@@yadidimeanmaine rookie numbers, before my rebuild I was checking every 100 miles. Now it doesn’t burn any! Call me crazy for rebuilding a b21 but she runs amazing and I still have a/c, powersteering, etc instead of a H swap where that stuff is $$$
Not at all! Most B21/B20 are pushing 250-300k miles and still going strong. Not to mention that the majority of 3rd gens I've encountered are still running on 30yo seals. Its as if no owners, or a very large percentage of owners, NEVER did any recommended maintenance. Also, most of the "problems" with the B21 motor are hearsay as most ppl just accept whatever issue they have wrong as online tells it.
Probably the favorite car I ever owned. Never should have sold mine. These cars will be the ultimate of collector cars in it's generation when it hits 50. Best seats of any car ever, IMHO.
Hey Olson, I remember researching camshafts for these for performance, and I found that some people recommended using an intake cam from a B18 non-VTEC in their B20A5 (2.0 Si) engine. I don't know for sure if it will work in the 2.1, but it seems like it should (the B21A1 looks identical) and the B18 Integra engines are super common by comparison.
I looked into cams as well, seems like some people end up having to cut the cam down to have it fit under the valve cover but I didn’t look too far into it. I don’t think this engine has much left in her to be honest but I might look into it
@@OlsonAuto I wonder if the B18 valve cover has the same bolt pattern and would clear the hood? This would be interesting seeing as I remember that Crower made performance cams for those. Perhaps the stock valve cover could be clearanced or modified by cutting out the sides on top and welding in some bigger, "boxes," over the bumpsticks. Another thing I'd like to find out is if the intake manifolds are interchangeable so maybe you could run it on a B18 intake and sensors seeing as they're easier to find.
@@yadidimeanmaine I don’t believe the b18 valve cover is the same, pretty confident those are different. I know the exhaust manifold is different but I can’t speak on the intake
@@OlsonAuto The exhaust manifold is the same bolt pattern I'm pretty sure. This is a long time ago now, but an old friend had a header from his GFs old Integra. We mounted up on my old '91 Prelude Si. It bolted up, but the downpipe where it goes from 2 to 1 was at a completely wrong length and angle to meet up with the cat. I just remember thinking that an Integra turbo manifold would work if ever boosted it.
@@yadidimeanmaine huh, I thought that the bolt pattern was different, maybe I’ll have to look into it again. But like I said, I plan to H swap this at some point but I want to focus on the chassis first. Boosting it would be sick I just don’t trust this engine lol
I had a 91 prelude.. was one of my favorite cars.. the intake went downwards. Right behind the engine and made it straight pipe with greddy muffler..B21 engine always burning and leaking oil... i was racing this toyota extreme truck and threw a rod at 135 MPH...i agree, this car dont have any aftermarket performamce parts.. except for a centerforce clutch kit... but, do you know that you can put in a H22 in it.. B21 only make about 140 HP
That’s awesome! Yeah I plan on H swapping over the next few years. Currently building my firebird, but once it’s done the prelude is going under the knife, aiming for 250whp
@@edwarddelacruz7505 the car only weighs 2400lbs, 250 will be faster than I need. My goal isn’t the most power, I just want to keep it fun, but faster than it is. My firebird is my “big power” car haha
These cars have a lot of idle and afr screws, in addition to all of it being controlled by coolant, so make sure your coolant is topped off, burped, and hood. Could also just be a stuck or worn injector/bad plugs
You can still find parts but its hard AF. Good thing is there's a ton of NOS(new old stock) parts out there and when found they're usually cheap to buy and brand new in box(yet 20 years old Haha). I found all 4 NOS brake lines for 12$ each. All made in Japan except 1(had dstes on them with countries of origin. All the 1990 made were from Japan. The only 92 made was from China 😢).
only problem with getting with these Prelude groups is I don't have a computer I'm using an Android phone and it's virtually impossible for me to see how to register and if I enlarge it it goes out of whack and I wish I could just actually ask a question on one of those forms be done with it
There is a 1990 Prelude 4Ws for sale around 10k$ with 85k mile. I was thinking about buying it but the parts part really bother me. I think I'll pass even tho I'd really like one of these.
@@d_daniel6263 the lack of parts can definitely make it difficult. There quite a few groups out there for third gen prelude enthusiasts and there you can source just about anything, but no matter what you buy it’ll almost always be secondhand
I think in my area, if it’s clean and under 150k miles it’s probably worth about $5k usd. 4WS definitely adds value, but they aren’t worth an obscene amount. Even a right hand drive TCV, super rare sub model, is only worth $15k in mint condition. I guarantee they will go up quickly in value
In Canada a 4WS with a 5 speed can go up to 15k CAD . I've seen run down ones go for 8k . There is one local to me with torn leather seats for 3.5k but its been sitting in a forest for 6 years ... smh
@@NickSingh.96 that’s absolutely insane, I didn’t think they’d go for that much in Canada but I guess I believe it. They probably didn’t bring many over to Canada
Hahah, so funny you said the radiator fan control module shit as one of the things you hate. One of my fans stays on too long, the other doesn’t even turn on!
Well one won’t turn on unless you’re overheating I believe, one is only on when it gets warm enough, it takes a bit for the other to kick on. I have a buddy who found me a fan control module luckily
@@OlsonAuto I'm no mechanic at all. But I was an original owner of a 1988 si for 17 years. From the get go I noticed the fan would run for to long. I brought it back to the Honda dealership thinking they sold me a lemon. Nope...they explained it's just the way the car is designed. They run hot. For 17 years it never overheated and never had any problems because of that, but it always made me nervous hearing that fan click on for awhile. Always found it annoying and unnerving.
@@jazzythecat918 yes, I figured out they have a fan timer box in the passenger foot well and a sticker on the radiator support that says it’ll run for 15 minutes after turning the car off. I think my control box was wet and damaged and recently got a new one, just haven’t installed it yet
@@OlsonAuto glad you figured that out. The dealership never explained it the way you did and they should have....shame on them. Friends and relatives would comment on it when I pulled in to park in their driveways. Those comments always planted a little seed of doubt that it was a faulty car design and one day my car would over heat and crack my engine block. It never did but it always bugged me. Other than that I absolutely loved everything else about that car. It will always be my favorite.😍😍😍😍
Haha, not much aftermarket support on these things. Best bet is private Facebook groups like “real third gen enthusiasts” where the owners make custom parts. Some other prelude parts like coil overs will fit with minor modification though.
