Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: A20A1 to A18 swap; or just part the thing out

  1. #1
    LX User
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Vehicle
    1988 Honda Accord LX (Carb <--*flame... FWOOSH*)
    Location
    Boise, Ideeho
    Posts
    182

    Question A20A1 to A18 swap; or just part the thing out

    Hey Guys,

    I was considering fixing up my Accord, but my A20 has a blown main bearing and the piston is knocking bad (plus oil pressure is 0 when it warms up), so I need a new motor.

    I found a local import engines show has a low mileage A18 for $950. I was considering going down there to offer them $7-800 for it. It has an automatic wet plate instead of a flywheel, plus a new-ish looking Keihin carb on top (but all of the rubber hoses were cut off from it). I've done a weber swap on my A20, so not sure if I could go back to using the keihin, but it would be nice to get the good keihin fuel economy again & good emissions I know I will have to re-tune the weber for the smaller displacement, or just plain get a 32/36 and sell the 38/38. that carb is just plain too big for the A-series, and tuning it is a major PITA for getting cruising AFR right along with the acceleration AFR. I tried all size jets, just don't think it's possible lol. (Plainly too much air at once, at part throttle)...

    Is this an ok swap, and would it work to pull the A20 intake manifold off my car and put it and my weber 38/38 on the A18 block & head. Does the A20A exhaust manifold bolt onto the A18A head?

    The only thing is that the car itself has a great drivetrain because I've replaced all the bushings, new CV axles, full set of Koni coilovers, plus 15" wheels with new tires. The interior is ok, though the drivers seat needs to be re-cushioned and re-threaded. I have a new wiper/light stalk in the steering wheel.

    There's 3 problems: bad motor, & also the doors and trunk are rusty as shit, plus the drivers door window motor probably had a screw come out because the window tilts at an odd angle and doesn't want to go back up the right way. I already have a full set of doors/fenders to swap into the car, completely stripped & ready for painting. The carcass does not have any un-treated rust (they were minor spots) but the right rockper panel has a rusted hole in it. I would also need to fix the AC as well (which I can do, as I've fixed & got an R12 system working this past summer); it would just need a new condenser & expansion valve.

    Do you guys think it would be worthwhile parting the suspension out? Would anyone on this forum even want that? I think I could sell the weber on eBay, but I doubt I'd be able to sell the wheels/tires without a hassle? Have any of you guys experienced this?
    Mods:
    - Koni super street coilovers
    - TSW Mallory 4 black rims on 215/55/15's
    - TRW +1.5o camber kit
    - Weber 38/38 with full emissions compliance

    If you want to purchase from me, you can pay CC as I use Square and can accept VISA/MasterCard/Amex.



  2. #2

    Dr_Snooz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Vehicle
    1989 Accord LX-i
    Location
    Fresno, California
    Posts
    10,638

    Re: A20A1 to A18 swap; or just part the thing out

    I don't have any advice, but good luck with whatever you decide.
    Dr_Snooz

    "I like to take hammers, and just break stuff, just break stuff." - Beavis


    1989 Honda Accord LX-i Coupe, 240k miles, MT swap, rear disc swap

    Shop manual downloads available here: CLICK TO VIEW

  3. #3
    LX User
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Vehicle
    1988 Honda Accord LX (Carb <--*flame... FWOOSH*)
    Location
    Boise, Ideeho
    Posts
    182

    Re: A20A1 to A18 swap; or just part the thing out

    Thanks Dr_Snooz!

    If you don't mind me asking, is $950 definitely too much to ask for a single-carbed A18 engine, with no Power Steering pump, no alternator, & no AC compressor mounted to itself?

    Reason in the past I didn't do the restoration is total time and cost of a professional paint job. I know it will look bad, but even if I spray it myself with a $10-$50 HVLP spray gun, it will at least be affordable for a 30 yrs old car.

    If I can sell the transmission & coilovers, then I think I will put an end to my bottomless money pit =)
    Mods:
    - Koni super street coilovers
    - TSW Mallory 4 black rims on 215/55/15's
    - TRW +1.5o camber kit
    - Weber 38/38 with full emissions compliance

    If you want to purchase from me, you can pay CC as I use Square and can accept VISA/MasterCard/Amex.

