New PO.com member, longtime hp.com member. - Honda Prelude Forum

AgentPrelude · 03-27-2002, 04:50 PM

Greetings. After sifting through the posts at PO.com, I have come to the conclusion that the replies to posts here have much more educated responses. I truly appreciate when someone takes time out of their lives to sit down and make a well rounded response to an honest question. That's excellent.

Anyway, here is a question that might or might not recieve an answer.

I've had my '87 Si since 1997, and just real recently purchased a 1990 Si with the illfated B21A1 motor. It only has 101k miles on it and would like to keep it running as long as possible before having to replace it when it starts to burn oil through the piston rings. The manual says to use 5W30 oil, and it has been getting regular oil changes with 5W30. Will 5W30 oil help elongate the engine life? I currently use 10W30 in my '87 Si.

When it eventually does come time to have the engine replaced, what can I do? Is it possible to put in a 1.6 liter VTEC (B16A) from a Del Sol? Would any knowledgable car mechanic be able to perform this swap? Could my local Honda dealership perform the swap? I did do a search for this possible B16A swap to no avail. Would I be better off with just having my current B21A1 replaced with another ticking timebomb B21A1? I appreciate any responses, pointers, or resources given.

Thanks in advance,

preludeSOHC · 03-27-2002, 06:29 PM

I know the B21A isn't that reliable of a motor compared to the B20A5... if you're looking for something that's more reliable I would say try and look for a JDM B20A (you can find one for relatively cheap)... However, if you're looking for more power... I would suggest to stay away from the B16 vtec... although its quite an engine, also remember that its being put into cars that are a lot smaller than you're 3rd generation prelude...

Sure it may be nice to have vtec and rev high, but in the end you may end up using up more gas since a smaller engine has to work harder to move a heavier car (don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure the 3rd genereation prelude is just as heavy as a Civic/del Sol)

I would suggest either the JDM B20A or if $$$ allows, maybe an H22A? I've heard of B18C going into 3rd generation preludes, but also run into the same problem of losing a lot of low end torque

mrprelude · 03-27-2002, 06:32 PM

Im in the same situation that you are. I have done some homework on this topic and hopefully this will give some insight on what to do. As for the B16A swap it is possible, however you either have to get custom engine mounts or buy them from Has Sport or Place Racing (wait i can't remember if they sell it for the B16A) N-E-ways. You will need to hire someone that knows what there doing when it comes to the wiring. I don't know if this true but ive heard that the Vtec solinoids might have to be rebuilt to match your lude. If your looking to do B16A swap for the sole reason that its a Vtec you might as well do a H22A swap instead. If your looking to add a Turbo or a Supercharger, unless its custom you will have trouble making it fit(thats what i was looking to do, Until one of my friends gave me a good point). "In case anything goes wrong its cheaper to replace a B20-B21 engine than to replace a Vtec motor from a newer car."

As for doing the B21A1 swap it will definatly be cheaper and you might save money to do other upgrades to your lude. Try not to look at your engine being a ticking timebomb, its only a matter of regular maintanance to keep it running at its full potential. So hopefully this will help to a certain extent, tell me what you think your going to do.

AgentPrelude · 03-27-2002, 06:34 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I've looked into having the B20A5 JDM spec engine put in, aside from the B16A. Money isn't really an issue at the moment, due to the fact that I have another 12-24 months worth of mileage before I expect the engine to start degrading. This will give me ample time to save some money on the side specifically for the swap. Is there anything special the mechanic will have to do to make a JDM B20A fit? I mean, since both engines are B-series, all he/she will have to do it just take one out and put the other in? Right? I'm assuming I can keep my tranny too.

I'm not looking for power, but a strong Honda engine that will last me as long as my 87' Si engine is lasting (160,000+ strong).

Thanks again, it is much appreciated.

preludeSOHC · 03-27-2002, 06:48 PM

cool... the JDM B20A should come with a new transmission, the power difference isn't too much, but its better safe than sorry... most USDM part should be able to be kept such as the fuel injection system, intake/exhaust manifolds... you can also use the USDM ECU as far as I was told...

I'm not sure if its mounts directly in, I will ask the installers if it does tomorrow when I check in again and keep you posted... but hopefully it does, because it did come from the same model car of the same year right? Who knows, but I'll check... any other engine would need new motor mounts...

kyle h. · 03-27-2002, 07:08 PM

i have a b21a1 and i like it. no love for them tho. i got 134k on it now and i burn a bit of oil, i use 5w30 valvoline and just check it every month. i've seen many odometers around here with 300000 across the board

so it should last. the del sol motor isnt much. i thought they were the SOHC engines in them? there is lots more options thats almost like a down grade since u can get so much more out of the use of the engine bay.

AgentPrelude · 03-27-2002, 07:17 PM

PreludeSOHC, thanks. I sent you an email, as well.

Thanks for the responses. I posted these exact same questions on the hp.com board and didn't recieve much of a response. I've been a loyal hp.com guy for two years, I think it's time to kick back and setup camp here at PO.com.

:::kicks back lawn chair and pops a beer top:::

Anymore more information would be greatly appreciated.

RedRacerX · 03-27-2002, 10:22 PM

Hey man I hear yea I am at the same Crossroades Imean My engine is in Beautiful condition and it has 150k on it (B20A5). What I would really like to do is put a B18C1 in ther or even just a B18 Head would be nice but I ask around here all the time and all the mechanics are just telling me that it can't be done although I hear about it all the time.

