Buckle up, folks, because this is the story of my love-hate relationship with a 3rd Gen Prelude.

Back in 2015, I fell head over heels for this car. But little did I know that the road ahead would be filled with ups, downs, and a whole lot of surprises. Fast forward to today, and I can’t help but share my wild journey with you, dear readers. Welcome to the chronicles of my borderline obsessive affair with 3rd generation Preludes. Oh, and spoiler alert—I still love the darn thing!

The Love-Hate Saga Begins

Once upon a time, in the midst of a personal crisis, I decided to dive headfirst into the world of project cars. My heart was set on an older Honda, and that’s when I stumbled upon a ’90 Prelude SI on Kijiji. It was a steal at just $900, with under 200,000 km on the odometer and a safety certification. I knew I had to have it.

I rushed to check out the car, even though there was another eager buyer in the mix. The moment I slid into the driver’s seat, engaged the clutch, and brought that engine to life, I was smitten. I made a deal with the seller: if the other buyer bailed, he had to call me immediately. Two anxious days later, my phone rang with what sounded like dreadful news, but fate was on my side—the other buyer backed out, and the Prelude was mine for a negotiated $750.

The Shocking Twist

Ecstatic about my new ride, I headed straight to the insurance company, ready to hit the road. That’s when I got hit with a bombshell: the car’s safety certification had expired just two days earlier. Panic set in as I realized I had bought a car without a valid safety inspection. I felt like a pressure cooker about to blow. If there were any issues with the car, it wouldn’t pass a safety inspection, and I had no clue what lurked under the hood.

In desperation, I snagged a 5-day travel permit for the car and drove it home, cursing my impulsive decision every mile of the way.

The Quest for Redemption

Back at home, I launched a Facebook crusade to find someone who could miraculously transform my Prelude into a safety-compliant dream. Days turned into weeks as I awaited updates from a mechanic recommended by a friend. The missed calls and unanswered texts piled up, leaving me wondering if I’d ever see my car again, let alone drive it.

Then, in the dead of night, a text arrived—a message of redemption. The car was ready, but it came with a price tag of around $700 for the necessary repairs. I wasted no time in sprinting to the bank, collecting the cash, and reuniting with my beloved Prelude. The paperwork checked out, and I could finally insure the car. The feeling of being behind the wheel again was indescribable.

My Obsession Unleashed

I practically lived in that car, driving aimlessly for hours on end. To my surprise, strangers even offered to buy it on the spot, leaving me baffled but flattered. Fueling my newfound obsession, I decided to delve into some research. I discovered that 3rd Gen Preludes were a rare breed—a bonus in my book.

However, there was a catch. The engine, the infamous b20a5, earned the nickname “bastard B” for its near-impossible nature when it came to modifications. It was the precursor to the popular ’90s b-series engine found in Honda Civics, Integras, Del Sols, and CR-X models. This meant that most b-series parts were a no-go for my Prelude, significantly limiting my options for upgrades or engine rebuilds.

The Engine Begins to Sizzle

As I reveled in my newfound knowledge, I couldn’t care less about the limitations. This car was my baby, and I was determined to make it shine. But, as fate would have it, after cruising around Winnipeg, MB, enjoying the springtime breeze, I noticed a problem—my beloved Prelude was overheating. My suspicions honed in on the water pump, a part the previous owner had mentioned.

Determined to tackle the issue, I peered under the hood and soon discovered a laundry list of other problems. While replacing the water pump was no cakewalk due to its cramped location, I took solace in my previous experience swapping a Civic engine (a story I’ll save for another time). Little did I know that my journey with this car would involve far more work than I could have ever anticipated.

Stay Tuned for the Next Ride

But fear not, dear reader, for this is just the beginning of my tumultuous love-hate relationship with 3rd Gen Preludes. The road ahead is bound to be filled with more twists and turns, and I can’t wait to share them all with you in future posts. So, strap in, and let’s continue this unforgettable journey together. Check out My Love hate relationship with a 3rd gen prelude – part 2 the follow up to this post.

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Question for the Road Warriors

Do you have a project car or a love-hate relationship with your ride? I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts! Feel free to drop a comment below, and let’s rev up the conversation.