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Thread: 1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

  1. #1
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    1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

    Pulled the engine assuming it was a 2.0 but the machine shop told me its not a 2.0. but the A18A1. I dunno if this was a swap or if it was original.Thought 3RD gen had 2.0 Can anyone decode the vin? 1HGCA6185JA09972 . THX!



  2. #2
    LXi User SZfiftyfour's Avatar
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    Re: 1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

    1- origin- USA
    H- Honda
    G- Passenger car built in US
    CA6- Accord coupe
    1- 2dr , manual
    8- LXi accord passive seatbelt
    5- check digit
    J- 1988
    A- built in marysville, OH
    09972- production sequence

    So yes it was swapped, assuming that vin is from the car you got the motor out of.
    The A18A engine was in 1984-1987 Honda Preludes in the US. Outside the US, it was available in the 1986-1989 Accords.

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    Re: 1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

    thx! saltlife.. The air cleaner and exhaust manifold looks same as 2.0 .Is the head the same as the 2.0 and could the block A18A1 be bored out to accept 20 over 2.0 pistons?
    Last edited by parkersnine; 08-25-2009 at 05:58 PM. Reason: error

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    LXi User SZfiftyfour's Avatar
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    Re: 1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

    no idea. Dont know much about them really.

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    3Geez Veteran Civic Accord Honda's Avatar
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    Re: 1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

    should be able to lol i think its teh same block

    1988 Honda Accord LX-i Coupe 123k miles.

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    Re: 1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

    Any suggestion as to pistons/rings? Was gonna use NPR. Kinda on a shoestring budget ... Local parts store sells Sealed Power either steel or chrome rings...

  7. #7
    3Geez Veteran russiankid's Avatar
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    Re: 1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

    There should be a stamp on the block stating what engine you have.
    Sam


    1989 Accord LX: Sold with 208k-now somewhere around 230k with new owner

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    SEi User Demon1024's Avatar
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    Re: 1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

    right under the bar that goes toward the front of the car on the head that hold the power steering hose. Right next to the tranny


    Looks like this but your's might be different

    Last edited by Demon1024; 08-25-2009 at 07:14 PM.

    "Weight is relative to power like time is relative to speed"

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    Re: 1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

    Quote Originally Posted by parkersnine View Post
    Any suggestion as to pistons/rings? Was gonna use NPR. Kinda on a shoestring budget ... Local parts store sells Sealed Power either steel or chrome rings...
    for what it's worth (go ahead guys, flame away) there's a company that's been doing a lot of business on ebay called JIS Engine and it's based in TX. They're very inexpensive, but I used damn near everything from them (main bearings, rod bearings, thrust bearing, rings, and freeze plugs), and so far so good. Granted I have 0 miles on it, but I've started it and revved the piss out of it, and everything appears to be ok. I haven't checked my bearings, but for the rings, I'm not getting any blow-by yet. I'll do a compression check soon enough.

    Perhaps I'm swayed by their customer service, which was outstanding. I bought a water pump from them (I don't suggest that) which was a crappy rebuilt pump. I called them and told them it wasn't very good, and had a little problem. They asked for pictures of the problem I identified. I sent them, and they responded to let me know that they would send me a pre-paid return slip, which they did do. Once they received it (which took forever), they called to inform me they got it, and that my credit card was refunded the total cost of the pump (a whopping $25).
    -Mark D.


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    Re: 1988 Accord with A18A1 Engine VIN decode

    Yes I ordered a rebuild kit from them thinking I had the 2.0. I called them hoping I would get the pistons and rings to fit. No luck from JIS with the 1.8 NPR pistons and rings. They decided NOT to charge me the 20% restocking fee and will refund that portion of the cost. I just returned them today so hope they credit my account as promised. Agree that their customer service was very good. Hope the parts are that good!

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