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Comments
Hi, my name is Bradd and I'm addicted to VTEC:)
I've finally been able to stretch the Prelude's legs out and all I can say is WOW! The 7+ month wait to get the miles under the car's belt was well worth it. I love the sound and the way the car just surges forward. I've got a big ear to ear grin everytime I drive it. Whether I get to open it up or I'm feathering the clutch in rush hour traffic.
Sphinx99: Do you miss driving the S2000? Also the fancy color keyed lower body moulding, but who's counting?
I'm with Sphinx on keeping the stockies on this season and then buy a set of Winter tires possibly over the summer or next fall for use next winter.
What are you guys running your tires at? I've got them at 32 all around like the door jamb says, but is anybody else having any luck otherwise?
axp696: If you're looking for a used Prelude, you'll be perfectly happy with a base model (5 speed of course). This coming from a Type SH owner. I think it was worth every penny:) No offense Himiler:)
Himiler, I'm with you on the winter driving thing. There are too many idiots on the roads with SUVs that think they are indestructable. Speaking of fun winter driving, while at home in the snow storm, I was tearing up some empty parking lots in my Dad's QX4 and then had loads of fun with my Mom's A6 3.0.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
The stock tires are fine once more, now that the earlier blast of snow has melted away. Unfortunately ice seems to have done a number on both windshield wipers.
I've been fueling up with 94 octane lately (as opposed to the regular 92/93) at a Sunoco but don't notice much of a difference. Do any of you use those STP de-watering things?
Now, the odometer just hit 16,000 miles, and I'm getting pulsations through the brake pedal again! And no, it's not my driving - passengers have commented that I'm not hard on the brakes. I enjoy the engine and the handling of this car, but quite frankly, my patience is wearing faster than the rotors. I'm seriously looking at unloading this car come spring.
Honda needs to get its act together with its braking systems - my 1993 Civic EX sedan went over 60,000 miles before the rotors needed to be turned. Granted, those were mostly highway miles, but I expect considerably more than 12,000 miles between rotor turnings, even with mostly urban driving. Especially on what is supposed to be a sports coupe.
Most of the hot-spotting occurs when you brake hard, and then sit at a long light or park the car without driving around to cool the brakes. There is the remote possiblilty that your calipers could be sticking, causing the pads to drag, but that would be idicated by rapid pad wear, which you don't mention.
NYC--Finally, you're a VTEC-junkie! The suspense was killing me. Just remember to keep an eye on the oil level.
Blacktalon--I think the increase in steering feel and tracking stability I'm getting with the Alpins (over the S-03's) comes from their narrower tread width (195 vs. 205), but the S-03's do tend to follow every groove in the road, making the steering busy on worn pavement.
grbeck--To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. I know that the rotors (also can be done to engine blocks) are immersed in a bath of liquid nitrogen (or something similarly cold) which has the effect of strengthening the crystalline structure of the metal, but beyond that, I'm clueless. Sadly, I'm not specifically aware of where you can get this treatment performed, but you might get results from a google search or by asking around on car tuning boards.
Finally, my car lightly smokes when it's floored. I change the oil every 3,000 miles and drive it pretty carefully, I mean, the Potenzas are still original and probably can go 7,000 more miles. I don't understand where the smoke is coming from. It doesn't show up under normal driving.
As long as your car doens't blow blue smoke on a cold start, it's not much to fret about.
Merry Xmas Everybody!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I still love my Milano Red, but I've got to hand it to you guys tht have Silver (Himiler & Sphinx), it is possibly the best color for our car. I saw a Silver Base Model with a Spoiler at night parked right underneath a street light. It was like there was a halo around the car.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I'm glad that you're enjoying your car! Mine's doing fine except for rattling from the rear deck speaker grilles whenever I have the sound turned up. I've thought about trying dynomat or some other sound insulator, but the stuff is expensive and I'm trying to save money. One month to wedding, two months to Italy vacation, and three months to my dream home theater! There won't be any money left by April so I'm saving every penny.
In either case, it's worth test driving both...
