Honda Prelude engines
The Honda Prelude is a Japanese sports car in the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. line. Manufactured from 1978 to 2001. The car was originally produced for the European and North American markets. The 2nd and 3rd generation cars are dubbed the “youth dating model” thanks to their “low nose and hidden headlights.” The car was manufactured in the body of a two-door coupe with a front-wheel drive layout, as well as with an open top.
The Honda Prelude was offered with 8 engines between 1982 and 2001 (8 petrol). Displacement ranges from 1.8 to 2.3 liters, power output from 90 to 220 hp. All of them use a timing belt. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Honda F22B (about 350,000 km).
Honda Prelude engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Prelude 2 (AB) 1982–1987 | |||||||
| Honda A18A | 1982–1987 | 1.8 L | 100–125 hp | petrol | belt | ||
| Honda A20A | 1984–1987 | 2.0 L | 99–122 hp | petrol | belt | ||
| Honda B20A | 1985–1987 | 2.0 L R4 | 109–160 hp | petrol | belt | ||
| Honda Prelude 3 (BA) 1987–1991 | |||||||
| Honda B20A | 1987–1991 | 2.0 L R4 | 109–160 hp | petrol | belt | ||
| Honda B21A | 1990–1991 | 2.1 L R4 | 140–145 hp | petrol | belt | ||
| Honda Prelude 4 (BA8) 1991–1996 | |||||||
| Honda H23A | 1991–1996 | 2.3 L R4 | 160–200 hp | petrol | belt | 4.3–4.5 L | ~300,000 km |
| Honda H22A | 1991–1996 | 2.2 L R4 | 185–220 hp | petrol | belt | 4.8 L | ~300,000 km |
| Honda F22B | 1991–1996 | 2.2 L R4 | 130–160 hp | petrol | belt | 3.8 L | ~350,000 km |
| Honda F20A | 1991–1996 | 2.0 L R4 | 90–152 hp | petrol | belt | 3.8 L | ~300,000 km |
| Honda Prelude 5 (BB) 1996–2001 | |||||||
| Honda H22A | 1996–2001 | 2.2 L R4 | 185–220 hp | petrol | belt | 4.8 L | ~300,000 km |
| Honda F22B | 1996–2001 | 2.2 L R4 | 130–160 hp | petrol | belt | 3.8 L | ~350,000 km |
| Honda F20A | 1996–2001 | 2.0 L R4 | 90–152 hp | petrol | belt | 3.8 L | ~300,000 km |
Honda Prelude engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Honda Prelude?
Honda Prelude 2 (AB) (1982–1987): Honda A18A, Honda A20A and Honda B20A; Honda Prelude 3 (BA) (1987–1991): Honda B20A and Honda B21A; Honda Prelude 4 (BA8) (1991–1996): Honda H23A, Honda H22A, Honda F22B and Honda F20A; Honda Prelude 5 (BB) (1996–2001): Honda H22A, Honda F22B and Honda F20A.
Which Honda Prelude engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Honda Prelude engines are: Honda F22B — about 350,000 km; Honda F20A — about 300,000 km; Honda H22A — about 300,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Honda Prelude engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Honda F20A — 3.8 L (5W-30); Honda F22B — 3.8 L (5W-30); Honda H22A — 4.8 L (5W-30); Honda H23A — 4.3–4.5 L (5W-30).
Does the Honda Prelude have a timing belt or chain?
Timing belt: Honda A18A, Honda A20A, Honda B20A, Honda B21A, Honda F20A, Honda F22B, Honda H22A and Honda H23A. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Honda Prelude available with a diesel engine?
No, all Honda Prelude engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
Honda B20A
Being an old and rare engine, many spare parts are hard to find.
Honda F20A
The most famous problem of these units is oil burn after 100,000 km.
Honda B21A
FRM cylinder liners cannot be bored to repair size, so a worn block is difficult to restore.
Honda F22B
The motor is primarily known for regular oil and coolant leaks.
Honda H22A
These engines are very reliable, but they are often criticized for progressive oil consumption.
Honda H23A
The only serious drawback of these power units is the oil burner.
Models with the same engines
- Honda Accord 7 shared engines
- Honda Ascot 2 shared engines
- Honda Torneo 2 shared engines
- Rover 600 2 shared engines
- Acura CL 1 shared engine
- Honda Odyssey 1 shared engine
- Honda S2000 1 shared engine