bobby-G

Hey...I'm looking at purchasing a 1989 Si, and was wondering what I need to be aware of going in.

Are there common issues in this year model, or in the Prelude in general?
Are there common things within the Prelude family to be familiar with (like if the timing belt breaks it won't harm the engine, etc.)?

I'm looking to get a cheap ride (that I'll enjoy) that has good gas mileage. I had a 1995 Toyota MR2 a 10 years ago and had to get rid of it due to a move (oh, how sad).

Anyway, I knew a lot about the MR2 model and family, but am clueless about the Prelude.

I've found this '89 with 270k-ish miles on it for $1,100. I know I'll have to look at some repairs, etc., as this moves ahead (like CV joints, timing belts, etc.), but just wanted good experienced input.

Thanks in advance.
Bob

Honda4Life

Well first of all 1100 is too much for a prelude with 270k on the clock. it better be pristine with a rebuilt engine that has no more than 70k in that.

Yes if the timing belt breaks you are gonna be rebuilding the head. The b20 or b21 whatever it has is an interferance engine. The timing belt snaps? you WILL have bent valves. Guarenteed.

Depending on the engine it has you may encounter different problems. the sleeves in the b21 are what are called FRM (fiber reinforced material) sleeves. Due to these sleeves the b21 is a known culprit of burning oil.

If you have the b20a then you have the JDM engine. If this is the case it will probably be paired with the D2J3 tranny which is great for shorter gears.

But most likely you will have the B20a5. This is the more common for our car. The B20a5 does not have the FRM sleeves so burning oil wont be as much of a problem.
However all 3 motors are interference and if the timing belt snaps i reiterate...You WILL bend valves. So if you do decide to buy this car and it hasnt seen a rebuild yet i would definately look at replacing at least the T-belt, water pump, oil pump, and main seals.

These above paired with a decent tune up should help give you a decent running car. I love my 3rd gen and have loved ALL my 3rd gens.

Have fun and enjoy your research. there is much more to learn but most comes with getting your hands in their and learning that way.

__________________
PreludePower.com is a joke and is ran by kids. The Off Topic Whores and the MODS who require being respected and threaten people when they feel they are not. What a joke. BTW, don't ask them a question as they will answer with a ban.

SoCalPrelude.com MODS only inforce rules on some and not on all. Kyle is a joke.

BTW, Eric Schultz in CA is a known scammer. He did it to me, he can do it to you. Just a heads up. Know as "backinblue92" here on PO.com