I happen to really like the way the Black Prelude looks. In fact, after I spoke to my dealer the first time, he called my back 3 days later and told me he had located a Black SH. I was tempted, but told him to keep searching and I'm glad I did. I had a Black Ford Explorer Sport (hey, we all make stupid mistakes when we're young:) that had crummy Ford Orange Peel Paint and that was tough to keep up. I can't imagine what it would be like to keep up the Black paint on the Prelude.
Saving Money...I understand all about that Sphinx. I'm actually in the process of saving up for one of the shiny rocks as we speak and also for a vacation this summer where I can propose. So you guys are going to Italy on your honeymoon? Sounds exciting. I'd love to go to Europe when our time comes as well. I'd eventually like to go and take European Delivery of an M3 (Way, way down the road). Sorry for clogging up the Prelude board with mushy stuff...lol!
LOL on the Black Accord LXs!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
What I really need is a car strategy. I've done too much car buying/swapping in the last two years and it's been a huge money drain. My fiance is going to need a car soon (hers is having a tough time weathering this winter) and she will not drive a stick or own a small car. At the minimum, I think she wants a luxurious coupe... something like the Infiniti G35c or the Acura CL-S. Or even a BMW 3-series coupe loaded up. But those are incredibly expensive. So, I have this feeling that my Prelude days are over because it'll have to be trade-in bait for whatever she wants. But then I'd have to deal with the S2000's lack of a stereo, and that would be tough. Or, losing the S2000 would make smart fiscal sense since I think the S2000 is going to start depreciating like a rock next fall and now is the time to dump it, but I need a convertible! Basically, what I want is a 911 cabriolet--a sports car convertible with a good stereo. Or maybe I should trade the S2k in for her car, sell the Prelude and buy a used Civic, save money for a few years, and buy that M3 as well (ED of course). Then there is leasing. I've actually been thinking about this--somehow switch to a S2000 lease, if I can hit under $400/month for a reasonable amount of miles for two or three years. Prelude gets traded in for mushy poorly optioned Audi Coupe or something, and I buy the best used Civic for $3k that I can dump miles on.
It's too bad us silly human beings are so impatient.
In your shoes, I'd probably err towards the RSX unless I found a Prelude whose history was clean and non-abusive, in which case I'd choose the Prelude.
I think if you buy an Audi or a Civic, you'll be back in the dealership within three months, shopping for another car...
So until I get a BMW M3, I will remain envious of you all Prelude drivers, and I will continue to lust after your cars, especially the Milano Reds.
In the meantime, the Civic Cpe is a fine car, plus you get that ridiculous fuel economy!
Sphinx99: I recall your posts about your S2000 from last spring and into the summer and there is no freakin' way you can get rid of that car. I know you love the Prelude and the S2000, but if you've got to rid yourself of one...
As far as a luxo coupe for your significant other, maybe you could trade in the Prelude (or sell it privately and make some more dough) and use the money to lease (depending on the mileage she drives) a 3.2CL Type S. They're always running lease deals on those cars. Plus it would be a fun car for you to drive pnce in a while.
Maybe we'll meet one day at the BMW ED center in Munich picking up our M3s together. I'm still undecided whether I want Imola Red, Jet Black, or WHatever the metallic black:)
I had an interesting occurance with my Prelude on Monday. I was driving home from work, after leaving from a traffic light. I ran over one on those 1/2" thick steel plates (not going more than 10-15mph mind you) the city puts down to cover pot holes, and BAM! It came up under me as I was driving over it. The result. 1 cracked rim, 1 busted tire, my exhaust system (from behind the resonator back) flew off the back of the car and across the street breaking the lower rear bumper trim, and partly disconnecting the rear bumper from the rear quarter panel.
I actually drove around for 2 days with just the resonator and to tell you the truth, I don't know how these guys do it with the coffee can exhausts and such (sign I'm getting old I guess).
I was able to salvage the muffler, so a muffler shop fabricated a new ehaust pipe and installed a new resonator ($155). The steel they used for the pipe is actually heavier gauge then the factor and I actually feel the difference in low speed accelleration. Sounds the same still.
