delete

 

1) The alternator 'looks' hard to get to, but once you know how it's really not that hard at all. The first time though it make take a little bit of trying. I will say though it's easier on the EFI motors than on the carbs. The EFI alt I can have out in less than 20 minutes. The manual says to take the axle out, but you do not need to. Once you get it loose and all the electrical stuff off, slide the alt across the bottom over to the passenger side, and lift it out through there. You may need to move a few hoses around and take the intake tubing off, but it'll come out.

2) Yep, 2 intake 1 exhaust

3) I can't remember just what the flow for the head is, but I do know stock it isn't the greatest, so a PnP can help quite a bit. Regardless, a PnP can't hurt anything

4) A20's are bulletproof. Cast iron block, forged crank....they'll last forever. I've seen A20's boosted on the stock internals making 250 hp at the flywheel. Of course my A20A3 isn't turbo'd or modified in anyway, but it does have 363k miles on the original motor and still runs like the day it was born. Doesn't burn or leak a drop of oil, and runs so smooth and quiet you'll be damned to even tell it's running sitting at a stoplight. 99% of the time a properly maintained A20 will NOT die on it's own

5) The LX uses a Keihin 2 barrel, which I must say isn't the greatest. If you want to upgrade, look into a Weber DCOE (unless you have to do emissions stuff). Much better performance, and overall much better carb. If you keep the stock one, I would rebuild it, especially after sitting for so long. Or you could always convert to EFI, but that's quite a bit of work. Has been done several times though!

Good luck!

 

$15,000 in repairs, on an '04?!?! God damn... lemon law that piece! What all have they done to it? (or maybe 'haven't' done is a better word)

Anyways, no major failures with 3rd gens. A few little things, like the EFI cars the main relays went bad, CV boots tear, and if you don't use quality brake pads and rotors they will warp, and the carbs can be tempermental (like all carbs are). Other than that, as long as it's taken care of the motors and trannys will last virtually forever. My friends '87 Accord LX is at 313k miles on the original motor and original auto tranny as well, still runs drives and shifts perfectly! Basically yes, they are truly bulletproof, as pretty much any Honda is

http://www.hondabeat.com/highmiles.php

Check out some of the high mileage stories at the above link. Also check out http://www.3geez.com for more 3rd gen info

 

way to help out a noob 89_LXi.....i think i might be buying one of these older accords for next winter....i learned alot....

 

honestly, these cars make great beaters and daily drivers... if you get one in pretty good shape, they are cheap to run, too

 

"I Have heard" that you should fill an engine with kerosine for a few days and drain if a motor hjas been set up becasue it might be siezed, and that will desolve out all the crap. then AFTER ADDING OIL to the pan and on top of each cylinder, slowly crank it over with a wrench to get oil on everything and then you are good to go.
THis is just ancient mechanic advice.