Honda A engine
History
The Honda A-series engines succeeded the earlier EZ, ES, BS and ET engines in the Honda Accord and Prelude. Some of those engines were actually early A-series engines and parts between them may be cross-compatible There were several variations, ranging from the 1.6 liter A16A to the 2.0 liter A20A. All A-series engines have iron blocks with single overhead camshaft aluminum heads and are the last iron blocked engine produced by Honda. They came in both carbed and fuel injected configurations.
Technology and advancement
The A-series engines don't have VTEC system. Analysis of the head construction has showed that Honda was using valve geometry and technology several years ahead of their time. Also, the later model of the A20A3 and A20A4 benefitted from the addition of a dual-stage runner intake manifold design, 4-2-1 headers, and a more electronic form of the vacuum advanced distributor. The Programmed fuel injection engines were equipped with partial OBD-0 engine computers.
Aftermarket
The aftermarket for the Accord and Prelude A series engine has died out. Below is a list of some previous backers.
- GUDE: Head package, Header, Cam Grind
- DC SPORTS: Stainless Cat-back, 4-2-1 Header
- PAECO: Full Engine Build, Header
- S&S: 4-1 Header
- PACESETTER: 4-2-1 Header
- HOTBITS: 4-2-1 Header
- LIGHTSPEED: 4-2-1 Header
- MOSSELMAN: Log Turbo Manifold
Most upgrades and modifications to the A-series engines are of the DIY variety, with one of the more popular being a turbo set-up. Because of their closed-deck iron block design, they're especially well-suited for handling boost. Although some company's still produce Performance parts for the 86-89 Accord.
- Weapon-R: Intake for the LX-i
- PaceSetter: Header and Exhaust system
- NOLOGY: Sparkplug Wires
- Ground Control: Coilover Sleeves
- Sprint: Lowering Springs
- B+G: Lowering Springs
- Eibach: Lowering Springs
- H&R: Lowering Springs
- Neuspeed: Lowering Springs
- Addco: Sway bars
- Clutch Masters: Performance Clutch
- ACT: Performance Clutch
- Unorthodox Racing: Performance Clutch
- Extreme Dimensions: Body Kit
- Kaminari: Body Kit
- Xenon: Body Kit
- Carbon EFX: CarbonFiber Hood
A VTEC version of the A-series engine was never produced, so swaps akin to an LS/VTEC or "mini-me" aren't doable because no VTEC head bolts to the A-series block. However there have been attempts to bolt DOHC heads to the A-Series which are not at all as easy as bolt and go. The holes are not perfectly aligned, nor do the cam and crank sprockets have the correct diameters.
A-Series engines
A16A1
The A16A1 was a carburated 1.6 liter engine used in 1986-1989 Accords in the non-USDM market. This engine was known as the EZ in 1984 and 1985, non-US Accords.
Specifications
- Carbeurated
- Displacement: 1,596 cc (Template:Convert/CID)
- Bore: 80 mm (3.1 in)
- Stroke: 79.5 mm (3.13 in)
- Power:
- Template:Convert/hp @ 6000 rpm
- Template:Convert/ft.lbf torque @ 3500 rpm
A18A
The A18A engine was the 1.8 liter engine found in 1984-1987 Honda Prelude in the US. Abroad, it was also available in the 1986-1989 Accords. It was known as the ET1 in the 1984 and 1985 non-US Accords.
Specifications
- Carburated
- