What does Type SH mean on Prelude?
Type SH on the Honda Prelude denotes a rare performance-focused trim from the late 1990s; SH stands for "Super Handling" (often described in Honda literature as a Sport Handling package). In short, it marks the top-tier Prelude with upgraded handling and power beyond standard trims.
The following explainer covers what SH meant, where and when it was offered, typical specifications, how to spot a Type SH, and what it means for value today.
Meaning and origin of the Type SH badge
What SH stands for
SH is widely interpreted as "Super Handling" — a branding cue used by Honda to signal enhanced handling characteristics and a sport-oriented setup. Some market materials also describe it as a "Sport Handling" package; both ideas point to tuning beyond the standard Prelude offerings.
Market availability and years
Type SH was not sold worldwide as a single package. It appeared in limited runs in Japan and certain other markets during the late 1990s, overlapping with the late fourth generation/early fifth generation Prelude era. Exact availability and naming varied by country and model year.
Typical specs and features
Key aspects of the SH variant focus on more than just horsepower—handling, braking, chassis, and styling were tuned to deliver a more performance-oriented experience.
Engine and power
Most SH-equipped Preludes used the 2.2-liter H-series VTEC engine. This configuration offered more aggressive tuning and often higher output than base models, typically in a range around the low-to-mid 200s horsepower, depending on market and emission constraints.
Handling and chassis upgrades
The SH package commonly included suspension refinements and, in some markets, an upgraded braking setup. Some versions also benefited from revised steering geometry and, in certain markets, a form of four-wheel steering or other handling aids to improve agility.
Exterior and interior cues
Visual cues often included unique badging (Type SH emblems), distinct wheel designs, and interior trim upgrades that signaled a higher-performance positioning relative to standard trims.
How to identify a Type SH today
For collectors and enthusiasts, it helps to verify a few telltale signs to confirm whether a Prelude is a Type SH.
Visual and badge cues
Look for Type SH badges on the rear hatch or C-pillar, along with specific SH-option wheels and sometimes unique paint colors or spoiler configurations. Interior trim can include sport-oriented accents and a specific instrument cluster layout.
Documentation and VIN
Consult factory documentation, dealer records, or a verifiable VIN decode. SH models typically have distinctive production codes or option sheets indicating the SH trim and market. A professional appraisal or a Honda service history can help confirm authenticity.
Value, collectibility, and maintenance
As a limited-run, high-performance variant, Type SH carries premium value for collectors and enthusiasts, though pricing varies by market, condition, and provenance. Maintenance considerations include sourcing period-correct parts and noting that these models can be more expensive to repair due to their rarity.
Market variations and current status
Because SH was not universally available, the number of surviving Type SH cars varies by country. In regions with robust enthusiast communities, there is more information about production numbers and verification sources.
In brief, the Type SH badge on the Honda Prelude identifies a rare, performance-oriented trim backed by a focus on handling and power. It marks a distinctive chapter in the Prelude lineage, valued by collectors for its engineering focus and limited availability.
Summary: Type SH stands for "Super Handling" (also described as a Sport Handling package). It denotes a high-performance Prelude variant offered in select markets in the late 1990s, featuring enhanced engine tuning and handling upgrades, and today it remains a collectible model with varying availability and parts considerations.
How to tell if your Prelude is sh?
Look at your car's VIN. An SH would start as JHMBB615... and so on. A base model would start as JHMBB614... or JHMBB624... The “BB6” is the 5th generation Prelude chassis code, the 1 indicates a manual transmission (standard on SH), and the 2 indicates an automatic.
What does Prelude sh mean?
Super Handling
1997 Honda Prelude Active Torque Transfer System. Wieck. The 1997-2001 Prelude SH was particularly prescient. That “SH” appendage stood for “Super Handling,” so-categorized for the SH's incorporation of Honda's novel Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) that's one of the earliest example of mass-market torque vectoring ...
What does type SH mean in Honda Prelude?
So uh quick quiz what does SH stand for write your comments down. Below. Okay enough i'll tell you it stands for super handling. And you're going to go "Well wait a minute isn't that something Acura
What is the difference between base and type sh Prelude?
The block is different. Internally the same. The oil filter/cooler location is on the back instead of the front to accommodate the atts unit.