@@OlsonAuto we didn't try it at the people's place that we got it from but when we got it home and on level ground I put it in reverse and I worked then I put it in drive and guess what it worked and then I checked the fluid level and it didn't even show fluid on the hashed part of the stick
@@braddenmatthews8321 nope, b18 trans won’t bolt up. The prelude b20/b21 is a different block, and literally no other b series psrts bolt up with serious modification
What I hate is the sheer difficulty of working under the hood , they shoehorned a big engine in a small car . But my 1991 Si 5 speed 4WS is simply a blast to drive . Also , the third gen Prelude is by far the best looking Honda EVER ! I have a 1990 SI ALB for sale by the way , rust free Southern car . Drop me a line.....
Funny to hear a young person talk about this car. I was in middle school in IN when I first saw a new 88 red SI. I wasn't able to find one worth purchasing until age 45. Everybody my age recognizes this car. I doubt that you hate it. :)
Owning a 1989 Honda prelude 4WS Si I can say yes all these things are true. Parts are next to impossible to find no matter what it is. I paid $2000 CAD on it. I love these cars
your intake is not going to get as much cold air as your stock one would, try running it closer to the passenger side headlight with an extra foot or two of piping
Can someone please help me with this problem of an 86 Honda Prelude? It's a 2.0 engine. I have a water leak up high behind the engine in a place where it is seemingly impossible to get to or even and actually see where the water is actually coming from. I'm sure it's a small coolant hose of some kind but even if I could see it I certainly can't get to it. It's almost like you have to take the engine apart to get your hands in there to begin with even if I did have 18 inch needle nose pliers to loosen the clamp. It looks like it's coming off of coolant rail that goes behind the engine can this be bypassed?
So sorry for the late reply! The intake has a few coolant hoses so It’s likely leaking from behind there. You might have to take the intake off or go from under the car. They suck to do, mine leaked too
My 1991 has this same problem , drives me NUTS , I guess I will just wait for the small coolant hose to bust , fix it on the roadside !! Good luck bro' .
I've been so tempted to sell my 2019 Suzuki Swift for one of these or an NA/NB Miata. I just love the looks of the 3rd gen, plus it being a Honda it's going to be decently reliable. I guess when the engine kicks the bucket the best way to go is to swap it with a similar but newer Honda engine. People say k swap but I really don't think those tall engines will fit.
I love it to death! Way more unique than a Miata. It’s reliable if you buy a clean one for sure. I made the mistake of buying an absolute 💩 box so I’ve been fighting those demons, but I do love it. K swap definitely won’t fit easily, H swap is more common, but the stock b series is somewhat reliable, just a pain to modify or diagnose
@@OlsonAuto yeah I'm definitely thinking the same, unique and looks amazing. Only on the fence due to the Miata's insane aftermarket. But I've found one in very good condition with very little done to it aside from some new coil overs and wheels. Very high milage though :l But not like I'm a stranger to fixing things and tinkering, my weekend car is an RX8 lmao
@@xenokyomi god speed with the RX8 lol, those are nightmares. The Miata’s aftermarket is a huge plus, but the 3g prelude community has found a lot of ways to modify our cars to make them proper, just takes a little extra time/money
@@OlsonAuto Nah the RX8 isn't as bad as people make it seem. It's not terrible, but like a Subaru's head gaskets you do need to rebuild early lmao. Still, more work to be done and more maintenance than a normal car. If you can keep up with it it's decent. Fun as hell to drive! terrible on few and maintenance costs though lol. I got to do a rebuild sometime too. Is still a rotary so it's always a project lmao. I love it though. Yeah, can't beat the Miata on that. But I definitely want to join the 3g community. Seems like such a fun car regardless. I fell in love with one I saw at a car meet, first one I ever saw irl. Have never seen another since. Tbh I think the one for sale I found is the same one lmao
@@xenokyomi I’ve seen less than 10 3g ludes in my life, and I’ve owned 2 of them lol, definitely an eye catcher. Gets more comments than my mustang does
It is a very unique car despite all of its flaws that will never be made again I have a 91 Honda prelude SI 4ws. I have a love-hate relationship with the car but I don't think I'll ever get rid of it the value of them are only going to go up as a collector vehicle.
@@OlsonAuto I might be able to get you 4ws parts depending where you are to put on your prelude. I'm going to pick up a crushed prelude that a tree fell on that's 4ws for parts. Once you drive when you'll be like oh man this is hella cool!! You can fit into any parking spot
very cool tips. I happen to purchase one with 50k original miles in red 2.0 SI SOHC, from a one owner senior citizen. its in complete factory condition. It needs a hole new exhaust system, new CV boots, one rack & pinon boot. New tires, because it has factory cooper tires and even though they have grip. They are old, so I'm getting new ones. interior is in mint condition and the entire car has no rust. After I replace these things. I plan to sell it for 10,000. or best offer. But if anyone want to buy it as is. I am willing to let it go for 7,000. I wanted to give you heads up in case your interested. I will soon be making a video of it. Hopefully you can help me sell it, if don't want it.
That’s a pretty sweet find with such low mileage for sure! 10k, even in that condition is gonna be pretty hard to get unless you find a special Honda collector, and even then I’m not sure they’d want a base model to collect, but there might be someone out there. I’m currently dumping all of my money into a firebird, but I’ll let you know if any of my friends are interested
@@jazzythecat918 Hi, it's a 1986 automatic . Since my last post I fixed the complete muffler system was which it needed and changed both CV axles. However since my last post. I have researched these vehicles and found that can sell for up to 24 to 30k. And that's what over 100,000k mile on them. My car only has 50k on it. So for that reason. I will be entering it into an auction asking for 18k. With a cap of no less than 13k. Who knows could probably sell for more. But before I do that I will be posting it on TH-cam. Because these cars are very rare to find in this condition. I will send you a link of that video. Hopefully I can put it up before this Sunday. Just trying to get some details done on it.
