The first application for the H-series four-cylinder Honda engine was on the tip of the Japanese market Honda Prelude Si VTEC of late 1991.

The H-series engine is designed for transverse mounting and, in the Prelude, is available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed auto. Transverse is equal to a front wheel drive engine, which is located east to west on the north to south axis of the car. Basic front wheel drive application.

Interestingly, the H-series four was never used in anything other than the Prelude, Accord, Ascot Innova and Torneo Euro R. Production ended when the K-series four appeared in 2002. It’s difficult to understand why the H-series VTEC engines – the biggest of all Honda VTEC fours – are largely underrated. They have proven very reliable (early ‘90s Prelude VTi-Rs are still going strong) and they’re one of the ultimate atmo fours on the market.

Being very friendly to the high performance market is one of the reasons these engines became so popular with track racers. Accepting such modifications as turbochargers and super chargers and other extreme performance modifications, with little or no structural problems proves that these engines were durable and efficient.

Because this is a Japanese car, it gives the best used engine suppliers such as GotEngines.com an advantage, that translates into a favorable situation for you, the customer. The advantage is, because of their integrity and time tested formula for success, the availability of a JDM engine for sale (Japanese Domestic Market) is made easier due to the large network of suppliers they have to choose from. The JDM ships thousands of low mileage used engines here every year, most of them have roughly 40,000 miles on them.

Another time tested avenue to pursue is a low mileage used engine from a wrecked or totaled car. Not every supplier has access to the most affordable low mileage used engines of this ilk. Only the most reputable and ethical companies have acess to the premium low mileage domestic engines. Trust me when I say “not every engine supplier has the credentials” to buy the cream of the crop used engines for sale.

Searching for the best price is one of the most important issues when one is in the market for a replacement engine. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot though, price is not the only reason to purchase an engine, the quality and long term success is just important. Read through our GotEngines.com blog. We have an article on the Honda H221A engine in particular. Read and enjoy.