Honda Prelude Engines
The Honda Prelude was equipped with a variety of engines throughout its production. Depending on the market, the carmaker installed a wide range of engines ranging between 101 hp and 160 hp. The Prelude featured the famous VTEC engines, including the 2.2-liter V-TEC engine that offered up to 200 hp, although it wasn’t available on all markets, with Europeans receiving only 185 hp. The base B20A3 2.0-liter SOHC four-cylinder engine pushed 109 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque through either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The 4th generation Honda Prelude had various engine options, including the Honda Prelude S (133 HP) 2.0 L, Honda Prelude Si (160 HP) 2.2 L, Honda Prelude VTEC (185 HP) 2.2 L, Honda Prelude VTi-R/SR-V (190 HP) 2.2 L, Honda Prelude Si VTEC (200 HP) 2.2 L, and Honda Prelude SE/Si (160 HP) 2.3 L.
The upcoming 2026 Honda Prelude is expected to have a hybrid powertrain, likely powered by a version of the hybrid system found in other Honda models, including the CR-V, Accord, and upcoming 2025 Civic hybrid.
Overall, the Honda Prelude was known for its range of engine options, including VTEC engines, and its performance capabilities varied depending on the specific engine installed.
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What engines come in preludes?
H22. The H22 debuted in the U.S. in 1993 as the H22A1 for use in the Honda Prelude VTEC. Since then, versions of the H22 would become the Prelude’s signature high-performance engine worldwide until the end of Prelude production in 2001.
Is the H22A good engine?
Short of the K-series motors, the H22 has the most torque out of any Honda four-cylinder motor and backs it up with 200-plus hp. Bolt a turbo setup onto a stock H22 and it becomes a very potent machine. Build a turbo motor out of an H22 and it’s unstoppable.
Do all 5th gen preludes have VTEC?
VTEC for all, no matter the trim level
Under the hood of every U.S.-delivered Prelude model sat Honda’s iconic H22 engine. Even base models got Honda’s outstanding variable valve timing system, VTEC.
What engine was in the Prelude?
The 2.2-liter F22A1 four-cylinder in the Prelude S offered up 135 horsepower and 137 lb-ft. In the USDM Prelude Si and 1995-only SE, the 2.3-liter H23A1 four-cylinder is rated at 160 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque.
What’s the difference between H22 and h23?
H23A DOHC VTEC has 87mm x 95mm (bore and stroke)and the H22A DOHC VTEC has 87mm x 90.7mm (bore and stroke). The H23A DOHC VTEC Engine is largest displacement in the H Series engines with a compression ratio of 10.6:1.
Are Honda Preludes fast?
Flat out, it managed to hit a GPS-verified top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). Bear in mind this is one of the lesser Prelude versions with only 133 horsepower and 132 pound-feet (179 Newton-meters) of torque. The most potent fifth-gen models offered a smidge over 200 hp and some variants also had rear-wheel steering.
Which Prelude has VTEC?
The Prelude was available in three models for Canada and two models for the US (the Base and Type SH). All North American models came with a 195 horsepower (145 kW) (later increased to 200HP) 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine and 16-inch alloy wheels.
How long do Preludes last?
With basic maintenance these cars will last 250k+ with minimal problems, if you have a 5 speed. Keep the oil topped off the valves adjusted, and with regular tuneups every 40,000 miles, this car will never leave you stranded.
Is the H22 a good engine?
Short of the K-series motors, the H22 has the most torque out of any Honda four-cylinder motor and backs it up with 200-plus hp. Bolt a turbo setup onto a stock H22 and it becomes a very potent machine. Build a turbo motor out of an H22 and it’s unstoppable.
Does a H22A4 have VTEC?
At 4,800 RPM, VTEC locks the rocker arms to the high-RPM cam. The fifth-generation Prelude sold from 1997 through 2001 was powered solely by an updated version of the 2.2-liter VTEC engine (H22A4) with 200 hp and 156 lb. -ft. of torque.
