Hello everyone. I'm new to the forum and new to Honda, and in need of help. Problem is, someone dropped a used motor into my daughter's 93 Prelude. He says it's a motor out of a 2000 Accord. I personally don't know what it is. Block had "F23A1" stamped on it, if that means anything. Valve cover says VTECH. The engine runs pretty good, but it runs close to 4000 RPM at about 65 MPH....it's an automatic.......like maybe it's not shifting into 5th. Car is originally an SI model with 2.3L DOHC. Any ideas? I've looked it over as best I can but don't a thing about Hondas.....guess that's obvious at this point..lol. Among some other things I've already managed to fix, I've found a sensor on the tranny that has two wires hanging from it, going to nowhere. There are two vacuum ports on the intake that are plugged with screws and two tubes at the fuel rail with nothing connected to them. Guy says he swapped ECU also, but who knows. He's obviously a jackleg who is going to be no further help. Can anyone please help me try to figure this out?

 

try looking here.
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-1990-2002-2/1990-2002-accord-faq-1664547/

 

Thanks......but not finding anything there.

 

i don't think you have a 5 speed automatic, probably 4 speed. i just ran into this website that sounds like the same problem you're having.

http://www.hondaproblems.com/Accord/...-failure.shtml

f23a1 means it's a 2.3L single cam, and i'm guessing it's a VTEC because of your description of valve cover. i hope it doesn't say vtech.

 

Hey..actually, you're probably right. After thinking about it, it's probably 4 speed auto with overdrive. I'm thinking it's not going into overdrive. Probably due to one of the sensors...guessing maybe a speed sensor...not being connected. This just kinda got dumped into my lap, and I'm trying to figure it out in my spare time. I'm thinking first thing I need to do is find out where the wires hanging from the tranny are supposed to go to. I'm afraid it is a VTECH..this is not good? The ECU is supposedly the one that goes to the engine that was installed. Should have done more research earlier, but I didn't have the motor put in..my ex and daughter had it done......or sort of done anyway. Thanks for your time.

 

lol I was just being a jerk about how you spelled VTEC, there is no 'H'. anyway, im guessing the 2 wires are for the reverse lights, do they work? have you checked the trans fluid level? maybe try a drain and refill and see what that does.

 

dangit i was just about to make a joke about vtech....but back on topic....thats a very uncommon swap. why dont you snap a couple pictures for us. whats the code on the ecu I would like to know what ecu he used. but yea could be either tranny fluid, vss or clutch packs.

 

lol....ok....sorry about the VTEC thing. Like I said I'm a stranger to Hondas. Don't have anything against them, just haven't owned one before. After a guy pulled out in front of my daughter and totalled her first car, she saw this Prelude and just had to have it....so I bought it for her. And it doesn't surprise me a bit that this is an unusual swap. Most everything that's happened since the so called mechanic got a hold of it was unusual. The transmission fluid is full, but I may try a fluid change when she gets back from school tomorrow. I'll also snap a few pictures, because I've got some other issues as well. Or at least I think I do. Some vacuum line things....or maybe not......I don't know. Never been much into swapping motors with anything other that original equipment. I didn't know what the guy had done until I picked the car up. And everybody involved was pissed off about something or another. One more question.....about 20 minutes after we picked the car up the fuel and engine temp gauges did a little light show and then went black. Are these backlit, or are the gauges fried? Thanks for your help.