Inspired by the Mazda5 thread, 1G Odyssey...: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Jan. 7, 2011 11:55 p.m. 2002maniac HalfDork

I may be needing to up-size my family hauler in the next few years and love the idea of the mini-minivan.

I was bored and started goofing off on wikipedia. Comparing the specs of the '95-98 Honda (accord chassis) odyssey with the Mazda5 that everyone in yon thread is raving about: The Honda has a slightly lower curb weight, wheelbase=3" longer, overall length= 6" longer, 1.5" wider, .4" taller.

After some brief googling, I've come to find out that the H22 out of the Prelude is basically a bolt in swap and a 5-speed swap has been done as well.

The H22 has about 190hp/160lbs of torque which seems like the perfect type of motor for a light minivan even if you were stuck with an auto trans.

Throw some Accord Konis under it and lop a coil off the springs (or aftermarket if they're available) Put some decent rubber on it and I say you've got a minivan that would be a hoot in the twisties and still pull down 30mpg on the highway.

Anything I'm missing?

Probably more rear storage than the 5 as well.
Jan. 7, 2011 11:57 p.m. mndsm SuperDork

Biggest problem is gonna be the fact that those things are still worth their weight in gold. Or at least some people think so. BUT- if you can find yourself an Isuzu Oasis (the clone, ala Geo Prizm/Corolla) then I'd consider it. Also, they look HOT slammed out bippu style.
Jan. 8, 2011 12:01 a.m. Maroon92 SuperDork

I want the J series 6 cylinder/6 speed out of a TL Type S with an old Jackson racing supercharger...

sounds like fun.
Jan. 8, 2011 12:07 a.m. 2002maniac HalfDork

Would a '95 be preferable because of OBD1? I don't know much about honda swapping, but OBD2 seems like it would add a level of complexity.
Jan. 8, 2011 11:36 a.m. Nitroracer SuperDork

Sounds like the perfect idea when your wagovan runs out of power or space.
Jan. 8, 2011 11:49 a.m. eastsidemav Reader

That would be awesome. I like minivans, at least back when the "mini" part meant something.
Jan. 8, 2011 2:08 p.m. AngryCorvair SuperDork

hinged versus sliding rear doors makes this a non-choice for me. but i like the way you're thinking.
Jan. 8, 2011 10:26 p.m. Vigo Dork

Anything I'm missing?

Nope. You're absolutely right. They're cool.

I considered trying to trade one of my caravans for one (a 96 for that one) but as pointed out, some people still value them pretty high.

It's too bad because from what little time ive spent looking at and driving them, i really like them! I just hate paying for anything..