A 4th-gen Prelude, converted to RWD
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We've performed a few drivetrain swaps in our time, but nothing quite measures up to Honda-tech.com's "preluderacecar" and his 1993 Honda Prelude. Apparently not satisfied with the stock H22 or its orientation in the vehicle, it was yanked and replaced with the ubiquitous GM LS1 (quickly becoming the go-to choice for engine swaps due to its size, weight, and aftermarket support). It's backed by a T56 six-speed manual, which hides in a custom-fabricated tunnel. He also fabricated an independent rear suspension setup from RX7 components. Up front, the steering rack was relocated in front of the axle centerline and replaced with a Cavalier part, along with some 5th-gen Prelude components.
The sheer volume of fabrication required for this project is awesome, and is even more impressive considering that the guy is only 21 years old. Sure, there will be some folks who will be compelled to pile on the hate, but we're guessing none of them would ever have the guts to attempt a project of similar magnitude.
[Source: Honda-tech.com; a hat tip to Autoblog alumni Dave Ko]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Engo P 8:09PM (7/30/2006)
God bless his soul...at least someone is willing to make that prelude the way it was supposed to be made.
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Proud Japanese 8:25PM (7/30/2006)
Actually, there ARE better projects going on. For example, transforming a Lada into a drivers car, Top Gear style.
http://forum.finalgear.com/viewtopic.php?t=6302
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[M] 8:26PM (7/30/2006)
LSX>*
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whofan 8:40PM (7/30/2006)
Now it has a GM engine. Best improvement one could make to a Japanese car. Good job, nice car!
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HardwareGuy 8:58PM (7/30/2006)
That's an awesome project. Now it does burnouts out of the fun end. Wonder what the swap does to the handling?
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Noah 9:31PM (7/30/2006)
And this is worthy of Autoblog news? Heck why not do an article on the MkII Golf with the Porsche 944 drivetrain? :P
Or how about the kit to convert the Euro Focus to a RWD V8?
--Noah
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Greg A. 9:32PM (7/30/2006)
Naïve question: If better performance had been all that he had been looking for, wouldn't all this money (not to mention the time) have been better spent by trading in the Prelude and buying a car that was RWD from the factory?
By the way, Dave Ko is an Autoblog alumnus (masculine singular), not alumni (masculine plural).
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nezromatron 9:45PM (7/30/2006)
Sure he could have bought something rwd and saved money and time. But I don't think that's the point here. It's the difference between people who buy die-cast models and the ones that buy the plastic ones that you have to put together yourself. It sounds like the guy had a blast, learned a ton, and ended up with a car that he could truly say is his..
In life, the journey is more rewarding than the destination..
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Tyre 10:02PM (7/30/2006)
4th gen Preludes had H23 motors stock. H22's didn't come around until the 5th generation Prelude.
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Jaymez 10:29PM (7/30/2006)
What a waste of a perfectly good motor and some fine fabrication skills.
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James 11:26PM (7/30/2006)
Man everyone is so negative these days, be happy that someone out there is breaking the mold. Granted hes not Carroll Shelby but big engine+light car equation should put a smile on anyones face. (so the prelude in stock form isnt that light and who knows how light this one is)
Please give credit to the innovators even if its not the direction you would personally take, if we all did exactly what you would do the world would be a dull place.
-james
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James 11:28PM (7/30/2006)
ps. that was a blanket statement and not directed toward anyone in particular.
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Tim Smith 12:03AM (7/31/2006)
That really is quite amazing, I would like to have that car lol. Sounds like he had fun, learned some things, and came out with a great car. I like JDM and USDM so I think this is a pretty bad a** car. Maybe he's a drift fan? Or maybe he just did it to prove he could do it.
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CorrectingYourStatement 12:09AM (7/31/2006)
To #9: 4th gen Preludes had the F22 (Base Model - SOHC), H23 (SI Model - DOHC), and H22 (VTEC Model - DOHC VTEC). H22 became available in 1993.
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PJ 12:50AM (7/31/2006)
"Man everyone is so negative these days..."
Agreed. It's truly sad that some people can see a project this involved and creative, and jump into tired "import/domestic" cliches before even thinking to compliment the guy.
Good thing you guys weren't around to deride Carroll Shelby for dropping a 427 into a POS Limey roadster.
As for the car itself... an LS1 and six-speed in a car that only weighed ~2,850 lbs to begin with... PLUS rear-wheel drive? Sleepers are my favorite customs, and this one is straight out of my dreams.
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hungrywill 1:32AM (7/31/2006)
holy crazy project...
just put that on his resume, and he'll land big time jobs.
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Jay 1:39AM (7/31/2006)
I always loved those 4th-gen Preludes. That's a great project and an amazing display of talent and dedication...good to see how it's all coming together!
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Tyre 5:17AM (7/31/2006)
#14 I stand Corrrected!
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cowboy bob 6:37AM (7/31/2006)
With all the fabrication skills it would seem that he might have found a better way to support the open hood than with a broom handle. Am I the only one to see this? Must be since my post is at least 19th or better.
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That One Person 9:57AM (7/31/2006)
I would love to see a V-8 go into a last generation Civic Si...that would be wicked...
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