Hey guys. This saturday I'm going to check out a '92 Prelude that is swapped from an H23 to a JDM H22a. I would like to make a list of things to look for in the car.
Seeing as this is a used car and has the motor swapped, we should make a list of all possible problems and things to make sure that has been done with the car in general. Go.
I would say check for check engine lights first, and if the light works while the car isnt running, exhaust leaks, good wiring under the hood and under the carpet in the pass footwell to the ecu, alignment issues, suspension work and how it feels, how the car pulls and if vtec engages properly, if it has a vafc or anything, that it was tuned properly, all lights and gauges working properly, rust obviously, sunroof will have rust i would bet, and maybe spots at the tops of the rear wheelwells at least. wear on the seats and wheel consistent with mileage, if it has a short shifter, other modded parts, generaly drop the price for mods unless its something you really wanted to do anyways, but dont let on to that, still go as they are negatives.
A few parts that are prone to failure:
- clutch master cylinder (look for a leak where the clutch pedal hits the firewall)
- main relay
- plastic endtanks on radiator (leaks around top of radiator)
- dash lights/sliders
I would ask if any of those had been replaced recently, as well as when the timing belt was last done.
Thanks for the idea guys. I guess I should explain the car I will be looking at better so you can give me better questions and things to look for. This is what I know so far.
92 Prelude - $4700:
-came with h23 and swapped to h22a by a well known shop
-vtec is wired and ready to kick in at stock RPMs
-hondata s100 tuned by same shop
-has adjustable coilover springs
-megan racing exhaust (anyone know how they sound? won't find out until saturday...)
-car was repainted to white some time ago recently
-a few dings but hardly noticeable
-135k on the body
-45k on motor
He has barely even driven this car too! He has an STi...
One thing that I'd look for, that others haven't mentioned are oil leaks. Of course, it could be covered up if he has the engine detailed, but still look. Poke your head around the engine bay (jack the car up & look at it from below, if you can) & use a flashlight to check. Take a peek at the CV boots too.
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Originally Posted by ExodusFX
It doesn't matter what kind of icecream you get in Mochi. Why? Because Mochi is icecream wrapped in awesome.
So, I went and looked at the Prelude today. Personally, I think it's a badass deal!
White 92 Si to H22a swap. The car has adjustable coilovers and was set to the lowest height so test driving it was pretty rough. I would definately raise it back up to stock height. The drivers side door is somewhat difficult to open with the key. Power locks work well except the passenger side won't lock, but will unlock. Power sunroof works, tiny amount of rust on it. Didn't notice any rust anywhere else, except minor spots inside the engine bay. The climate control has that usual problem where it won't slide all of the way. A/C needs a recharge. All lights work. Comes with OEM fogs! Both turn signals work, passengers side is cracked though. The front bumper does not have the tiny grill inserts. Interior is in almost perfect condition! No radio, the whole console is gone, exposing the shift linkage. Still has the speakers though. Speaker covers are not faded. All gauges work. Car starts right up and idles at around 750-850 rpms. Transmission shifts real smooth, although never clicked 4th or 5th gears. Shift knob is kind of loose. Megan Catback exhaust sounds PERFECT! Never heard a Honda sound any better! Not ricey. Nice low, deep tone! Power steering felt a little stiff, but just barely. Parking brake also barely holds the car, the cable just needs tightening.
Overall, I think this is a perfect deal for my first Lude for $3000! All of the problems are very minor.
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