@@wilo.2216 I look forward to seeing your video. I'm only interested in buying a third generation prelude. I'm looking for a red 1988 si automatic. I've been shopping for a while and I think a $24-30k is an overly optimist asking/hopefull price tag even with the very low mileage. I was the original owner of a red 1988 si for 17 years. It was an every day car and my only car, and parked on the streets of NYC. Always had it serviced at the dealership I bought off from. In 2004 I sold it to a guy who restores cars. I cried...because I loved that car so much. While the interior looked like it just rolled out of the show room, the exterior looked like a ghetto blaster. The harsh winters and road salt turned it into a rust bucket. But now I have my own garage to keep it safe, so that's why I'm shopping for another one. Let me know how to auction goes. I hope someone will love it as it is and not want it just to cannibalize it.
@@jazzythecat918 wow that's amazing your story is very touching. I really appreciate you sharing your passion for such a nice vehicle. I had the same car back when I was in my early twenties. I'm 45 years old now, like you I also became really sad after I sold it and regretted it right away. Just recently a couple of years ago I had mentioned this car to my wife and she kept searching for it until she saw it on Facebook Marketplace. An elderly was man from New York was selling it for his mother; that was unable to continue driving it because she got very sick. So they kept it in the garage ever since until the Son sold it to me. Tell you what. I'm going to talk to my wife about this and if she agrees with it I'll let it go for 10k to you. It has no rust at all underneath it. I'll make a video and send it to you. But first let me make sure my wife is okay with it. Here's the VIN#JHMBB7238GC042488
I know of one person who has a second gen prelude, I know of maybe 5 or 6 with third Gens, but the second gens are super rare, I can only imagine trying to find parts for it. Best bet is Facebook groups
LOL, I like your video - but it should be named "7 Things why I LOVE My Honda Prelude", ahah. 1) There are a lot of body and interior parts for it on ebay etc and all the technical parts are similar to Accords - so no, there are no problems to buy parts for 3rd gen Honda Prelude and they are cheap. Compared to Toyota AT86 or Nissan Silvia or Toyota Supra. 2) The sound of engine is pretty awesome, I have very simple B20A3 but I love it! 3) There are a lot of FB groups spesialized in 3rd gen Honda Preludes and several pdf manual. 4) Yeh, this is cheap car thal looks nice and gorgeous, exactly!!
Thanks! I’m on a few of the Facebook forums and what not, they help in finding parts a lot. It’s always the weird parts like the exhaust cams are IMPOSSIBLE to find new, had that issue once before already, but others are very easy to find
@@OlsonAuto Oh, I see. Don't know ahything about exhaust parts - because the previous owner of my car made straight-through exhaust. So it's basicaly one straight pipe and that's all)) I live in Ukraine and there is small but very active telegram-chat community of 50 people in different post-soviet countries who own 3rd gen Preludes. And tere are a lot of cheap old cars and parts in Poland, which is superclose to Ukraine)) But hey, I see in US it's possible to buy a good old car for 500-1000 buks, and in Ukraine we have taxes, so the price of the car basically doubles, comparing to US and Europe prices((
Hey they sell a 3D printed cup holder on eBay for the 3rd gen now I have it in my car and I love it I pulled out my arm rest just to have the cup holder
People don't know the Prelude, thats true. Here in Germany there are only 80 left, nobody knows what car Im driving, even Car-guys. I find that highly entertaining.
@@OlsonAuto Im just looking for a BA4 that I can part out, which is a little bit tricky since there aren't many here. So im mostly looking for bodyparts.
The carbureted base model engine was even worse, trust me! When it was cold starting it would idle at 3000 rpm in park or do 25 mpg in 3rd gear until the temp gauge comes off the peg, it was gutless especially with the 4 speed auto, the air conditioning made it borderline dangerous to drive with how much power it sucked up only to do a bad job cooling the car, it ran hot while idling since there’s no breathing room for the engine (hence the wedge shape), it didn’t sound good at all 😂, I could go on. I loved the rest of the car though and still do. Lowest hoodline of any production car at the time, perfect visibility. It has the most effortless power steering I’ve ever felt. You could litterally toss the wheel from lock to lock at a stop with your pinky, it didn’t even make sense how easy it was to steer, which brings me to my next point, these things under steer bad without sporty tires.
I love the power steering and hoodline fact, two of my favorites! And yes I now run 15” 57DR wheels with nitto tires, muuuuch less understeer haha. I could only imagine the carbureted model though, this is slow enough
Wow dude!!!!! Sick channel btw I’m 17 from Australia!! Just bought a 1988 Japanese built 3rd gen prelude aws si manual 5 speed sunroof! It’s so sick! I love it Has books and 150 thousand km on it so like 90 thousand miles haha Great video bro! Make more videos on it! Hahahaha Cheers
Paid 7bux for some cheezy dual cup holder from Autozone wedge in between passn seat firm & it gets the job done no spills & it holds my phone so it was totally worth it..Proud 3rd gen owner
Hey that’s actually a good idea! My buddy is going to 3d print me one that’ll go behind the ebrake but if that doesn’t work out I’ll look into your idea, thanks!
That 3d cup holder your buddy gonna print is sold on ebay for 3rd gens, it also look cheezy & cheap too your elbow is bound to knock over your shamrock going into 4th,at least it appears too & the reason i dint buy it.but good luck broski hope it works for you..
