87-88 differences besides bumper

[Mike D]

I know that the front bumpers are different, are they interchangable? Is there anything else that is different between the years?

Thanks

Mike

[88' Accord Ltd]

the bumpers are interchangeable, the rear bumpers are different too, also interchangeable. The side moldings are a bit different. The hubcaps are different. There is a 10 hp difference in the Lx-i model but on in the dx/lx. Uhhh thats about all i can think of right now...

[blazin3gen]

yea i also got a question about this the steel bumper i got not the Bumper cover i got i think is from a 87 but i got a 88 lx-i anyways it looks wiered like it dont fit because their is this like gap between the hood and bumper so my question is, is it the bumper or the hood?

[AZmike]

88-89 LX-i's also have larger front brakes, stiffer anti-sway bars, and larger (14") wheels.

[Jareds 89 LX-i]

There were also a few other small differences, like the front grille, different pattern on the 'eyelids' and grille, sidemarkers, taillights and trunklid. Other electrical things were also different and not compatable, like the heat/vent/ac pushbotton controls are different (even though they look the same), the column switches are different, the horn pad is different, and probably some other stuff too. That and what was mentioned above is about it though, for the most part

[Blue Impact]

Gauge clusters are a little different.

[AccordEpicenter]

The 88-89 lxi/sei has the 4-2-1 header and a pipe, the dual stage intake manifold, different ecm, different black emissions box, the 86-87 fuel filler pipe is exposed in the wheelwell, and the 88-89s is not, 88-89 lxi/sei has nissin (bigger) front brakes, all other models have akebonos. The efi cars in 88-89 had 2 oxygen sensors and eacv valves, and the intake ducting is a little different. Also 89 sei had rear discs and leather interior. Pretty much all the cosmetic features mentioned above too... Blazin, its the bumper. Im currently running an 87 bumper and know exactly what youre talking about. Thats about all i can think of right now...

[blazin3gen]

thanks for your responce AccordEpicenter got to get that changed!

[ACCORD EX]

fuel gauge on 86-87 doesn't run when car is off ! on 88-89 runs with the car of !

MIKE

[carotman]

The Fabric inside the car is different.

The 88-89 has the side Vent controls under the steering wheel. The 86-87 don't

[SiR]

Originally posted by ACCORD EX
fuel gauge on 86-87 doesn't run when car is off ! on 88-89 runs with the car of !

MIKE

Thats strange, cuz my gauge still reads the amount of fuel I have even with the car off.

[ACCORD EX]

mine too ! but have 89 dash & bumper !

MIKE

[markmdz89hatch]

for 86-87 hatch's the seat belt mouted to the b-pillar, 88-89's were door mount. As a result the 86-87's had no door guide hook on the lower door sill. Hatch front bumpers always kept the 86-87 style throughout all years (86-89), and the "single level" side moldings.

Paint color availability was also different.

Sedan tails were very different as well.

[87accordDxRocFosStyl]

Im having the same kind of problem with my 87 DX HB. Wanna get the Kaminari body kit but its for 88-89 HB only, while the 87 kits for the Sedan. I was told that i need to switch to a 88 bumper on the back and front then put the kit on. That sound right? Can I bolt on the 88 front and rear bumper to the 87?

[AccordEpicenter]

yea, i think youd need to switch to an 88 style hatch rear bumper. Just to warn you no other rear bumpers will fit except the hatch ones

[badmonkeynobanna]

every thing I've read sounds right, but I have a question, do you have any input on changing the front end of an 88 LXI to a 90?

[AccordEpicenter]

like... with stock components? If you did that youre talking about alot of bodywork to get stuff to fit... why would you want to?

[Mike D]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm looking at an 89 Se-i today, wish me luck.

-Mike

[offthahook]

Originally posted by Jareds 89 LX-i
Other electrical things were also different and not compatable, like the heat/vent/ac pushbotton controls are different (even though they look the same)

for reals??? you sure? I know US and Canadian models might vary, but shouldn't they at least swap, even if the part #'s are different?

[Jareds 89 LX-i]

Yep....I'm sure. I had one from my 86 parts car (and I knew it worked cuz I tried it when it was in the parts car), but when I put it in mine none of the settings would change. The plug is the same, but the wiring pinout must be different. When I bought another one off ebay, I asked the guy for the part # and called the dealer with the part #, and they said it was 88-89 only, and 86-87 were different. Sure enough, this one works!

[anchovies]

88s are newer

[Mike's89AccordLX]

The sidemarkers are different. The valve covers are different. I swapped my 89 valvecover out for the alluminum 87 valvecover. I like the looks of the 87 valvecover better.

[SiR]

Originally posted by Mike's89AccordLX
I like the looks of the 87 valvecover better.

Damn straight!!!

[Mike's89AccordLX]

It has the emblem that screws onto the cover :super: I like it mostly for that. The H and the Honda Motor Company logo thing.

The 89 one just had the logo as a sticker and it wasn't as cool as the metal emblem thing.


I guess my 3G would be considered a Mutt. Got different model parts SE-i parts, LX-i parts, 87 parts (chrome hood grille and V.C.)

[Nate Bannon]

Dashboard vents on an 88-89 are some how different my mechanic had to cut them to get it to fit in my 87. I also had the climate control button problem and thanks to this post I now know my solution.