What engine is in a 1989 Prelude?
The 1989 Prelude uses a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine from Honda's F-series, specifically the F20A DOHC 16-valve engine (non-VTEC).
The 1989 Prelude sits in the third-generation lineup, where Honda commonly equipped the model with a 2.0-liter F20A engine tuned for smooth, responsive city and highway driving. While this generation did not feature VTEC, it emphasized reliable power delivery and balance. The following details outline the engine’s core characteristics and regional variations.
Engine type and specs
Key technical details of the 1989 Prelude's powerplant include:
- Displacement: 2.0 liters (approximately 1997 cc).
- Configuration: inline-4 with double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and 16 valves.
- Valvetrain: non-VTEC variants used conventional cam profiles with fixed timing for reliability.
- Fuel delivery: multi-point fuel injection.
- Power and torque: typically around 125–135 horsepower, with torque in the neighborhood of 110–120 lb-ft, depending on market and emissions tuning.
In practice, this engine provided a balance of smooth torque for everyday driving and enough peak power to give the Prelude a sprightly feel for its class in the late 1980s.
Market variations and notes
While the core F20A-based setup was common, regional differences affected output and emissions compliance. For example, US-market versions were tuned to meet US EPA standards, while Japanese and European specimens could have slightly different cam profiles and exhaust configurations, impacting horsepower and torque modestly. Despite these variations, all versions retained the same fundamental 2.0L DOHC 4-cyl layout.
Owners looking to verify their specific engine should check the engine code stamped on the engine block (often F20A1 or related designations in service manuals) and consult the vehicle’s VIN-based specifications to confirm the exact variant for that car’s market and model year.
Summary
The 1989 Honda Prelude is powered by Honda's 2.0-liter inline-4 F20A DOHC engine, a non-VTEC design that delivers reliable, smooth performance for the era. With market-specific tuning, power typically sits in the mid-120s to mid-130s horsepower range, with variations depending on region and emissions equipment. This engine helped define the Prelude's balance of everyday practicality and sporty character in the late 1980s.
What engine does a 1989 Honda Prelude have?
Honda B20A engine
The third-generation Honda Prelude was exclusively powered by variants of the Honda B20A engine, a base carbureted version with a SOHC 12-valve valvetrain, or a DOHC variant with Honda's PGM-FI fuel injection and 16 valves.
What year did Prelude get VTEC?
1993
The 1993 Prelude VTEC was the first Honda in the U.S. to use a new double overhead cam (DOHC) version of the VTEC variable valve timing system. Its 2.2-liter inline-four produced 190 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque, 30 hp more than the Prelude Si's 2.3-liter engine without this technology.
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.
Is the 1989 Honda Prelude reliable?
Handling Ahead Of Its Time. The 3rd generation Prelude Si is well ahead of its time. A sharp exterior design, practical interior component placement, and superb handling characteristic make this Honda a fun and fairly reliable car to drive.