I own a 1990 Honda prelude as well and literally everything you said I can agree with lol the no cupholders thing is probably my biggest complaint and probably the engine noise too haha I always feel like its gonna blow even tho its not
In fairness if you don't know why your fan is still running then the 3rd gen isn't going to be the car for you. Out of the list, only hard to find parts and cup holders are the only legit things to dislike. But make up some cup holders and get a parts car, simple....
im not hating....... I got a 89 prelude... I got my repair manual, tons of extra parts, b2015 with a evo3 16g turbo pumpin 400whp sheeeeesh.... cupholders??? we dont need those, ash trays all the way cuz I need somewhere to dump my sizzle after I smoke your moms mini van
Think so? I’ve bled the system more times than I can count and don’t get air out. The sticker on the rad support says it’s normal, but maybe I’ll try burping it again
same here. fans run at all times. even if the key is only turned to ACC mode and the car isn't even running. have bled the coolant many times as well. nothing
Also I wish I could stop the madness of whether I'm on Google go on TH-cam and I ask a specific question about my Honda Prelude I get everything in the world I want to know about a 97 Accord or another year accord or another something about an accord or an accord or another Honda Accord and I don't give a damn about a Honda Accord when I want to know something about my Prelude how the hell can you phrase a question which I have tried a thousand different ways to get information about a Prelude but all I get is information about a damn Honda Civic or an accord
BS you’re just young I had these and accords since 90’s & these are very easy to fix there about the same I find dime a dozen parts dunno what you’re talking bout maybe you can’t find parts but I sure can maybe you’re talking bout manufactured parts because all these models are discontinued but many parts are out there!! and these generation cars run forever!
I paid $1000 for it lol, in no way meant to sound douchey, just hard to find parts for and expensive to fix, don’t want it getting dented from ignorant people in parking lots
Wow, yeah, Ford's never have engine issues...or transmission issues..or, well, you get the idea. You can always tell Ford drivers, they have massive forearms and quads, from having to push their cars everyday. Good exercise, I guess. Saves on a gym membership.
the b21 always feels like it’s going to blow up, usually because it’s going to blow up
Wait until you see today’s video at 3 lol
my prelude's engine blew up :(
Probably because it burns oil like a 2-stroke, and people don't check their dipsticks everytime they fill up.
@@yadidimeanmaine rookie numbers, before my rebuild I was checking every 100 miles. Now it doesn’t burn any! Call me crazy for rebuilding a b21 but she runs amazing and I still have a/c, powersteering, etc instead of a H swap where that stuff is $$$
Not at all! Most B21/B20 are pushing 250-300k miles and still going strong. Not to mention that the majority of 3rd gens I've encountered are still running on 30yo seals. Its as if no owners, or a very large percentage of owners, NEVER did any recommended maintenance. Also, most of the "problems" with the B21 motor are hearsay as most ppl just accept whatever issue they have wrong as online tells it.
preludepower and the prelude facebook groups are your friend. tons of help
I’ve been LIVING on prelude power! So many knowledgeable people there. And I’m in a few third gen/lude groups, also awesome.
I cut up a drink tray and put it in the center console of the jag because it doesn't have any cup holders either, 2 ashtrays though lol
Ooh cut up drink tray is SUPER smart, noted.
i put hood spacers on my prelude and that solved the fan turning off when the car is off issue! good luck!
Really? How do you reckon hood spacers solved that?
The most difficult part to find for a Honda Prelude is just the parts for the 4WS rear steering.
Oh for sure. I was gonna 4WS swap this one but I wasn’t able to find the parts
I've got a 1989 Honda Prelude 4WS parts car in MA.
@@anthonybrunette4506 still got it?
Wrong, it would have to be parts for something like the INX, the headlight sprayer, clock clovers, all the JDM shit
Probably the favorite car I ever owned. Never should have sold mine. These cars will be the ultimate of collector cars in it's generation when it hits 50. Best seats of any car ever, IMHO.
The seats are too perfect, I will never sell mine
I just bought a black 1991. God help me ! I knew. But i cant resist the styling. 😂
They have their issues for sure but the looks are just amazing, knew I’d buy mine the second I laid eyes on it
5:08 only 2k ??? In Finland prelude is about 6k
What is the one sensor that is known to leak oil i want to check mine i have a 91' 4ws
@@itzbryant7373 it’s a cam sensor, going to be right next to your distributor.
Hey Olson, I remember researching camshafts for these for performance, and I found that some people recommended using an intake cam from a B18 non-VTEC in their B20A5 (2.0 Si) engine. I don't know for sure if it will work in the 2.1, but it seems like it should (the B21A1 looks identical) and the B18 Integra engines are super common by comparison.
I looked into cams as well, seems like some people end up having to cut the cam down to have it fit under the valve cover but I didn’t look too far into it. I don’t think this engine has much left in her to be honest but I might look into it
@@OlsonAuto I wonder if the B18 valve cover has the same bolt pattern and would clear the hood?
This would be interesting seeing as I remember that Crower made performance cams for those. Perhaps the stock valve cover could be clearanced or modified by cutting out the sides on top and welding in some bigger, "boxes," over the bumpsticks.
Another thing I'd like to find out is if the intake manifolds are interchangeable so maybe you could run it on a B18 intake and sensors seeing as they're easier to find.
@@yadidimeanmaine I don’t believe the b18 valve cover is the same, pretty confident those are different. I know the exhaust manifold is different but I can’t speak on the intake
@@OlsonAuto The exhaust manifold is the same bolt pattern I'm pretty sure.
This is a long time ago now, but an old friend had a header from his GFs old Integra. We mounted up on my old '91 Prelude Si. It bolted up, but the downpipe where it goes from 2 to 1 was at a completely wrong length and angle to meet up with the cat.
I just remember thinking that an Integra turbo manifold would work if ever boosted it.
@@yadidimeanmaine huh, I thought that the bolt pattern was different, maybe I’ll have to look into it again. But like I said, I plan to H swap this at some point but I want to focus on the chassis first. Boosting it would be sick I just don’t trust this engine lol
I had a 91 prelude.. was one of my favorite cars.. the intake went downwards. Right behind the engine and made it straight pipe with greddy muffler..B21 engine always burning and leaking oil... i was racing this toyota extreme truck and threw a rod at 135 MPH...i agree, this car dont have any aftermarket performamce parts.. except for a centerforce clutch kit... but, do you know that you can put in a H22 in it.. B21 only make about 140 HP
That’s awesome! Yeah I plan on H swapping over the next few years. Currently building my firebird, but once it’s done the prelude is going under the knife, aiming for 250whp
@OlsonAuto I think the JDM h22 has about 240hp.. maybe try to go like 300hp
@@edwarddelacruz7505 the car only weighs 2400lbs, 250 will be faster than I need. My goal isn’t the most power, I just want to keep it fun, but faster than it is. My firebird is my “big power” car haha
what sensor are you talking about at the 4:35 mark?
CYL sensor, it’s a weird version of a cam position sensor
@@OlsonAuto i've been looking for the same one. it has an O-ring around it correct?
@@DIGonzalez84 yup, has an o-ring on the inside. They’re known to leak
@@OlsonAuto so what did you do? did you find one afterall?
mine is leaking too.
What about water on the hood pooling on the hood and then splashing up onto the windshield?
I have yet to have that happen to me
Any suggestions for a 3rd gen running rich?
These cars have a lot of idle and afr screws, in addition to all of it being controlled by coolant, so make sure your coolant is topped off, burped, and hood. Could also just be a stuck or worn injector/bad plugs
You can still find parts but its hard AF. Good thing is there's a ton of NOS(new old stock) parts out there and when found they're usually cheap to buy and brand new in box(yet 20 years old Haha). I found all 4 NOS brake lines for 12$ each. All made in Japan except 1(had dstes on them with countries of origin. All the 1990 made were from Japan. The only 92 made was from China 😢).
only problem with getting with these Prelude groups is I don't have a computer I'm using an Android phone and it's virtually impossible for me to see how to register and if I enlarge it it goes out of whack and I wish I could just actually ask a question on one of those forms be done with it
There is a 1990 Prelude 4Ws for sale around 10k$ with 85k mile. I was thinking about buying it but the parts part really bother me. I think I'll pass even tho I'd really like one of these.
@@d_daniel6263 the lack of parts can definitely make it difficult. There quite a few groups out there for third gen prelude enthusiasts and there you can source just about anything, but no matter what you buy it’ll almost always be secondhand
Are you saying my '91 Prelude Si 4WS with a 5 speed isn't worth as much as I thought?
I think in my area, if it’s clean and under 150k miles it’s probably worth about $5k usd. 4WS definitely adds value, but they aren’t worth an obscene amount. Even a right hand drive TCV, super rare sub model, is only worth $15k in mint condition. I guarantee they will go up quickly in value
In Canada a 4WS with a 5 speed can go up to 15k CAD . I've seen run down ones go for 8k . There is one local to me with torn leather seats for 3.5k but its been sitting in a forest for 6 years ... smh
@@NickSingh.96 that’s absolutely insane, I didn’t think they’d go for that much in Canada but I guess I believe it. They probably didn’t bring many over to Canada
Thank you for this video I am from the Caribbean and thinking about buying a 3rd gen prelude
Hell yeah you should do it!
@@OlsonAuto 😂 thanks I am buying the amin reason I wanted one was the pop up head lights.
@@tervenjames8305 I don’t blame you lol, they’re very fun to play with
Hahah, so funny you said the radiator fan control module shit as one of the things you hate. One of my fans stays on too long, the other doesn’t even turn on!
Well one won’t turn on unless you’re overheating I believe, one is only on when it gets warm enough, it takes a bit for the other to kick on. I have a buddy who found me a fan control module luckily
@@OlsonAuto I'm no mechanic at all. But I was an original owner of a 1988 si for 17 years. From the get go I noticed the fan would run for to long. I brought it back to the Honda dealership thinking they sold me a lemon. Nope...they explained it's just the way the car is designed. They run hot. For 17 years it never overheated and never had any problems because of that, but it always made me nervous hearing that fan click on for awhile. Always found it annoying and unnerving.
@@jazzythecat918 yes, I figured out they have a fan timer box in the passenger foot well and a sticker on the radiator support that says it’ll run for 15 minutes after turning the car off. I think my control box was wet and damaged and recently got a new one, just haven’t installed it yet
@@OlsonAuto glad you figured that out. The dealership never explained it the way you did and they should have....shame on them.
Friends and relatives would comment on it when I pulled in to park in their driveways. Those comments always planted a little seed of doubt that it was a faulty car design and one day my car would over heat and crack my engine block. It never did but it always bugged me. Other than that I absolutely loved everything else about that car. It will always be my favorite.😍😍😍😍
Just picked up a 91. Any sites that carry aftermarket parts you'd recommend?
Haha, not much aftermarket support on these things. Best bet is private Facebook groups like “real third gen enthusiasts” where the owners make custom parts. Some other prelude parts like coil overs will fit with minor modification though.
A search of internet and Facebook groups will show you tons of people parting these cars out if you are willing to dig for the parts you want.
I just got a 1990 prelude the just had a "bad trans" but the trans was just low on fluid but I got it for 500
I am infinitely jealous. Did filling it up solve the problems it allegedly had?
@@OlsonAuto we didn't try it at the people's place that we got it from but when we got it home and on level ground I put it in reverse and I worked then I put it in drive and guess what it worked and then I checked the fluid level and it didn't even show fluid on the hashed part of the stick
@@braddenmatthews8321 can’t complain with an easy fix at all
@@OlsonAuto if it was actually a bad trans I have a b18 Integra trans that would of bolted up the same and did I mention it's a jdm si
@@braddenmatthews8321 nope, b18 trans won’t bolt up. The prelude b20/b21 is a different block, and literally no other b series psrts bolt up with serious modification
What I hate is the sheer difficulty of working under the hood , they shoehorned a big engine in a small car . But my 1991 Si 5 speed 4WS is simply a blast to drive . Also , the third gen Prelude is by far the best looking Honda EVER ! I have a 1990 SI ALB for sale by the way , rust free Southern car . Drop me a line.....
Super interested! Can you email me or DM me on instagram? Olsonautoofficial@gmail.com or @olsonauto on IG
Funny to hear a young person talk about this car. I was in middle school in IN when I first saw a new 88 red SI. I wasn't able to find one worth purchasing until age 45. Everybody my age recognizes this car. I doubt that you hate it. :)
Owning a 1989 Honda prelude 4WS Si I can say yes all these things are true. Parts are next to impossible to find no matter what it is. I paid $2000 CAD on it. I love these cars
Dang $2k cad is a deal for a clean 4ws! Parts are impossible to find that’s for sure
your intake is not going to get as much cold air as your stock one would, try running it closer to the passenger side headlight with an extra foot or two of piping
That’s the ultimate goal! I’m going to relocate the battery to the trunk and do a proper “cold air” intake as opposed to just the short ram.
