1997 prelude project

[DavidV]

I bought a 1997 prelude about a month ago. I bought it with a blown block for $1800. I have a Rebuilt engine with about $10,000 put into it. The Engine was built a few years ago by my father and his Professional Mechanic friend. They never could find a car for it, so I got the engine!!!! The engine is currently being installed in the car by my father and his friend at his shop, Rudy's Auto Service and Racing in Gainesville, Georgia.

Mods on Car when Bought
Adjustable Coil-Over Suspension
Greddy Catback Exhaust
18" Masitaly Rims (Rare Italian rims from what I found)
Leather Interior
Race Steering wheel
Custom Nitrous Box in Trunk
Mugen Spoiler and front Bumber
Front and Rear DC Strut Bars
A Pillar Gauges
Street Try Y Headers


Rebuilt Engine Engine

All motor 12:1 compression ratio that is street legal
Stroke Crank Shaft by Crankshaft Specialist in Tennessee
Custom Crower Rods
Crower cams
Custom Wisco Pistons designed by Race Engineering in Miami
Heads, Intake, Plenum Ported with custom stainless vales by DPR in california
Stage 6 cylinder head by DPR
Moroso Oil Pan
Fluidampr
Try Y headers supplied by VtecKidd
Greddy Exhaust
ACT Clutch and Flywheel
AEM Fuel Rail and Pressure regulator
RC engineering Fuel Injectors

Future Plans
I am painting it candy apple red with House of Kolor paint.
Planning on getting new Hondata ecu.
Upgraded suspension
ungraded exhaust
Upgraded stereo system
Greddy Front lip kit
Other stuff on the way

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0784.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0788.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0787.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0791.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0792.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0795.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0779.jpg

[J-ROCK]

nice project man. Love to see the end result. Keep us informed

[WHT_EP3]

now thats what im talking about a real built motor, really would appriciate for you to post more pics and info about the project.

[Crazy Asian]

are you sure it's mugen or just are you calling it mugen? There's a diff.

[DavidV]

Ill keep you guys posted on the build.


As for the mugen, any signs of a true mugen? I bought it already on the car from a guy who said it was a Mugen, but truly I wouldnt know. tell me ways on how I can tel and ill get back to you.

[VteC power]

i am loving that h22

[xdavidscenex]

nice setup you have there..

[Vteckidd]

I talked to your dad today when i sold him the header, really nice and knowledgeable guy! Nice M3 too :)

Good luck on the motor, sounds like a very well built engine with some good parts. I like the fact you guys went with a longer rod .

Keep us updated!

[Bruce Leroy]

Nice. Good luck with the build...

But i can't help but wish that motor in a lighter chassis.

[DavidV]

Frog could you shut the fuck up. I noticed that it was a little ricey, but my main concern is the engine right now. Im gonna get to the tail lights and im changing the front bumper. But all my money is going into getting the car running. If you read, im planning on painting is candy apple red with House of Kolor paint, so im hoping that helps out a bit. but for my first car, I think it's GREAT.


Thanks VtecKidd, those headers look AMAZING. My dad actually surprised me with them when I got to the shop yesturday. My dad's m3 has plans too. He has 2 twin turbos from a Porsche 911 he's tryin to put in.


As for a lighter car, my father wanted to put it in a crx, but never had to time to find one. So I found the prelude for $1800 with the blown block. I just cant wait to get it running!!!

[Frög]

Frog could you shut the fuck up. I noticed that it was a little ricey, but my main concern is the engine right now. Im gonna get to the tail lights and im changing the front bumper. But all my money is going into getting the car running. If you read, im planning on painting is candy apple red with House of Kolor paint, so im hoping that helps out a bit. but for my first car, I think it's GREAT.

Ok, good.. Better not make it ricey.. :goodjob:

[_Christian_]

My dad's m3 has plans too. He has 2 twin turbos from a Porsche 911 he's tryin to put in.

...So that's 4 turbos?

[DavidV]

sorry, only 2 turbos from a twin turbo.

