What Engine Is in the Honda Prelude Si?

It depends on the model year and market: in the United States, the Prelude Si typically used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (A20A3 in 1986–1987; B20A5 in 1988–1991), while Canada’s 1992–1996 Prelude Si used the 2.3-liter H23A1; in Japan, Si/SiR and Si VTEC variants commonly featured the 2.2-liter H22A VTEC. Because “Si” denoted different trims over multiple generations, the exact engine varies by year and region.

Why the Answer Varies by Year and Market

Honda used the “Si” badge on the Prelude across several generations, but the underlying engine changed as the car evolved and as trim names differed between the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Europe. Below is a concise breakdown of which engines were paired with the Si name in the most common markets.

U.S.-Market Prelude Si: Engines by Generation

The U.S. “Si” designation appeared in the mid-1980s and again for the third-generation Prelude. The engines progressed from a fuel-injected SOHC 2.0 to a DOHC 2.0, reflecting Honda’s shift toward higher-revving performance fours.

• 1986–1987 Prelude Si: 2.0L SOHC 12-valve A20A3 (PGM-FI)
• 1988–1991 Prelude Si: 2.0L DOHC 16-valve B20A5
• Note: The 1991 Prelude SE (Special Edition) used a 2.1L DOHC B21A1; it was not badged “Si.”

In the U.S., the Si badge signified fuel injection and later DOHC performance. By the early 1990s, the Si role was effectively replaced by other trims; the 1992–1996 U.S. lineup used S (H23A1) and VTEC (H22A1) naming rather than “Si.”

Canada: The Si Name in the Fourth Generation (1992–1996)

Canada continued to use the Si label through the fourth generation, aligning it with both the non-VTEC 2.3-liter and the VTEC 2.2-liter engines.

• 1992–1996 Prelude Si (Canada): 2.3L SOHC non-VTEC H23A1
• 1993–1996 Prelude Si VTEC (Canada): 2.2L DOHC VTEC H22A1

In Canada, “Si” denoted the well-equipped non-VTEC car, while “Si VTEC” identified the higher-output H22A1 model.

Japan and Other Markets: Si, Si VTEC, and SiR

Japanese-market Preludes used several Si-related names, with engines varying by trim and year. Generally, non-VTEC Si models carried larger-displacement non-VTEC fours, while Si VTEC/SiR trims featured the flagship H22A VTEC engine.

• Third generation (1988–1991) Si (JDM): 2.0L DOHC B20A (output varied by tune)
• Fourth generation (1992–1996) Si (JDM/other markets): commonly 2.3L H23A non-VTEC; Si VTEC/SiR: 2.2L DOHC VTEC H22A
• Fifth generation (1997–2001) SiR/SiR S-spec (JDM): 2.2L DOHC VTEC H22A (typically 200–220 PS depending on year/spec)

Outside North America, the Si family of badges often mapped to Honda’s H22A VTEC performance engine (Si VTEC/SiR) or the non-VTEC H23A in standard Si trims, with exact outputs depending on regulations and model-year updates.

How to Confirm the Engine in Your Specific Prelude Si

Because trim names and engines overlap across years and markets, the definitive way to identify your engine is to check the engine code. Look for the stamped code on the block (e.g., A20A3, B20A5, H23A1, H22A/H22A1), consult the under-hood VIN/option plate, or verify against the owner’s manual and build records for your market and model year.

Summary

The Honda Prelude Si’s engine isn’t a single answer: U.S. models used A20A3 (1986–1987) and B20A5 (1988–1991), Canada’s 1992–1996 Si used H23A1 (with Si VTEC using H22A1), and Japanese-market Si/SiR trims commonly paired with the H22A VTEC. Check your car’s engine code and market-year details to know precisely which engine your Prelude Si has.

What engine does the Prelude si have?

The Prelude’s Si engine varied across generations, including the 3rd-gen’s 2.1L B21A1 (140 hp) and 4th-gen’s 2.3L H23A1 (160 hp). The high-performance, signature engine for the later 4th and 5th generations was the 2.2L H22A VTEC engine, known for its significant power.
 
3rd Generation (1990-1991) 

• Engine: 2.1L B21A1
• Power: 140 horsepower
• Key Feature: This was a dual overhead cam engine and a more powerful option for the “Sport Injected” (Si) model.

4th Generation (1992-1996) 

• Engine: 2.3L H23A1
• Power: Approximately 160 horsepower
• Key Feature: This generation saw the introduction of the H-series engine.

5th Generation (1997-2001) 

• Engine: 2.2L H22A1/A4 VTEC engine
• Power: Around 200-217 horsepower, depending on the market
• Key Feature: This became the Prelude’s signature high-performance engine, featuring Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC).

H-Series Engine 

• The H22 engine is considered the Prelude’s performance pinnacle, with the highest torque of any Honda four-cylinder engine in its time.

Which Hondas have H22 engines?

H22A

• Found in the Japanese 4th gen 1992-1996 Prelude Si VTEC (2WS BB4 & 4WS BB1).
• Found in the Japanese 5th gen 1997-2001 Prelude SiR (2WS BB6 & 4WS BB8).
• Found in the Japanese 5th gen 1997-2001 Prelude Type-S and SiR S-Spec (BB6).
• Found in the Japanese 5th gen 1994-1996 Accord SiR Sedan (CD6).

What cars have a B20A engine?

B20A, B20A1

• 1985–1987.03 Honda Prelude Non-U.S.
• 1985.06–1987.04 Honda Accord Non-U.S.
• 1985.06–1987.04 Honda Vigor Non-U.S.

Did the Prelude si have VTEC?

This Prelude is powered by an H22 DOHC VTEC engine which was only offered in Japan. The engine starts right away, idles smoothly, and accelerates well with VTEC engaging as it should. The 5 speed manual transmission shifts correctly and the clutch does not slip.