Can someone please help me with this problem of an 86 Honda Prelude? It's a 2.0 engine. I have a water leak up high behind the engine in a place where it is seemingly impossible to get to or even and actually see where the water is actually coming from. I'm sure it's a small coolant hose of some kind but even if I could see it I certainly can't get to it. It's almost like you have to take the engine apart to get your hands in there to begin with even if I did have 18 inch needle nose pliers to loosen the clamp. It looks like it's coming off of coolant rail that goes behind the engine can this be bypassed?
So sorry for the late reply! The intake has a few coolant hoses so It’s likely leaking from behind there. You might have to take the intake off or go from under the car. They suck to do, mine leaked too
My 1991 has this same problem , drives me NUTS , I guess I will just wait for the small coolant hose to bust , fix it on the roadside !! Good luck bro' .
I've been so tempted to sell my 2019 Suzuki Swift for one of these or an NA/NB Miata. I just love the looks of the 3rd gen, plus it being a Honda it's going to be decently reliable.
I guess when the engine kicks the bucket the best way to go is to swap it with a similar but newer Honda engine. People say k swap but I really don't think those tall engines will fit.
I love it to death! Way more unique than a Miata. It’s reliable if you buy a clean one for sure. I made the mistake of buying an absolute 💩 box so I’ve been fighting those demons, but I do love it. K swap definitely won’t fit easily, H swap is more common, but the stock b series is somewhat reliable, just a pain to modify or diagnose
@@OlsonAuto yeah I'm definitely thinking the same, unique and looks amazing. Only on the fence due to the Miata's insane aftermarket. But I've found one in very good condition with very little done to it aside from some new coil overs and wheels. Very high milage though :l
But not like I'm a stranger to fixing things and tinkering, my weekend car is an RX8 lmao
@@xenokyomi god speed with the RX8 lol, those are nightmares. The Miata’s aftermarket is a huge plus, but the 3g prelude community has found a lot of ways to modify our cars to make them proper, just takes a little extra time/money
@@OlsonAuto Nah the RX8 isn't as bad as people make it seem. It's not terrible, but like a Subaru's head gaskets you do need to rebuild early lmao. Still, more work to be done and more maintenance than a normal car. If you can keep up with it it's decent. Fun as hell to drive! terrible on few and maintenance costs though lol. I got to do a rebuild sometime too. Is still a rotary so it's always a project lmao. I love it though.
Yeah, can't beat the Miata on that. But I definitely want to join the 3g community. Seems like such a fun car regardless. I fell in love with one I saw at a car meet, first one I ever saw irl. Have never seen another since. Tbh I think the one for sale I found is the same one lmao
@@xenokyomi I’ve seen less than 10 3g ludes in my life, and I’ve owned 2 of them lol, definitely an eye catcher. Gets more comments than my mustang does
When this man brought up cup holders he had bars
Bro I just want some cup holders
It is a very unique car despite all of its flaws that will never be made again I have a 91 Honda prelude SI 4ws. I have a love-hate relationship with the car but I don't think I'll ever get rid of it the value of them are only going to go up as a collector vehicle.
I’d never get rid of mine either, only going to buy another! I need a 4ws in my life though, I’m envious of that
@@OlsonAuto I might be able to get you 4ws parts depending where you are to put on your prelude. I'm going to pick up a crushed prelude that a tree fell on that's 4ws for parts. Once you drive when you'll be like oh man this is hella cool!! You can fit into any parking spot
very cool tips. I happen to purchase one with 50k original miles in red 2.0 SI SOHC, from a one owner senior citizen. its in complete factory condition. It needs a hole new exhaust system, new CV boots, one rack & pinon boot. New tires, because it has factory cooper tires and even though they have grip. They are old, so I'm getting new ones. interior is in mint condition and the entire car has no rust. After I replace these things. I plan to sell it for 10,000. or best offer. But if anyone want to buy it as is. I am willing to let it go for 7,000. I wanted to give you heads up in case your interested. I will soon be making a video of it. Hopefully you can help me sell it, if don't want it.
That’s a pretty sweet find with such low mileage for sure! 10k, even in that condition is gonna be pretty hard to get unless you find a special Honda collector, and even then I’m not sure they’d want a base model to collect, but there might be someone out there. I’m currently dumping all of my money into a firebird, but I’ll let you know if any of my friends are interested
I might be interested in buying it. What year is it? I like the 3rd gen ones. I had a red 1988 si... Original owner.
@@jazzythecat918 Hi, it's a 1986 automatic . Since my last post I fixed the complete muffler system was which it needed and changed both CV axles. However since my last post. I have researched these vehicles and found that can sell for up to 24 to 30k. And that's what over 100,000k mile on them. My car only has 50k on it. So for that reason. I will be entering it into an auction asking for 18k. With a cap of no less than 13k. Who knows could probably sell for more. But before I do that I will be posting it on TH-cam. Because these cars are very rare to find in this condition. I will send you a link of that video. Hopefully I can put it up before this Sunday. Just trying to get some details done on it.
@@wilo.2216 I look forward to seeing your video. I'm only interested in buying a third generation prelude. I'm looking for a red 1988 si automatic. I've been shopping for a while and I think a $24-30k is an overly optimist asking/hopefull price tag even with the very low mileage.
I was the original owner of a red 1988 si for 17 years. It was an every day car and my only car, and parked on the streets of NYC. Always had it serviced at the dealership I bought off from. In 2004 I sold it to a guy who restores cars. I cried...because I loved that car so much. While the interior looked like it just rolled out of the show room, the exterior looked like a ghetto blaster. The harsh winters and road salt turned it into a rust bucket.
But now I have my own garage to keep it safe, so that's why I'm shopping for another one.
Let me know how to auction goes. I hope someone will love it as it is and not want it just to cannibalize it.
