (The previous statement was in no manner intended to be offensive to those wonderful stepchildren who had been graced with any shade of the color red for hair selection...thank you for your time)

 

I just have one piece of advice: Lots of people on here are going to say what a crappy engine and car you have, and how unreliable they are.

Don't listen to them. I just got back from a day at Talladega Grad Prix Raceway, plus the extra 6 hours of driving, plus my car has 192k + miles on the original not-rebuilt engine.

And there's actually a fair amount of stuff out there for them, you just have to look a little harder and be a little more creative.

 

Thank you all for the warm welcomes and advice! Looks like I'm definately going to drop a DOHC B20 under the hood... Unless of course I somehow end up with a few grand burning a hole in my pocket, then of course an H22 would be in order. US$500 for a JDM B20A5 is a pretty good deal in my book.

The next step will be finding a reputable shop to have said work done. The guys at the local dealer suggested InterCrew Auto Salon in Richardson... Anyone out there have any experience with them? I did notice a mention on Import Tuner's website, but that only says so much. I'd do the work myself, but somehow I don't think my apartment managers would appreciate that!

- Doc

 

I have a perfectly running b20a5 I will sell you for 250$ plus shipping.

 

Now that's an offer I can't refuse! Lemme scrape up the cash and find someplace to put it...

- Doc

 

Why not make a custom turbo for your carbed engine?
I have the same Prelude, except it's a JDM B20A carbed.

I know next to nothing about turbos, but I'm told that with turbocharging a carburettor, you basically connect the turbo and the carb will sort out the correct air flow ratio. Sounds pretty easy.