  4. #4
    3Geez Veteran
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Vehicle
    88coupe
    Location
    Marietta, Ga
    Posts
    4,084

    Re: A20A1 to A18 swap; or just part the thing out

    yea $950 is wayyy too much. if anything hit up mushroom toy and see if he will let go of his motor he built. I last remember its sitting in his basement. for a little bit more you can have a rebuild and bored a20 with a cam in it that will last forever.

    Quote Originally Posted by CAH View Post
    pullin up turbo spoolin fast lookin fly like a 3g like a 3g like a 3g

  5. #5
    LX User rushell's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    178

    Re: A20A1 to A18 swap; or just part the thing out

    i just brought a a20a3 from atl with 140000 miles for 350 complete 950 is way to much

  6. #6

    Dr_Snooz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Vehicle
    1989 Accord LX-i
    Location
    Fresno, California
    Posts
    10,638

    Re: A20A1 to A18 swap; or just part the thing out

    It's a great price


    ...for a newly overhauled A18.
    Dr_Snooz

    "I like to take hammers, and just break stuff, just break stuff." - Beavis


    1989 Honda Accord LX-i Coupe, 240k miles, MT swap, rear disc swap

    Shop manual downloads available here: CLICK TO VIEW

  7. #7
    LX User
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Vehicle
    1988 Honda Accord LX (Carb <--*flame... FWOOSH*)
    Location
    Boise, Ideeho
    Posts
    182

    Re: A20A1 to A18 swap; or just part the thing out

    I don't think it has been overhauled, I believe it is just an import motor.

    Here's the link, it has a pretty decent large picture available:
    1986-1989 HONDA ACCORD 2.0 LITER. A18A IS THE JDM REPLACEMENT FOR THE A20A. THIS IS A 1.8 LITER LONG BLOCK.
    Mods:
    - Koni super street coilovers
    - TSW Mallory 4 black rims on 215/55/15's
    - TRW +1.5o camber kit
    - Weber 38/38 with full emissions compliance

    If you want to purchase from me, you can pay CC as I use Square and can accept VISA/MasterCard/Amex.

  8. #8
    3Geez Veteran
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Vehicle
    88coupe
    Location
    Marietta, Ga
    Posts
    4,084

    Re: A20A1 to A18 swap; or just part the thing out

    save your cash bruh. hit up CL and be ready to make a drive if you find one

    Quote Originally Posted by CAH View Post
    pullin up turbo spoolin fast lookin fly like a 3g like a 3g like a 3g

  9. #9

    Dr_Snooz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Vehicle
    1989 Accord LX-i
    Location
    Fresno, California
    Posts
    10,638

    Re: A20A1 to A18 swap; or just part the thing out

    I'd like to change my answer. If that's a used engine imported from Japan, then that's maybe not such a bad price, especially when you realize that you can't find those used Japanese engines anymore. At least not around here you can't.
    Dr_Snooz

    "I like to take hammers, and just break stuff, just break stuff." - Beavis


    1989 Honda Accord LX-i Coupe, 240k miles, MT swap, rear disc swap

    Shop manual downloads available here: CLICK TO VIEW

Similar Threads

  1. A20A1 to B20 swap
    By OldSchool86 in forum JDM B18A / B20A Swap Tech
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 05-02-2010, 07:33 PM
  2. A20A1, can this thing be EFI'ed?
    By RamThis in forum Performance
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 06-06-2006, 08:59 AM
  3. About this whole B20A engine swap thing...
    By Spiderldr in forum General Engine Swaps
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 09-30-2005, 06:21 AM
  4. A20A1 Swap
    By troutz15 in forum General Engine Swaps
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 01-07-2005, 11:58 PM
  5. Replies: 8
    Last Post: 08-23-2003, 01:41 PM

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
This website uses cookies
We use cookies to store session information to facilitate remembering your login information, to allow you to save website preferences, to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.
     
Links monetized by VigLink