[Bruce Leroy]

Birthday:
December 8, 1957

U are kinda old to just be getting your first car.
:taun:

[mirz833]

nice

[DavidV]

U are kinda old to just be getting your first car.
:taun:
i'm using my fathers account, hes the one that built the engine, i'm the one that gets the car. :2up:

[Vteckidd]

I remind some of you about our rules:

2. Excessive/repeated trolling. Failure to maintain overall good fellowship/camaraderie, AND/OR if you are consistently unpleasant to other members, AND/OR constant negativity.

3.New member bashing

These are Tier 1 and TIer 2 Violoations. Be respectful , criticism is fine, but out right bashing cause you think you are better WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

I cleaned the thread up stay on topic

[G.C]

g/l with build.

[AnthonyF]

Thanks VtecKidd, those headers look AMAZING. My dad actually surprised me with them when I got to the shop yesturday. My dad's m3 has plans too. He has 2 twin turbos from a Porsche 911 he's tryin to put in.

HEADER. You has one.

Over all not bad. I think a red VC would look hawt.



-Ant.

[01CDMLUDER]

Good luck with the build man. Sounds nice

[DavidV]

Thanks ^

Im thinking about painting the belt cover in the second picture, Any Suggestions?

[Brian*]

SIC ass engine, I wanna hear that beast when its in*

[2turbo4u]

Are ya'll(pops) gonna dyno the engine before install or after? Sound like pops got skills.

[DavidV]

Hoping to get it in sometime in the next week or 2. Just Waiting on the painter to paint the engine bay, then we will start the installing it. Can't Wait

[Crazy Asian]

Ill keep you guys posted on the build.


As for the mugen, any signs of a true mugen? I bought it already on the car from a guy who said it was a Mugen, but truly I wouldnt know. tell me ways on how I can tel and ill get back to you.

real mugens have the front emblem in the grill. Like this. If you dont have that it's a knockoff.

[TypeRPersonality]

I want that motor! Good luck with your build. Be sure to get some good suspension parts. Preludes might not go fast [except maybe yours] but they sure can turn.

[DavidV]

Are ya'll(pops) gonna dyno the engine before install or after? Sound like pops got skills.

We are gonna dyno it after it's in the car.

[DavidV]

They're replica mugens then, But Im switching out the front bumper for a greddy.

I will be getting better suspension, but that wont be for a bit. Gotta get it running and i'm going to paint it after its running. Then ill be saving for new suspension. Any suggestions on some good suspension that I should look into?

[Vteckidd]

They're replica mugens then, But Im switching out the front bumper for a greddy.

I will be getting better suspension, but that wont be for a bit. Gotta get it running and i'm going to paint it after its running. Then ill be saving for new suspension. Any suggestions on some good suspension that I should look into?
OmniPower if you can find it, or Ksport or any of the other China suspensions will work.

To be honest fora daily driver, you wont be adjusting your suspension like a race car so they are all pretty much the same.



Oh and tell your dad the Tuner i was telling him about for his BMW is SiegelRacing.com he works for Topspeedsales.com

[eraser4g63]

any pics of the car?

[DavidV]

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/n740946546_1367685_9090.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/n740946546_1367687_9794.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/n740946546_1367686_9495.jpg

I know, ricey tail lights, but those will change eventually.

[Romeo]

Type S fogs, i see. The bumper doesn't look so bad. I wouldn't worry about that till later. But Please, tail lights are a must.

[MeanMugen]

badass new wheels will do it right

[DavidV]

Yeah, bumper is a little damaged, but will start out with it.

I want new wheels, but those are some of the last things on my long list.

[IMPORTchic]

Good start. PLEASE change those tail lights though! haha Goodluck with the build!

[sogood]

$10k into a Prelude motor? What a waste..

[Vteckidd]

$10k into a Prelude motor? What a waste..
not uncommon to get that expensive in an NA build. I had close to that in my B20VTEC

At least his car has AC and PS, i had a $9000 motor in a $400 CRX

[speedminded]

Wait, your father is Rudy...or Rudy's friend? I like Rudy, an old roommate used to work for him and I had my car painted next door years ago.


Im thinking about painting the belt cover in the second picture, Any Suggestions?Don't do it...if anything slightly polish the block up a little to match the valve cover.

[IndianStig]

woohoo for a prelude build!

