The Honda H22A is the high revving 2.2L DOHC VTEC inline four that powered the Honda Prelude through its fourth and fifth generations from 1992 to 2001 and a small handful of premium JDM Accord variants. With a 7,200 RPM redline (7,800 on Type S / Type R), 190 to 220 horsepower depending on variant, forged steel crankshaft and rods, and DOHC VTEC head, the H22A is widely considered one of the finest naturally aspirated inline four engines ever built. The combination of high RPM character, strong forged bottom end, and famous Honda VTEC crossover at 5,200 RPM gives the H22A a soundtrack and powerband that JDM enthusiasts have been chasing for thirty years.
The H22A architecture shares displacement with the F22 family but is a distinct engine. The DOHC head with VTEC, the bore and stroke, the rod ratio, and the forged bottom end are unique to the H22 series. The factory output ranges from 190 horsepower (US H22A1) to 220 horsepower (JDM Type S / Type R), all from a 2,156 cc inline four with no forced induction.
The H22A is FACTORY only in the Honda Prelude (1992 to 2001), the JDM Honda Accord SiR (CL1 chassis, 1997 to 2002), and the JDM / Euro Honda Accord Euro R and Type R (CL1, 2000 to 2002). It was never offered factory in any Civic, Integra, CR-X, or Del Sol. However, its compact dimensions, B series style mounting, and ability to swap into the Civic / Integra / CR-X / Del Sol chassis with off the shelf mount kits have made it the single most popular high performance Honda swap engine of the past two decades.
Verified factory variants:
| Variant | Years | Application | HP | OBD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H22A1 | 1992 to 1996 | US Honda Prelude Si VTEC | 190 hp | OBD1 | Most common US variant. 10.0:1 compression. |
| H22A4 | 1997 to 2001 | US Honda Prelude (5th gen Type SH) | 200 hp | OBD2 | Refined OBD2 variant. ATTS on Type SH. |
| H22A redtop | 1992 to 1996 | JDM Prelude SiR | 200 hp | OBD1 | 10.6:1 compression. Red valve cover. |
| H22A blacktop | 1996 to 2001 | JDM Prelude SiR | 200 hp | OBD2 | Slightly revised cams. Black valve cover. |
| H22A Type S | 1996 to 2001 | JDM Prelude SiR Spec | 220 hp | OBD2 | 11.0:1 compression. Higher cam lift. |
| H22A Euro R | 2000 to 2002 | JDM and Euro Accord Euro R (CL1) | 220 hp | OBD2 | Highest output Accord H22A. |
| H22A2 | 1992 to 1996 | Euro Prelude 2.2 VTi | 185 hp | OBD1 | Euro variant of H22A1. |
| The H22A redtop (early 1992 to 1996 JDM) and H22A4 (US 1997 to 2001) are the two most commonly purchased used H22As in the US. The Type S and Type R variants are rare and command premium pricing. Call (240) 301-0095 to confirm variant availability. |
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| INCLUDED, Long Block | Block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, cylinder head, camshafts, valve train including VTEC solenoid, oil pan, valve cover, timing system. |
|---|---|
| NOT INCLUDED | Intake manifold (often donor specific), fuel rail and injectors, ignition coil and distributor, accessory drive components, ECU, harness, flywheel or flexplate. |
| JDM Imported Engines | Imported H22A engines often arrive without intake, distributor, and accessories. Confirm what comes with your specific unit. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
FACTORY direct fit applications:
| Honda Prelude (4th gen, BB1, BB4) | 1992 to 1996 (US H22A1, JDM H22A redtop) |
|---|---|
| Honda Prelude (5th gen, BB6, BB8) | 1997 to 2001 (US H22A4, JDM H22A blacktop / Type S) |
| Honda Accord SiR (JDM only, CL1) | 1997 to 2002 |
| Honda Accord Euro R (JDM and Euro, CL1) | 2000 to 2002 |
| Honda Accord Type R (Euro, CL1) | 1998 to 2002 |
The H22A was never offered factory in these vehicles, but each is a popular and well documented swap chassis. Mount kits, swap harnesses, and chassis specific parts are widely available.
| Honda Civic (EG, EK) | 1992 to 2000, popular H22A swap (mount kit required) |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic Si (EM1) | 1999 to 2000, popular H22A swap |
| Acura Integra (DC2, DC4) | 1994 to 2001, popular H22A swap |
| Honda CR-X (EE, EF, ED) | 1988 to 1991, classic H22A swap chassis |
| Honda Del Sol (EG2, EH6) | 1993 to 1997, popular H22A swap |
| Honda Civic (EJ, coupe / sedan) | 1996 to 2000, swap target |
H22A swap into Civic / Integra / CR-X / Del Sol typically requires Hasport or Innovative engine mount kit, axle adapters or custom axles, ECU swap or chip, harness conversion (OBD1 H22A1 into OBD1 Civic is the cleanest path), and shifter linkage. Plan accordingly.
Not sure if this fits? Call (240) 301-0095 with your year, model, and project (factory replacement or swap). We confirm variant and OBD configuration before every order ships.
A documented used OEM JDM H22A is the most cost effective option for most Prelude owners and swap builders. JDM imported H22As typically have 50,000 to 80,000 verified kilometers (roughly 30,000 to 50,000 miles), are pulled from low mileage Japanese market cars, and arrive in excellent condition. Our H22As are compression tested, variant confirmed, and OBD configuration documented.
A rebuilt H22A long block from a Honda specialty shop typically runs $4,500 to $7,500 depending on level of refresh. Standard rebuild includes new bearings, gaskets, timing belt, water pump, and resurfaced head.
A built H22A with forged pistons, upgraded valve train (Skunk2, BC), uprated head studs, and balanced crankshaft typically runs $8,000 to $15,000 plus. Built makes sense for high RPM naturally aspirated builds (8,500 RPM plus) or boosted projects targeting 350 plus horsepower.
Mileage on JDM imported H22As is documented from import paperwork. Where mileage cannot be verified, we disclose this clearly before shipping.
| Displacement | 2.2L (2 | 156 cc | 132 cu in) |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 16 valves | DOHC | Inline-4 |
| Bore X Stroke | 87.0 mm x 90.7 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 (US H22A1) | 10.6:1 (JDM redtop) | 11.0:1 (Type S / Type R) |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel System | Sequential multi port fuel injection |
| Block Material | Aluminum |
| Head Material | Aluminum |
| Valve Train | DOHC VTEC |
| Crankshaft | Forged steel |
| Connecting Rods | Forged steel |
| Pistons | Cast aluminum |
| Redline | 7 | 200 RPM (US) to 7 | 800 RPM (Type S / Type R) |
| Production Years | 1992 to 2001 |
| Manufacturer | Honda Motor Company |
| Engine Family | Honda H series |
| Compatible Transmissions | Honda H22A specific 5 speed manual (Prelude). Civic / Integra B series transmissions adapt with conversion bell housing for swaps. |
| Horsepower Range | 190 hp (H22A1) to 220 hp (Type S / Type R) at 7 | 200 RPM |
| Torque Range | 156 to 163 lb-ft at 5 | 500 to 6 | 500 RPM |
Every used Honda H22A Engine For Sale sold by Vaz Auto Solutions is covered by a 15 day replacement warranty from the date of delivery.
To make a claim, contact us within 15 days of delivery at (240) 301-0095 or info@vazautosolutions.com.