@@jazzythecat918 wow that's amazing your story is very touching. I really appreciate you sharing your passion for such a nice vehicle. I had the same car back when I was in my early twenties. I'm 45 years old now, like you I also became really sad after I sold it and regretted it right away. Just recently a couple of years ago I had mentioned this car to my wife and she kept searching for it until she saw it on Facebook Marketplace. An elderly was man from New York was selling it for his mother; that was unable to continue driving it because she got very sick. So they kept it in the garage ever since until the Son sold it to me. Tell you what. I'm going to talk to my wife about this and if she agrees with it I'll let it go for 10k to you. It has no rust at all underneath it. I'll make a video and send it to you. But first let me make sure my wife is okay with it. Here's the VIN#JHMBB7238GC042488
no cup holders in my 83 supra npn either .
Seems stupid but it really is inefficient
i have a weighted cup holder and when your pulling g's in a turn it swings and doesn't spill. Jk. they do have those for boats i believe...⛵
Huh, could also put the cup holder on a gimbal, that’d work too lol
@@OlsonAuto uhhhh that's the joke genius....you're L8. but you knew that too. 🎯
Try finding parts for a 1986 which is what I have.
Second gens are so cool but I’ve heard finding parts is a nightmare
Try having a 87’, I’ve only ever seen one & it’s mine. I can’t find any fucking parts ever!!
I know of one person who has a second gen prelude, I know of maybe 5 or 6 with third Gens, but the second gens are super rare, I can only imagine trying to find parts for it. Best bet is Facebook groups
LOL, I like your video - but it should be named "7 Things why I LOVE My Honda Prelude", ahah. 1) There are a lot of body and interior parts for it on ebay etc and all the technical parts are similar to Accords - so no, there are no problems to buy parts for 3rd gen Honda Prelude and they are cheap. Compared to Toyota AT86 or Nissan Silvia or Toyota Supra. 2) The sound of engine is pretty awesome, I have very simple B20A3 but I love it! 3) There are a lot of FB groups spesialized in 3rd gen Honda Preludes and several pdf manual. 4) Yeh, this is cheap car thal looks nice and gorgeous, exactly!!
Thanks! I’m on a few of the Facebook forums and what not, they help in finding parts a lot. It’s always the weird parts like the exhaust cams are IMPOSSIBLE to find new, had that issue once before already, but others are very easy to find
@@OlsonAuto Oh, I see. Don't know ahything about exhaust parts - because the previous owner of my car made straight-through exhaust. So it's basicaly one straight pipe and that's all)) I live in Ukraine and there is small but very active telegram-chat community of 50 people in different post-soviet countries who own 3rd gen Preludes. And tere are a lot of cheap old cars and parts in Poland, which is superclose to Ukraine)) But hey, I see in US it's possible to buy a good old car for 500-1000 buks, and in Ukraine we have taxes, so the price of the car basically doubles, comparing to US and Europe prices((
@@NotOnlyVideoGuy that’s crazy with the taxes, I didn’t realize it was that bad. I paid $1000USD for my car and maybe $40 in taxes on it
@@NotOnlyVideoGuy are u dead just checkin on u
Hey they sell a 3D printed cup holder on eBay for the 3rd gen now I have it in my car and I love it
I pulled out my arm rest just to have the cup holder
I never had the arm rest option lol
I know this is three years ago but do you have a link?
People don't know the Prelude, thats true. Here in Germany there are only 80 left, nobody knows what car Im driving, even Car-guys.
I find that highly entertaining.
I should send some over and sell them for ridiculous money lol
@@OlsonAuto Well they cost around 7000$, but send one over, I need parts.
What parts do you need?
@@OlsonAuto Im just looking for a BA4 that I can part out, which is a little bit tricky since there aren't many here. So im mostly looking for bodyparts.
@@Pacmania-tr2pd ahh, yeah body parts are hard to get here too
The carbureted base model engine was even worse, trust me! When it was cold starting it would idle at 3000 rpm in park or do 25 mpg in 3rd gear until the temp gauge comes off the peg, it was gutless especially with the 4 speed auto, the air conditioning made it borderline dangerous to drive with how much power it sucked up only to do a bad job cooling the car, it ran hot while idling since there’s no breathing room for the engine (hence the wedge shape), it didn’t sound good at all 😂, I could go on. I loved the rest of the car though and still do. Lowest hoodline of any production car at the time, perfect visibility. It has the most effortless power steering I’ve ever felt. You could litterally toss the wheel from lock to lock at a stop with your pinky, it didn’t even make sense how easy it was to steer, which brings me to my next point, these things under steer bad without sporty tires.
I love the power steering and hoodline fact, two of my favorites! And yes I now run 15” 57DR wheels with nitto tires, muuuuch less understeer haha. I could only imagine the carbureted model though, this is slow enough
Wow dude!!!!! Sick channel btw I’m 17 from Australia!! Just bought a 1988 Japanese built 3rd gen prelude aws si manual 5 speed sunroof! It’s so sick! I love it
Has books and 150 thousand km on it so like 90 thousand miles haha
Great video bro! Make more videos on it! Hahahaha
Cheers
Dang you got a nice low milage one! I imagine yours is RHD too?
@@OlsonAuto yeah bro!!! I just drove it last night omg it’s so amazing to drive bro!!! I’m in love hahaha, I’ll start making videos on it
@@Thatcressidaguy that’s awesome, I’m glad to hear it! Keep her shiny side up and have fun
Paid 7bux for some cheezy dual cup holder from Autozone wedge in between passn seat firm & it gets the job done no spills & it holds my phone so it was totally worth it..Proud 3rd gen owner
Hey that’s actually a good idea! My buddy is going to 3d print me one that’ll go behind the ebrake but if that doesn’t work out I’ll look into your idea, thanks!
That 3d cup holder your buddy gonna print is sold on ebay for 3rd gens, it also look cheezy & cheap too your elbow is bound to knock over your shamrock going into 4th,at least it appears too & the reason i dint buy it.but good luck broski hope it works for you..
It is a nice car ! Keep it on the road at all costs!