[DavidV]

Wait, your father is Rudy...or Rudy's friend? I like Rudy, an old roommate used to work for him and I had my car painted next door years ago.

Don't do it...if anything slightly polish the block up a little to match the valve cover.


My father is one of rudy's best friends.

About 7k was put into the engine around 7 years ago, recently we put another 3k to make it even better.

[VteC power]

keep it up cant wait to hear ir running.

[VteC power]

keep it up cant wait to hear it running.

[DavidV]

The engine bay was painted last week, and we got the engine in. Were planning on starting it up tomorrow if all goes well. Here's some pictures of the candy apple paint and engine in.


Three Coats of candy color without clear coat. Another coat was painted on the next day to darken it up and then the clear coat was painted on.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0811.jpg

Engine in after clear coat was painted on. (headers from vteckidd were sent out so get coated, so old ones were put on for now)
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0833.jpg



http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0837.jpg

[speedminded]

Engine in after clear coat was painted on. (headers from vteckidd were sent out so get coated, so old ones were put on for now)Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header! Header!

:taun:

[DavidV]

We finally got the car running today for the first time. No leaks and sounds good. Ill get some pictures up later this week.

[DavidV]

So the car is running, but now to its full potential. I jsut ordered a magnaflow spun cat and muffler and i'm ordering 2.5" stainless steel piping to make an exhaust for it. It's not even tuned and i'm getting wheel hop. I have 215 on the front but want to get some 235. The car is lowered and has 18" rims. Has anyone with a prelude(not too many here :cry: ) had problems with tire rubbing with this size or even smaller. It's also lowered, but might raise it a little to gt it to work.

[Vteckidd]

i think 235s is going to be seriously pushing it, i doubt you can get those to work.

Hit up scotty or Balanced to get that thing tuned !

[DavidV]

yeah, i'm going to be taking it to balance, but waiting on my exhaust and still need to get a new ecu.

[DavidV]

My coated header got back from Swain Tech today. Ill hopefully have the whole exhaust built later today.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude001.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude002.jpg

[Brady]

damn coating looks nice. i really like this build thread. good stuff :D

[TypeRPersonality]

So the car is running, but now to its full potential. I jsut ordered a magnaflow spun cat and muffler and i'm ordering 2.5" stainless steel piping to make an exhaust for it. It's not even tuned and i'm getting wheel hop. I have 215 on the front but want to get some 235. The car is lowered and has 18" rims. Has anyone with a prelude(not too many here :cry: ) had problems with tire rubbing with this size or even smaller. It's also lowered, but might raise it a little to gt it to work.

I have 215/45/17, so of course I have no rubbing issues. Refer to this link for some recommendations:

http://www.preludeonline.com/f84/recommended-tire-sizes-offsets-107797/

[dkjohnson04]

nice stuff and bump for a local shop! i live around the area the shop is in!

that header coating looks sweet.....how much they charge for that kind of stuff??

[DavidV]

nice stuff and bump for a local shop! i live around the area the shop is in!

that header coating looks sweet.....how much they charge for that kind of stuff??

It cost about $300 for the coating

Heres some pictures of them on the car and the new exhaust.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude004.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude007.jpg
(the redish orange stuff on the seal is like a sticky sealant)

[Da_unknown]

that looks good..

[speedminded]

My coated header got back from Swain Tech today. Ill hopefully have the whole exhaust built later today.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude001.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude002.jpgAnyone know if this [coating] is safe to use on race fuel track cars?! I know we couldn't ever use header wrap because you'd burn a hole right through a $1k header.

[DavidV]

yeah, im 99% sure its used on track cars, but i would give them a call to ask them yourself. It's not the cheapest stuff, but its amazing. It cost me about $300 to coat the headers.

[PreludeVTEC01]

Wow, I was reading on on your build on either po or pp cant remember. I had no idea you where in the Atlanta area. Anyhow again I love that header/exhaust coating!

[DavidV]

Yeah, I posted it on po, I'm really happy with the job that was done on the headers. The headers are the ones that mike (vteckidd) sells. I think ill be getting a new hondata and injectors within the next month. Ill also be getting it tuned soon, so i can finally see what hp this puts down. Shooting for 250+whp.