I called about 5 dealers in my area (NYC) and they all quoted me $445 for a new Type SH rim. One guy even gave a hard you're in for a doosy laugh when I asked. I called Manchester Honda (CT) and they quoted me $344 including shipping (fedEX) so I went with them. They've got parts cheaper than other dealers.
I called a few places to get a quote on a Potenza RE92 205/50 R16 87V Tire and Tire Rack was the cheapest. They sold me the tire for $140 including shipping.
I brought the car to a wheel shop down the street from my store and had the tire mounted and balanced ($15).
The Prelude is running like new again. I still love driving it every minute:)
I started to teach my girlfriend to drive stick today. This way she can drive a little bit when we go away for 1/2 a weekend. She's a bit shaky on the launches, but executes perfect 1-2 upshifts.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
The rattle in the rear speaker grills is driving me nuts! Otherwise, the car runs beautifully. I loaded up with 94 octane at the local sunoco and the engine was almost silent even at 3k rpm, and it pulled well. If they sold 98 octane or some such here, I'd probably try it just once, just to see, even if it cost $4 a gallon or something.
My M3 will be either the imola red, or perhaps a gunmetal silver if there is one. I haven't decided on coupe versus convertible yet.
Everyone's getting good fuel economy? I still barely get 20mpg... must be how I drive
About the rattles, it seems in cold weather the car has tonsof rattles, but that once it warms up, its like the car comes together and you dont hear them often. If i drive off on a cold morning without sufficient warm up, the rear suspension sounds like its gonna fall off and there are lots of interior rattles. Come spring though, the car will be as solid as new.
ATTS is the primary difference between the base and Type SH. The Type SH also has puddle lamps, a somewhat stiffer suspension, the spoiler and body-colored side skirts. It weighs a little more, and is therefore a bit slower in a straight line, but it corners like you would not believe.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I seem to have an intermittent problem with 1st gear. It isn't just when the car is cold. I'll be stopped at a light, take my foot off the brake pedal, depress the clutch all the way, and almost have to force the car into 1st gear. Do you think I have a bad synchro? While it is at the dealer tomorrow, I will have them check it out.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
On the other hand, my shifter sometimes doesn't go into reverse. It sort of slides in there, but not quite--it's hard to describe. I usually need to keep the foot on the clutch, move the shifter into one of the forward gears, then move into reverse.
I was wondering if I should take it in. I'm worried that it may get worse over time, and that by then it will be too late to do anything about it.
Squeaks and rattles are driving me crazy... it will be interesting to hear if it gets better by the spring.
Other than that, the car is an absolute pleasure to drive. I'm putting on twice the mileage that I did on my old Acura.
I wouldn't suggest that you ever try to force the shift, as this may cause the forks to bend. Instead, put the car in neutral, let out the clutch, put in the clutch, shift into third, and then back to neutral. After you do this, the lever should drop right into first or reverse. (Sounds like a lot of work, I know, but it works.)
As far as all the little squeaks, buzzes, rattles and clunks go...I've got almost 100K on my '01 and I can say is that they don't seem to be getting any worse!
Thanks for letting me know about the 1st gear thing. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one.
chillenhonda: Thanks for the dealer advice, but Riverhead is out of the way for me. My dealer has a great service department. I just found out too that the guy who bought a Mercedes from my parents about 6 years ago works at the dealership in the service department. He remembered who I was and promised to make sure everything would be done perfectly. Keep your fingers crossed for me guys:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Despite the obvious shortcomings of the DX Accord, it definitely makes a great platform (for a car like the CL or TL), the steering provides decent feedback.
Sphinx99: You may want to check out the new Accord EX-V6 coupe for your girlfriend. I sat in 1 at the dealership and was pretty impressed.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Sorry to hear about your Prelude troubles--that really, REALLY sucks... I hope all is made well in the near future. Mine is still rattling a bit, and it needs a bath pretty bad, but with marriage in, uh, a couple of weeks, uh, um, yeah. Car stuff is about to go on the back-burner for a while...
I think the 5G Prelude looks better now than it did in '97. As far as the driving experience goes, a car with superior mechanicals never goes out of style.