Two engine options were used: a 2.2-liter non-VTEC in base models and a 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC in the Type SH.
The 1997 Prelude’s engine lineup varied by trim and market. This article explains the two primary 2.2-liter four-cylinder engines Honda offered for that model year, how they differ in technology, and how regional specifications affected availability.
Engine options by trim
The following sections break down the two main engine configurations that appeared in the 1997 Prelude, organized by trim level.
Base models
Base Prelude models used a 2.2-liter inline-four from Honda’s F-series, a non-VTEC engine designed for smooth everyday performance.
- 2.2-liter inline-four (F-series, non-VTEC)
This engine provided reliable power for daily driving and complemented the Prelude’s sporty handling without the complexity of VTEC.
Type SH (Sport Hybrid) trims
The Type SH version of the 1997 Prelude used a 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC engine from Honda’s H-series, delivering higher output and the hallmark VTEC performance.
- 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC inline-four (H-series, H22A)
The H22A VTEC engine gave the Prelude its236s more aggressive performance characteristics, including variable valve timing for enhanced power at higher revs.
Markets and specifications
Engine availability and configuration varied by region. In the United States, the base trim typically carried the non-VTEC engine, while the SH trim used the VTEC-equipped variant. In Japan and some other markets, the higher-output H-series engine was more commonly associated with performance-oriented trims, and power ratings could differ slightly by market.
U.S. market
US-spec 1997 Prelude offered:
- Base: 2.2-liter non-VTEC F-series engine
- Type SH: 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC H-series engine (H22A)
These configurations provided the familiar 2.2-liter displacement with differing levels of performance and responsiveness depending on whether VTEC was present.
Japanese and other markets
In Japan and some overseas markets, the H-series VTEC engine was more prevalent for higher trims, with variations in output across model years and regulatory standards. The H22A-based setups often carried higher official power ratings compared to some U.S. specifications.
In short, the 1997 Honda Prelude’s engine lineup centers on two 2.2-liter four-cylinders: a non-VTEC F-series for base models and a DOHC VTEC H-series (H22A) for the performance-focused Type SH.
Summary
The 1997 Prelude used a 2.2-liter engine family across its trims: a base, non-VTEC F-series engine and a higher-performance 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC H-series engine in the Type SH. Market differences meant some regions saw variations in power output and trim availability, but the core distinction remained clear: non-VTEC for everyday driving and VTEC for enhanced performance.
What engine did the 1997 prelude have?
2.2-liter VTEC engine
So for 1997, the new coupe will be available as two models—the Prelude and the Prelude SH—and both will be powered by the top-drawer 2.2-liter VTEC engine, which now musters another five horsepower (thanks to a new exhaust header and revised valve timing) to peak at 195 horsepower at 7000 rpm.
What Prelude has the H22A?
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).
What problems did the 1997 prelude have?
1997 Honda Prelude Problems
- Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking.
- Misaligned Fifth Shift Fork May Cause Transmission to Grind on Upshift.
- Compressed upper damper spacers may cause clunking noise.
- Engine Leaking Oil.
- Faulty Master Cylinder Resevoir Filter Can Cause Brake Light After Cold Start.
What year to avoid Honda Prelude?
Reliability on Fourth-gen Honda Prelude models is less impressive, however, with the most problems and concerns relating to 1992 models.