I guess you jsut have to find a ballsy Mechanic.

Oh yeah another Question for ya I was told that are tranny's are like Hydro and cable Mix is that true or am I getting smoke up my a$# ??

Laters and if you know anyone in the AZ area that can do a head swap PLEASE tell me

preludeSOHC · 03-28-2002, 02:30 AM

Kyle H. : yes you are right. The del Sol motor 93-96 (I believe, don't quote me on this) are D16s and are single cam. Most of them say VTEC but my friend owns one and his says Si, I'm not really big into del Sols so I don't really know much about them...

The '97 del Sol came with a vtec DOHC motor, model I don't know... it could be a B16, but imho... I would get a B16 out of a newer Civic Si-R...

PreludeChick89 · 03-28-2002, 09:08 AM

okay... here are some of my complaints after much research and discussion with other 3rd gen prelude members... the h22a swap requires SOLID motor mounts... what would this do? **** up the chassis big time... we're talking twisting and possible fracturing of the chassis... not a good idea..

another good point brought up by "spidey" (orgasm_donor/orgazm_donor... freakin' dorks hehehe all in good fun guys!) pointed out the weight being heavier on the drivers side as well... weight distribution through the entire car is off...

o and a del sol just Si vtec motor has less hp than our cars... i'm not even sure of how much aftermarket support that has....

i've seen the b16 headswap 1st hand at nopi and a lot of people discussed the swap with tom coleman who had the car there.. he was disappointed with money vs. gains with the b16 head...

just my $.02... you can call me a stupid girl if you want..

buh byes 4 now

PreludeDude90 · 03-28-2002, 09:31 AM

Well, here goes. AgentPrelude, I was in your shoes. My b21 was on it's way out, and it finally died. SO, i went with a JDM B20a (all B20A's are JDM, otherwise there is a number after the A). The engine itself was only $675 with like 40k miels on it. Both manifolds (intake and exhaust) have to be changed to do this (you will have to use your car's original stuff). Along with the motor, I had a new radiator, timing belt, and water pump put in. Remember, the engine itself was $675 plus tax. Radiator was $170 (I have a mechanic that charges me cost on parts). The whole job cost me $2000 for the engine "swap" and all the other crap I had done. You can use your original tranny, no problem. Now, is, however, anexcellent time for a new clutch. I did not do this, though (ran out of money, plus my clutch was still in good shape). The output on the B20A is slightly higher than that of the B21, but not really that noticeable.

Reenie, u are a stupid girl

j/k

preludeSOHC · 03-31-2002, 05:39 AM

hey Agent... sorry didn't get back to you sooner, as of checking in with the JDM engine place, they said the B20A will fit in no problem... everything should just slide in, also I was told that the USDM ECU is compatible with the JDM engine...

I don't know how many of you 3rd gen people out there have H22A's in your prelude, but I was wondering, do you know if the chassis can hold with that motor in place? Because I was told to get new motor mounts if I considered an H22A swap, but that requires a lot of reinforcing to hold a considerable larger and heavier engine?

kyle h. · 03-31-2002, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PreludeChick89
okay... here are some of my complaints after much research and discussion with other 3rd gen prelude members... the h22a swap requires SOLID motor mounts... what would this do? **** up the chassis big time... we're talking twisting and possible fracturing of the chassis... not a good idea..

another good point brought up by "spidey" (orgasm_donor/orgazm_donor... freakin' dorks hehehe all in good fun guys!) pointed out the weight being heavier on the drivers side as well... weight distribution through the entire car is off...

o and a del sol just Si vtec motor has less hp than our cars... i'm not even sure of how much aftermarket support that has....

i've seen the b16 headswap 1st hand at nopi and a lot of people discussed the swap with tom coleman who had the car there.. he was disappointed with money vs. gains with the b16 head...

just my $.02... you can call me a stupid girl if you want..

buh byes 4 now

finally someone agrees with me!!

SignfcntOthr · 03-31-2002, 07:04 PM

I didn't know you needed solid motor mounts with the H22. . .I'm not real keen on that. Next weekend I'll have to jack her up to see what kind of condition the frame is in. . .probably gonna cancel the whole H22 idea. . .for now. . .

I've been hearing nothing but good stuff from the CR-VTEC swap from Civic owners. (yes the Prelude is not a Civic, but the weight difference ain't too great b/n the 3rd gen and them) A local guy around here is aiming for low 12s with that set up. I've heard (no time slips though) that a CR-VTEC in a hatch will run low 13's w/ I/H/E. So the CR-VTEC is the next engine swap I'll be researching.

PreludeChick89 · 03-31-2002, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kyle h.

finally someone agrees with me!!

hehe.. cause people from pa are

hehe j/k.....

let us know what you're final decision is

PreludeChick89 · 03-31-2002, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by preludeSOHC
hey Agent... sorry didn't get back to you sooner, as of checking in with the JDM engine place, they said the B20A will fit in no problem... everything should just slide in, also I was told that the USDM ECU is compatible with the JDM engine...

I don't know how many of you 3rd gen people out there have H22A's in your prelude, but I was wondering, do you know if the chassis can hold with that motor in place? Because I was told to get new motor mounts if I considered an H22A swap, but that requires a lot of reinforcing to hold a considerable larger and heavier engine?

re read what i wrote.. i love how most people just look right over it

PreludeNYC · 03-31-2002, 08:13 PM

welcome to PreludeOnline.com

I was also a long time HP.com person, back in my 1987 Si days...

Jose