Need Second Opinion: Wtb H23a1 Or Rebuild? - Honda Prelude Forum

maverick32 · 11-24-2008, 11:52 AM

Hey what up fellas. i just recently bought a 93 prelude SI. The problem with the prelude is that its leaking oil and burning it. I know this cuz first of all the whole motor itself is soaked in oil from the valve cover seal to the bottom. And i know its burning it cuz white bluish smoke comes out at a stop and when i start goin i fill up the street with a BIG mushroom cloud. lmao. But seriously i do! So i figured that the valve seals are no good along with the head being warped. Anyways due to the fact that i got the car REALLY cheap i come up with two different directions. I can either rebuild this motor or buy another used one with less miles on it. This motor currently has 166k miles. so my question is how much am i looking at on buying another h23a1? or should i just rebuild the one that i currently have?
Wouldn't it be cheaper to get another motor?

petern101 · 11-24-2008, 02:33 PM

If you want cheap, buy another h23a1, if you want to spend just a bit more, get a h22.

It's just easier to do all the maintenance on the engine while it's out and then put it in.

maverick32 · 11-24-2008, 04:17 PM

alright cool thanks for the input man. i appreciate it. This is goin to be my DD and then when i come up on some money i will start fixing it up. So roughly how much am i goin to spend on getting another motor?

What should i look for? (what questions i should ask about the motor)

sorry fellas this is my first time with a prelude and i have never bought an engine....

petern101 · 11-24-2008, 06:14 PM

hmotorsonline would be your best bet to buy one. Lots of good reviews and customers.

Then search for the threads on installing and basic maintenance.

rayslude · 11-25-2008, 05:43 AM

H22 100%, I've owned both and the H22 is alot more fun.