Lude Generation

Ok, I've had my 94 2.0 for a month or so now. We've done the usual stuff, (eg service) and also solved a joint leak at the manifold. It came to me with a performance pipe & filter on it, which I am in the process of returning to original.

I've never had a Honda before, but so far I'm a little despondent with its performance. I'm sure there's something wrong, but I have no comparison. It's like a rocket over 4500 revs, but 1st and 2nd gear are shocking.
Is this normal or am I right in thinking "something" is wrong?.....

Sometimes setting off from a junction it chokes itself up and dies and sometimes the revs drop so low that it stalls.

If it was a Rover Coupe, we'd know straight away and my last vehicle was a Chevy Astro 4.3 V6. In comparison to most of the other vehicles we've had, this has a poor bottom end. Is it just mine or are all 2.0 the same?

I'd be grateful for any advice.
Thanks,
Alison

The bottom end isn't amazing on most Honda engines, but it shouldn't die as you're describing. It does sound like something isn't right, but I'm unsure what would be best to check. I'm sure someone will be able to offer some suggestions shortly!

My F20Z1 Accord went like poop off a shovel, first and second gear were great too.

Same (or similar engine on the Prelude) and the 2.0i Preludes i have been in have all performed quite well. Not as good as the 2.2vtec obviously, but it sounds like something is amiss with yours.

Know any other 2.0i owners locally that you can compare performance with?

Are you 100% sure your exhuast manifold and downpipe are good condition? My old Lude had a hole in the flexi section of the down pipe and would drop revs at junctions etc. A big hole may also explain the poor performance low down.

have you tried an ecu reset or valve clearances, egr clean?

mercutio wrote:have you tried an ecu reset or valve clearances, egr clean?

best of doing the reset once you have standard air box on too

Thanks everyone, I've taken on board what you've all said. It's got a full stainless system, but we'll get underneath and check all the other joints.
Don't know anyone with a Honda at all unfortunately.

I'll let you know how we get on.

Thanks again!

Shiny wrote:My F20Z1 Accord went like poop off a shovel, first and second gear were great too.

Mine too, the power delivery was nice and linear throughout the rev range, and the accord is significantly heavier than a lude.

The 2L is the same lump as in the Rover 620 if that helps

Also check your dizzy for corrosion on the points, that can sometimes produce odd results

Not sure what engine is the 2.0 Prelude, however the F20B6 in my Accord used to cut out at idle due to a faulty lambda sensor. Is your check engine light coming on at all?