I'm going to sell my 1996 GSR and hopefully get a 99-01 Prelude. I was looking for something in white or silver and it has to be a manual. I've been looking around in this forum for a little bit so I know a little bit but I have some questions.

What are the best colors? The light blue isn't bad. I dont really want anything dark b/c it shows every damn dent and is always dirty. Thats why I was leaning towards white or silver.
Preludes take premium right?
Is there really that big of a difference in the base model and type SH? I know it has to do something with that posi-traction or something like that but what is the real deal?
Anything to look for when buying a Prelude?
How does insurance compare to an Integra? Is it pretty high?

If there is anything else you would like to tell me, feel free since im pretty much a noob when it comes to a Prelude. Or if there are some really good articles to read, could you point me in the right direction? Thanks a lot.

 

A lot of these questions can be answered through fourm searches.

To help you briefly, however, the ATTS transmission on the Type SH is similar to an LSD but does its job very differently.

If you will be happy with your Prelude very close to stock (engine-wise) and you like what the ATTS transmission does, buy it. It's a great car. I own one and love it.

On the other hand, if you've got hot-rodding and serious turbo/performance ambitions for your new car, get a Base 5-speed. It will take to performance modifications to the drivetrain much better than the SH.

Both models are fantastic cars. The SH is very, very good but it just isn't always the car for just anyone.

 

most will tell you to get the base and install a LSD. it's all in personal preference. i have the SH model myself but be warned. it's a great car because of the ATTS, but it can be a PITA also. especially when doing a clutch job. most shops will charge you almost 800 bucks just in labor to do the clutch because of the ATTS unit.

 

Oh my god, Shingo. That's insane. Then you've got $355-$400 in clutch parts on top of that.

 

hour and a half to remove the ATTS unit, then another hour and a half to put it back on. the quotes i got when i was looking into a getting an Exedy organic clutch plate was anywhere from 650-800 just for labor. i was thinking of doing the labor myself, but when i found out i had to remove the ATTS to get to my clutch, i thought twice about it and would rather have a professional do it right. i love my SH but sometimes, i wonder if the trouble i come across is worth it.

besides...i hear that ATTS no longer works when you start putting out over 250 horses. can anyone verify that info?

 

I should really ask this in another topic, Shingo, but (and I'll keep it short) would you recommend the Exedy organic clutch for a non-track/event car that occasionally gets driven briskly on the street or highway? Does it improve the crispness of a shift engagement without being at an on/off level of harshness?

 

i really wouldn't know yet considering i don't have the money to get one installed

but i've heard some good things about them. pretty smooth shifting for daily driving and can still take the abuse for autox. but that's only hearsay. i haven't had any experience with it whatsoever cuz i don't have the money to shell out for the labor haha.

 

To answer the ATTS horsepower question, yes I have heard it said that over 250-260 flywheel HP the ATTS will shut off or fail. I can't verify it, myself, but I find it curious that Drag and F-Max make all-purpose 5G Prelude turbo+intercooler kits and say it is compatible with the Type SH, yet Greddy flat out does not support the SH with their "260 HP" turbo+intercooler kit.

My opinion is that if you want a 250-350 HP turbo H22, you've got to spend the bucks not only on the engine and tuning but also on a Base 5-speed transmission swap and also add in a 1.5-Way LSD and a semi-beefy clutch.

 

Hey Kfar09 I have a 1999 Prelude 5 spd. Base(So no ATTS), Red Exterior, Black Interior only 42k miles on it. Pretty flawless as it is, also has the OEM spoiler. I'm located in Columbus if you are interested at all... asking $13,500 for it. If you're interested, email me at 659acar@659-acar.com

BTW, Its all stock, all OEM stuff, its a great car!

 

Getting rid of a GSR for a Prelude is like ditching your Camry for an ES300. And the fact that the Integra is 300 lbs. lighter means it will be more fun. Get a Mazdaspeed Protege or Mini. How much do you have to spend?