Thank you! Will do everything I have to to keep it going
I own a 1988 Prelude SI and u are right about everything bro lol
It’s a love hate relationship with these things lmao
same man just picked up a 88 si and so far im loving the car but as said its really hard to find parts and info on them
I just gots 91 prelude it’s gonna be a bitch to fix anything got it for 1200 runs and drives very few minors issues
Actually working on them isn’t bad, just finding some parts. 1200 right now is an insane deal, the cheapest 3rd gen near me is $4k and it doesn’t run
Great Video Man! Excited for a new video soon!
Jason Keith today at 12pm eastern! Gonna be a pretty big reveal!
I own a 1990 Honda prelude as well and literally everything you said I can agree with lol the no cupholders thing is probably my biggest complaint and probably the engine noise too haha I always feel like its gonna blow even tho its not
For real! I have a buddy 3D printing me a cup holder, so I’m SUPER excited for that
do you know where to buy taillights for a 1991 ?
I see people selling these for 5k + some times even up to 10k with 250k+ miles on it 😂 (in cali)
Good thing I don’t live in Cali, that’s outrageous. I could see an immaculate fully loaded 4WS going for that but not mine lol, I paid $1k
5th gear isn't tall enough for an efficient and quiet freeway gear. Got an 89 si for free a couple weeks ago so I can't complain too much.
Yeah it’s very noisy on the highway, but back in ‘90 55 was the expected freeway speed so they didn’t imagine us doing 70 everywhere
I had a 92 Integra in high school 20 years ago and I don't remember the gears being as short but hey... I don't remember much from 20 years ago.
My car likes to throw rods and leave me stranded. Also the owner before the one I bought from built this thing for some reason so wiring is trash
Ew, I hate buying cars with jenky wiring, it’s the worst. Good luck with that
Love the prelude
Who doesn’t?
@@OlsonAuto parts manufacturers 😂
Seth Kamer hey hey hey, watch your step.
In fairness if you don't know why your fan is still running then the 3rd gen isn't going to be the car for you. Out of the list, only hard to find parts and cup holders are the only legit things to dislike. But make up some cup holders and get a parts car, simple....
#1: Can't find parts...
Yeah, I wish I knew that when I bought my 89 4WS lol.
At least I got to learn how to do some electrical work!
I’ve been learning about electrical a lot with my prelude lol, has her fair share of issues
If u hate it so much sell it to me
Haha that’ll never happen, I am the last owner of this car until the day I die
I hate that my car isn’t a 1990 Honda prelude
Haha, go buy one then!
im not hating....... I got a 89 prelude... I got my repair manual, tons of extra parts, b2015 with a evo3 16g turbo pumpin 400whp sheeeeesh.... cupholders??? we dont need those, ash trays all the way cuz I need somewhere to dump my sizzle after I smoke your moms mini van
the fan keeps running because there's air in ur radiator
Think so? I’ve bled the system more times than I can count and don’t get air out. The sticker on the rad support says it’s normal, but maybe I’ll try burping it again
same here. fans run at all times. even if the key is only turned to ACC mode and the car isn't even running. have bled the coolant many times as well. nothing
Awesome
Nostalgia
Keep it up 💯💯💯
Thanks for the support! I sincerely appreciate it
Also I wish I could stop the madness of whether I'm on Google go on TH-cam and I ask a specific question about my Honda Prelude I get everything in the world I want to know about a 97 Accord or another year accord or another something about an accord or an accord or another Honda Accord and I don't give a damn about a Honda Accord when I want to know something about my Prelude how the hell can you phrase a question which I have tried a thousand different ways to get information about a Prelude but all I get is information about a damn Honda Civic or an accord
K20A swap!
Ooh I’m tempted! I’m still not sure if I’m going H, F, or K swap yet. My goal is about 250 whp, but I know H swap is the most direct and “easiest”
I want that so bad 😭
It’s a hooptie lol
@@OlsonAuto yeah! My dad had one as his first car and he loved it. Id get my hands on one but they are so rare
Where are you from? They aren’t too crazy rare, I’ve tried to buy a few but most are pretty well shot
@@OlsonAuto Canada so a lot of them are just rust now
@@OlsonAuto UPDATE I MIGHT GET ONE 😃😃
BS you’re just young I had these and accords since 90’s & these are very easy to fix there about the same I find dime a dozen parts dunno what you’re talking bout maybe you can’t find parts but I sure can maybe you’re talking bout manufactured parts because all these models are discontinued but many parts are out there!! and these generation cars run forever!
My solution for you is to swap the engine a k20 engine
Maybe, but the K series engines are very tall and I wouldn’t be able to fit a hood
@@OlsonAuto true I'll search the Internet and forums to see if a find a affordable easy option.
Keep it prelude based and go h22
I hate that mines in pieces
Lol so put it together
@@OlsonAuto its a toss up between that and burn it.
Flatbed Hardbody the ladder of the two is easier...
@@OlsonAuto you put it together
Bet, what’s my rate?
Americans and their cupholders lol
I’m sorry are Americans the only people who want a water while driving 😂
I've got 2 1989 Honda preludes. One daily and one for parts. DM me for questions.
Does your parts car happen to have a brown interior? I have yet to see another prelude with a brown interior
@@OlsonAuto No sir. Not deeze.
is it the 4wheel steering? what color is the one you are parting out?
@@DIGonzalez84 yes the parts car is a 4WS 5 speed 1989 prelude.
@@anthonybrunette4506 what color is it?
Honda Prelude was famous sporty car in 80s-90s, The problem is... you're too young!
i hate that i dont have a car
I guess ya gotta get out there and go get one!
Hi bro 19 99
ngl, your 2nd reason sounds douchey, oh i have a cool car thats a honda so i have to park far away.. shoulda just made it a top 6 LOL
I paid $1000 for it lol, in no way meant to sound douchey, just hard to find parts for and expensive to fix, don’t want it getting dented from ignorant people in parking lots
Why are Honda kids such cry babies. Get a Ford. Your car got engine issues.
Can’t wait for my spark plugs to get sent to Jupiter 🤣
Wow, yeah, Ford's never have engine issues...or transmission issues..or, well, you get the idea. You can always tell Ford drivers, they have massive forearms and quads, from having to push their cars everyday. Good exercise, I guess. Saves on a gym membership.