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1992-2001 Honda Prelude Modifications
Weight Reductions
Honda Prelude Weight Reductions

1997-01 Honda Prelude
Stock Weight - 3009 lbs (1997 SH - Manual Transmisson)
Stock Wheel Weight - 18.5lbs each/without tires

The 1997-01 Prelude's weigh approximately 3042 lbs, dividing by the horsepower of 195, we get about 15.6lbs/hp.

The Base Models weighs approximately 3009 lbs, dividing by the horsepower of 190, we get about 15.83 lbs/hp.

Both Prelude models, including earlier than 1997 models will greatly benefit from a decrease in vehicle weight. Because the car is fairly heavy from the factory their are many parts that can either be removed or replaced to save large amounts of weight. The performance gained from these reductions is unmatched as you will have increase accelleration as well as increase braking, handling, and even an increase in your gas mileage!


Listed below are some easily removable items:

1.  Front Drivers Seat (32lbs) - Replacing the front and passenger seats with non-power or lightweight racing seats is easy. Seats like the Sparco Roadster weigh in at only 14 lbs a piece!

2.  Passenger Seat (32lbs) - The passenger seat can easily be removed by simply unscewing the 4 bolts holding it in place. This can either be replaced by a lightweight racing seat or removed entirely.

3.  Rear Seat (29lbs) - The rear seat is a little more complicated to remove than the passenger seat. When removing just remember where everything goes and it should be easy to put back in place whenever needed.

4.  Floor Mats/Front and Rear (4lbs)
- This has to be the easiest weight reduction available for the Prelude owner.

5.  Carpet with Sound Deadener (40lbs) - The carpet and underlying can also be removed for a quick weight reduction.

6.  Spare Tire and Jack (38lbs) - Another easily removable item.

Total Easy Weight Removal = 175lbs or about a 11.22hp increase on SH and a 11.05hp increase on base models..

Intermediate Skill Weight Reductions

The weight reductions included below can even prove more effective than some of the reductions included above.  However, once you start removing these items you are taking away from the cars overall appearance and in some cases its more predominent ammenities.

7.  Windshield Washer Reservoir (11 lbs when full) - Easily removable when not being used.

8.  Front Hood (44lbs with insulation) - Replacing the Front Hood with a lightweight fiberglass or carbon fiber hood is a great way to remove some weight around the front end of the car.  Total weight reduction will be close to 30lbs or greater depending on the aftermarket hood you choose..  If you dont intend on replacing the entire front hood you could also remove the sound dampener on the inside of the hood.  This should help in cooling your engine a little.

9.  AC System (27lbs)
- The A/C system is not a necessary component and can be removed. This can generate a substantial weight savings especially in warmer cooler climates.

10.  Stock Batter (40lbs) -
Can be located to trunk for weight distribution and replaced with lighter weight alternative..

11.  Stock Wheels (74lbs) - Can be replaced with lightweight alternatives, although normal upgrades to a larger diameter wheel 18"+ may not remove too much weight. Wheels in 16" sizes can however be found from 14 pounds.

Total Intermediate Weight Removal = up to 126lbs or about a 8.08hp increase on SH and a 7.9hp increase on base models.

More Weight Reductions

Stock Flywheel (20.5 lbs)- Can be replaced with lightweight aluminum flywheels or machined down in excess of just 10lbs.

Stock Steering Wheel (7lbs)- Can be replaced with lighter performance steering wheel with no airbag.

Passenger Airbag Removal (17lbs)- Can save some extra weight as well.  (Not recommended for normal driving)

Interior Panels - Both the drivers side and passenger side front door panels as well as the rear panels can be removed and replaced with carbon fiber alternatives to save in excess of over 40lbs.

Stock Speakers (14 lbs Stereo, Speakers,Amp) - With a weight of close to 2 pounds a piece these can also be easily removed.  The stock stereo, amp, and subwoofer enclosure can also net a good savings in weight.

Trunk - Can be replaced with lightweight carbon fiber trunk. Savings of roughly 11kg's.

Front Dash - Can be replaced with carbon fiber alternative netting a savings of close to 60lbs.

Replace Stock Exhaust - There are many alternatives when replacing your Preludes exhaust system. Aftermarket exhausts can weight significantly less than the stock ones.

Wiper Motors - Although they are generally needed under almost all driving conditions they CAN be removed if need be although we do not personally recommend it.

Total Advanced Weight Removal = Approx. 192lbs or about a 12.3hp increase on SH and a 12hp increase on base models.

Weight Removal Totals

Prelude Base Model - Approx. 493 Pounds Removed = 2516 Pounds or an increase of 31.14 Horsepower

Prelude SH - Approx. 493 Pounds Removed = 2549Pounds or an increase of 31.6 Horsepower

 

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