Ok just got my 1989 LXi 5 speed and have a couple of questions like what motor does it have and what to tune first. Or what motor swaps could I do on the cheap. I want this car to be a sleeper. New to hondasBTW

 

You got an A20A3 i think thats motor code or something like that. It would be bad *** if you could drop a frankenstein motor in there. You could do some basic bolt ons but i dont really know the tuning capabilities of an 89. Im sure there are some other people on here that are knowledgable to help you out.

 

http://www.3geez.com is a HUGE help.

there's a good bit that can be done, but don't expect the raw numbers a b-series can put down.

 

Engine? 2.0Litre SOHC Non-Vtec Programable Fuel Injected. Engine's pretty much bulletproof stock. Turbo Kits, cat-backs and such are available, but you'll have to search for the traditional go-fast parts if you want to go that route.

The only weaknesses this generation (3rd) Honda demonstrates are in two areas.
1) Body corrosion around rear wheel wells.
2) Ball Joint / Suspension - non serviceable

I've owned two (88 & 89), and the '88 I still blast down country roads at 228,000 miles.

Keep it maintained and you'll have a blast!

P

 

there aren't turbo kits for these cars. it's all custom if that's what you really want. they are iron block motors, though.

 

and the only catback available for our cars sucks. really no aftermarket support at all, but we have found that many parts from other cars can be used with minor modifications. 3geez.com, like he said

 

basic routine maintenance like air filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires if needed, change oil, change tranny oil(?), change fuel filter, check belts and hoses for cracks, check coolant, check brakes, check tires, check fuses if any blown, check & fix leaks if any, check timing, try to replace timing belt if do not know when last change, and keep up with the maintenance and treat it like baby. it wil give you many good years of cheap transportation. also feel how clutch is working, if manual, to see if it enages smoothly while shifting and not slipping when up on a hill.

my 18 yrs old son has 89 accord lxi with 230k miles and he travels all over and very happy with the car. yet he is taking pretty good care of the car.