FAST

FACTS

The 4th gen VTEC Prelude was the most powerful Honda you could buy in the U.S. in the ’90s, producing nearly the same power as the Acura Integra Type R. Only the Type II Acura Legend and NSX had more powerful ratings
At $26k+, it was also the most expensive Honda you could by, costing nearly 30% more than an Integra GS-R
The 4th gen Prelude (1992-1996) was available as either an Si (DOHC H23 non-VTEC), a base “S” (F22 SOHC), or the top of the line VTEC model (DOHC H22A1 engine)
The H22 is an all-aluminum engine that employs a forged steel crank and forged steel rods. VTEC engagement occurs at 5800 RPM
The H series Honda engines differentiate themselves from the B series mainly by its larger displacement, increased weight (80lbs more than the B series), and cylinder wall material (plus a few other minor things). The H series uses a cylinder wall liner made of FRM (Fiber Reinforced Metal, which is also used in the 3.2L NSX). Most cylinder walls are made of iron, but Honda decided to use FRM as it provides less friction and has much better heat transfer qualities than iron, resulting in a more efficient cooling system. FRM liners are smooth, with no “cross-hatch” to assist with oil retention
Unfortunately, this means FRM wears down quickly, allowing oil to leak past the piston rings prematurely. FRM cylinder liners are not as strong as iron liners (but perfectly adequate for Honda’s intentions). Furthermore, if you want to bore out your FRM cylinder, it requires special stones, and it can only be bored out .02″ max. On top of all that, most aftermarket pistons are not compatible with FRM cylinder walls. You begin to see why the B-series overshadow the H-series engines, despite the H22 being a fantastic engine
The steering is one of the Prelude’s biggest highlights. Period road test magazines claim the Prelude had “Formula 1–like steering”. When road tested again in 2019 by Car and Driver (as a throwback), they said “the Prelude’s steering is so precise and its feedback so organic that it should be used as a reference for steering engineers all over the world.”

Key Model Year Changes:

1993
1993 MY cars get a unique radiator and fan design (one year only - reason unknown) First year of the VTEC model (labeled "Si VTEC" for this one year only) The Si and VTEC get dual airbags Final year of R12 air conditioning
1994
The majority of the 4th gen changes occur during this year Front turn signal lamps are slightly re-designed and are no longer all orange - this is the easiest way to tell a 1994+ car from and earlier car Headlight nostril vents now have two bars instead of one Lighter, directional, nine spoke alloy wheels (15 lbs) replace the Si and VTEC seven spoke wheels (17 lbs) The Si and VTEC gets Lexus-like electro-luminescent displays (vacuum-fluorescent instruments behind a smoked dashboard lens). This comes with an illuminated "auto" driver's side power window switch that was previously never available Revised center console with a cupholder. Parking brake handle is updated The big lump in the middle of the back seat no longer exists Dual airbags now standard across the entire lineup The base "S" now comes standard with A/C First year of R134a air conditioning Spoilers now feature an LED stop light Subwoofer and leather interior are now standard on the VTEC model
1995
First year of the available SE ("Special Edition") trim level (essentially an Si with extras: rear spoiler, 5-spoke alloy wheels, leather seating, and a "Special Edition" badge. Available in Dark Green or Champagne)
1996
Final year of the 4th generation Prelude First and only year of OBD2 No other notable changes