I do have a question about injector size. I have seen other h22 built similar to mine running with 440cc injectors, and they are close to maxing out. I'm wondering if I should go with 440cc or 550cc at 250+whp.

[StreetHazard]

that header makes me touch myself. I have wanted that hytec/SMS whatever...clone for months now.

something else you have want to invest in since you have probably now spent close to $1,000 on that header is some "armor". something like this to protect the downpipe.

http://passwordjdm.com/PasswordJDM-Armored-Plate-Header-Shield-P2196C462.aspx

you would be surprised at how many dings and holes I have seen on peoples exhaust manifolds from road debris

[DavidV]

Yeah, ive spent about $800 on the headers. Thanks for the suggestion about the guard, but does it actually work? It makes the ground clearance worse and wouldn't it just dent into the headers if enough force, like a speed bump hit it? But if I hear good things about them, ill consider it.

[DavidV]

So the car is running, but is leaking a little antifreeze and revving a little high, but those will hopefully get fixed soon.

I also got the shitty altezza's off my car.

Before:
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0928.jpg

After:
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0929.jpg

[StreetHazard]

So the car is running, but now to its full potential. I jsut ordered a magnaflow spun cat and muffler and i'm ordering 2.5" stainless steel piping to make an exhaust for it. It's not even tuned and i'm getting wheel hop. I have 215 on the front but want to get some 235. The car is lowered and has 18" rims. Has anyone with a prelude(not too many here :cry: ) had problems with tire rubbing with this size or even smaller. It's also lowered, but might raise it a little to gt it to work.

mines lowered 3in on 16's

tire size is 205/40/16, but im fairly sure i could fit a 235

[StreetHazard]

still need that header

still need to get PAID $$$$

[DavidV]

Time for a small update.

For the past few weeks I have been ordering and waiting on parts to get here.
New Parts:
72mm throttle body
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0964.jpg

The tps sensor on the old throttle body was broken...
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0977.jpg

OBD1 p72 with conversion harness
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_1006.jpg

Hondata s300
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_1007.jpg

While the throttle body was off, I got a picture of the ported Intake Manifold.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/IMG_0973.jpg


I will be taking it to Balanced to get it tuned shortly, but am still waiting on a Fuel Pressure Regulator And I am designing a piece for the IM, So that has to get made first.

[WTF?]

very nice

[DavidV]

So its been almost 2 months since my last update. It has taken me a very long time to get it ready to get tuned, mostly because I have not had much time to work on the car, waiting for more parts, and having to replace soo many things because the car was in bad condition when I bought it, way worse than I first thought. Well I am going to try to make an appointment nxet at Balanced week for the tuning, but I might as well share what I have done to it in the past two months.

changed out the stock injectors to the RC 440cc Injectors.
changed the stock fuel pump to a Walbro 255 LPH High pressure fuel pump.
Battery Relocation to the trunk.
installed a Jacobs electronics Ignition system.
Installed AEM fuel filter.
Installed AEM fuel pressure regulator.
Installed fuel pressure gauge.
Changed the fuel lines.
Had a new magnaflow oval muffler installed.
And the thing that has taken me the most time, I will not reveal. :ninja: I will say It has something to do with the intake, but thats all.
I am now waiting on some magnecor spark plug wires.

All that needs to be done at this point to get it ready for a tune is to change the plugs and I need to tidy up some wires. So hopefully by next week I will be able to provide some HP numbers.

Here are some pics of the battery relocation and jacobs ignition.

You can see the mess of wires I have from the ignition
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude030.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude028.jpg

I still need to cut out the carpet for the battery, but it works for now.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude029.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude032.jpg

Here you can see the AEM FPR, AEM fuel filter, and fuel pressure gauge
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/codyvlaun/Prelude.jpg

[Drummerboy]

next mod... either turbo or ITB?

[sprix!]

I can't wait to see how it turns out. Everything looks pretty good.

[DavidV]

next mod... either turbo or ITB?

I'm planning on Turbo in a few years. ITB's would be nice, but I don't know if I want them for a street application and I hear they are a pain to tune.