Honda Prelude in Autox?

[Kurt Rahn]

Has anyone been competitive driving a third-gen (1988-91) Honda Quaalude si? I've always liked those cars, and I just saw one on Auto Trader for $750. They weigh a few hundred pounds more than the Civic and CRX, but they also started off with more power (135 hp/127 ft/lb) and a 2.0 liter engine. Some of them had four-wheel steering, which apparently made them less prone to understeer and a champ on slaloms. Plus, I've always loved the look of the third-gen. I've just never seen one on an autox course.

Also, is it eligible to run in the ST classes? It looks like it'd work in ST (4-seat coupe with less than 3.1 l displacement and no LSD), but it's not listed specifically in the examples.

[Ernest Limbo]

Vincent Wong in STX?

[Leonard Cachola]

I believe Lily used to run one.

[Steve Ekstrand]

I think they ran newer ones. More weight still, but more power...

[Mike Shin]

Lily has a 5th generation 2001 Honda Prelude which tips the scales at over 3k lbs, but came with a more powerful DOHC VTEC engine. But after we got the CRX and she driving Ken's Civic the Prelude doesn't see much track time these days.

[Lily Liu]

I call my Prelude a Moo-lude for a reason. the power advantage doesn't compensate for the weight of the car, IMO. IIRC, David Bauer weighted his 4th gen and it was 63% front weight. I think the weight distribution of the 5th gen is also about 60 - 65% front. I smogged it last weekend (it failed )and it tipped the scales at 3445 lbs. It makes a very fun track car though... for a stock motor Honda ... until you see freakin' Evos blow past you on a straightaway

I don't know anything about autocrossing a 3rd gen though. Just looking at the stats, curb weight of the 3rd gen is ~2700 lbs, whereas a EF Civic is ~2200 lbs. I don't think the extra 30 hp compensates for the 500 lbs of extra weight.

Yes, I love the way they look too. Then again, I'm just a Prelude fan :gpower:

[Max Hayter]

Kurt - do you fancy any of the cars listed for STR?

Eligible vehicles are:
- Honda S2000
- Mazda Miata (except Mazdaspeed)
- Mazda MX5 Miata (’06-‘09)
- Toyota MR2 (non S/C, non-turbo)
- Toyota MR2 Spyder
- BMW Z3 (non-M)
- BMW Z4 (non-M, non-turbo)
- BMW M Coupe & M Roadster (1998 to 2000)
- Mazda RX7 (non-turbo)
- Porsche 924& 944 (non-turbo)
- Porsche 911 (1984 to 1989 Carrera 3.2)
- Porsche 968
- Pontiac Solstice(non-turbo)
- Saturn Sky (non-turbo)
- Datsun 240Z & 260Z & 280Z & 280ZX (non-turbo)
- Nissan 350Z

[Robert Puertas]

The 911 even has a back seat!

[Mike Shin]

until you see freakin' Evos blow past you on a straightaway

PFFFFFT WHATEVER! I was passing you on the inside while you were understeering your way into oblivion!

[Vincent Wong]

Vincent Wong in STX?

Wow....I was missing in action for 2-1/2 to 3 years, and I'm still remembered. I'm flattered. j/k

Anyway, I did own a 3rd gen and a 5th gen Prelude. However, I started auto-x'ing with the 5th gen in 98. It was fun in the beginning until those Subies and Civics started popping up in STX and ST (or STS then). The Prelude became too heavy and underpowered. As for the 3rd gen, I just don't see it being competitive in ST. There isn't much aftermarket support for that engine and the car. Stick with the Civic, or find a 2nd gen Integra RS.

[Kurt Rahn]

Vincent Wong in STX?

Wow....I was missing in action for 2-1/2 to 3 years, and I'm still remembered. I'm flattered. j/k

Anyway, I did own a 3rd gen and a 5th gen Prelude. However, I started auto-x'ing with the 5th gen in 98. It was fun in the beginning until those Subies and Civics started popping up in STX and ST (or STS then). The Prelude became too heavy and underpowered. As for the 3rd gen, I just don't see it being competitive in ST. There isn't much aftermarket support for that engine and the car. Stick with the Civic, or find a 2nd gen Integra RS.

I've been looking into it and you're right about the aftermarket support. It's pretty crappy.

[Kurt Rahn]

Kurt - do you fancy any of the cars listed for STR?

Eligible vehicles are:
- Honda S2000
- Mazda Miata (except Mazdaspeed)
- Mazda MX5 Miata (’06-‘09)
- Toyota MR2 (non S/C, non-turbo)
- Toyota MR2 Spyder
- BMW Z3 (non-M)
- BMW Z4 (non-M, non-turbo)
- BMW M Coupe & M Roadster (1998 to 2000)
- Mazda RX7 (non-turbo)
- Porsche 924& 944 (non-turbo)
- Porsche 911 (1984 to 1989 Carrera 3.2)
- Porsche 968
- Pontiac Solstice(non-turbo)
- Saturn Sky (non-turbo)
- Datsun 240Z & 260Z & 280Z & 280ZX (non-turbo)
- Nissan 350Z

I fancy quite a few of them. The question is whether I can get one for $750 like I saw a couple Quaaludes listed for.