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What engine does a 1988 Honda Prelude have?

The 1988 Honda Prelude was equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This engine was part of Honda's popular "S" series, which was known for its high-revving performance and reliability.


Engine Specifications


The 1988 Honda Prelude's engine had the following key specifications:



  • Displacement: 1,997 cc (2.0 liters)

  • Cylinder configuration: Inline four-cylinder

  • Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

  • Horsepower: 135 hp @ 6,200 rpm

  • Torque: 127 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm

  • Fuel system: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)


This engine was known for its high-revving nature, with a redline of around 7,000 rpm. The DOHC valvetrain and PGM-FI fuel injection system allowed the engine to produce a respectable 135 horsepower, which was quite impressive for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the late 1980s.


Prelude Model Variants


The 1988 Honda Prelude was available in several different trim levels, each with slightly different engine specifications:



  • Prelude Si: Came standard with the 2.0-liter S20A1 engine described above.

  • Prelude 2.0 Si 4WS: Also had the 2.0-liter S20A1 engine, but with Honda's four-wheel steering system.

  • Prelude 2.0 Si VTEC: Featured Honda's new VTEC variable valve timing system, which boosted power to 140 hp.


Regardless of the specific model, the 1988 Honda Prelude was known for its sporty driving dynamics and high-revving, responsive engine character.

What engines do Honda Preludes have?


Models and markets

ModelEngine
CodePower
2.0iF20A4133 PS (98 kW; 131 hp)
2.3iH23A2160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp)
2.2i VTEC (93–96)H22A2185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp)



Which Prelude has H22?


H22A. Found in the Japanese 4th gen 1992-1996 Prelude Si VTEC (2WS BB4 & 4WS BB1). It produces 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @ 6,800 rpm & 161.5 ft⋅lbf (219 N⋅m) @ 5,500 rpm and comes with a black valve cover. Found in the Japanese 5th gen 1997-2001 Prelude SiR (2WS BB6 & 4WS BB8).



Is Honda Prelude a VTEC?


Honda Prelude Took the VTEC Engine to a Whole New Level
In 1993, the fourth-generation Prelude inaugurated an evolution of Honda's VTEC engines, pairing dual overhead camshafts with the company's variable valve timing and lift technology.



What's the difference between H22 and H23?


The H23 is typically cheaper, making it a great option for budget-conscious tuners. It delivers a solid 160 lb-ft of torque, perfect for zipping around town. The H22, while pricier, offers a heart-pounding 137 lb-ft of torque.



Are Honda Preludes fast?


Generating 200 horsepower from 2.2 naturally aspirated liters is impressive, even if getting to that number requires winding it out to a lofty 7,000-rpm power peak. Torque is tepid at 156 lb-ft, but the Prelude only weighs a ton and a half. Keep the revs up and the Prelude is light and quick on its feet.



What motor is in a 1988 Honda Prelude?


HONDA Prelude 2.0L 5MT FWD (109 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.0L 5MT FWD (109 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1958 cm3
Power:80 KW @ 5800 RPM 109 HP @ 5800 RPM 107 BHP @ 5800 RPM
Torque:114 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 154 Nm @ 4000 RPM



What car did the H22A4 come in?


Fifth Generation Honda Prelude: 1997-2001
Engine choices were reduced to the singular 2.2-liter H22A4 four-cylinder, spitting out 195 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque through either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.



How much HP does a H22 VTEC have?


Bolt-ons, cams, and forged pistons will get it over 200 HP at the wheels.



How much horsepower does a K24 have?


In factory-stock form, a turbocharged K24 can make upwards of 400-500 hp. Beyond the 500-hp mark, though, it would be in the engine's (and owner's) best interest to swap some of the K24's internals for more substantial and race-oriented parts.



Is the H22 a good engine?


Short of the K-series motors, the H22 has the most torque out of any Honda four-cylinder motor and backs it up with 200-plus hp. Bolt a turbo setup onto a stock H22 and it becomes a very potent machine. Build a turbo motor out of an H22 and it's unstoppable.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.