What Motor Is in a 1998 Honda Prelude?
The 1998 Honda Prelude is powered by a 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC inline-four from Honda’s H-series—most commonly the H22A4 in the United States, the high-output H22A in Japan, and the H22A8 in parts of Europe. In practice, that means all factory 1998 Preludes came with a 2.2L VTEC four-cylinder, with output varying slightly by market and transmission. Below is a detailed look at what’s under the hood, how it differs regionally, and how to confirm which engine you have.
Contents
The Core Engine: Honda’s H22 Series
Honda designed the H22 family to deliver high-revving performance with daily-drivable torque, pairing aluminum construction with a robust iron cylinder liner and the brand’s hallmark VTEC variable valve timing and lift.
- Configuration: 2.2-liter (2,157 cc) inline-four, DOHC, 16-valve, VTEC
- Block/Head: Aluminum head on an aluminum block with iron cylinder liners
- Induction/Fuel: Naturally aspirated, multi-point fuel injection
- Valvetrain: VTEC engages a high-lift cam profile at higher RPM
- Transmission pairing: 5-speed manual (Base and Type SH) or 4-speed automatic (Base); Type SH was manual-only in the U.S.
These fundamentals are consistent across the 1998 Prelude lineup, with market-specific tuning and emissions equipment accounting for the differences in power ratings.
Regional Variations
While the engine architecture is shared, Honda assigned different engine codes and tunes by market to meet local regulations and performance targets.
United States (1998 Prelude Base and Type SH)
In the U.S., both the Base and Type SH trims use the H22A4. The Type SH adds ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) for handling, but the engine itself is the same as the Base model when both are manual.
- Engine code: H22A4
- Output (manual): ~200 hp @ 7,000 rpm; ~156 lb-ft @ 5,250 rpm
- Output (automatic): ~195 hp @ 7,000 rpm; ~156 lb-ft @ 5,250 rpm
- Compression ratio: ~10.0:1
This makes the H22A4 the default answer for most U.S.-market 1998 Preludes, regardless of trim, with minor output differences tied to the transmission.
Japan (JDM BB6/BB8)
Japanese-market cars use a higher-output H22A with more aggressive tuning, often referred to as the “black-top” H22A.
- Engine code: H22A (JDM)
- Output: ~220 PS (about 217 hp) @ ~7,200 rpm; ~221 Nm (about 163 lb-ft)
- Notable traits: Higher redline and more aggressive cam/ECU mapping
These JDM variants are prized for their stronger top-end performance and are sometimes imported into other markets as engine swaps.
Europe and Other Markets
European models typically carry the H22A8, tuned to meet EU emissions standards while keeping performance close to U.S. specs.
- Engine code: H22A8
- Output: ~200 PS (about 197 hp); ~212 Nm (about 156 lb-ft)
- Market notes: Similar drivability to U.S. models with slight calibration differences
Outside North America and Japan, the H22A8 is the most common iteration found in 1998 Preludes.
Key Performance and Technical Specs
Beyond the headline horsepower, the H22’s character comes from its bore/stroke geometry and VTEC engagement, which balances midrange torque and high-rpm power.
- Displacement: 2,157 cc
- Bore x stroke: 87.0 mm x 90.7 mm
- Redline: ~7,400 rpm (varies slightly by market/ECU)
- VTEC engagement: Typically in the mid-to-high 5,000 rpm range (varies by tune)
- Fuel: Premium unleaded recommended for best performance
These specifications help explain the Prelude’s dual nature: tractable in daily driving with a strong surge once VTEC engages.
How to Confirm Which Engine You Have
Because some cars have been swapped or imported, the most reliable way to identify your engine is to check the code stamped on the block and reference the VIN and emissions labels.
- Locate the engine code: It is stamped on a flat pad on the front of the block (near the transmission side); look for “H22A4,” “H22A,” or “H22A8.”
- Check the VIN and under-hood emission label: U.S. cars will reference an H22A4; JDM imports typically won’t match U.S. emissions labels.
- Verify ECU and transmission: Manual vs. automatic can slightly change rated output even with the same engine code.
Verifying the stamped engine code and documentation ensures accuracy, especially if the car has a performance history or import background.
Why It Matters
Knowing the exact engine helps with sourcing parts, tuning, and maintenance—especially for timing belt kits, sensors, and ECU calibrations that can differ slightly by code and market. It also informs expectations on power output and compatibility with upgrades.
Bottom Line
For a 1998 Prelude, the engine is a 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC inline-four from the H22 family. In the U.S., that’s the H22A4; in Japan, the higher-output H22A; and in many European markets, the H22A8. Power ranges from roughly 195–200 hp in U.S./EU trims to about 217 hp in JDM models, with all sharing the same core architecture and character.
Summary
The 1998 Honda Prelude uses Honda’s H22-series 2.2L DOHC VTEC engine. U.S. cars have the H22A4 (about 195–200 hp depending on transmission), JDM models feature the higher-output H22A (~217 hp), and many European cars use the H22A8 (~197 hp). Check the stamped engine code on the block and your vehicle’s documentation to confirm the exact variant.
What engine does a 1998 prelude have?
1998 Honda Prelude Specs, Features & Options
| Save 1 of 2 Prelude Coupe 2D | Save 2 of 2 Prelude Type SH Coupe 2D |
|---|---|
| See Pricing | See Pricing |
| 195 @ 7000 RPM | 195 @ 7000 RPM |
| Engine | |
| 4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.2 Liter |
Which Honda Prelude has VTEC?
Fourth Generation: 1992–1996
The 1993 Prelude VTEC was the first Honda in the U.S. to use a new double overhead cam (DOHC) version of the VTEC variable valve timing system.
What engine is in the Prelude?
Riding on an all-new platform, the Prelude was initially available with an A18A or ET-2, 1.8 L 12-valve twin carburetor engine, producing 105 PS DIN (77 kW).
Which Prelude has H22?
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.
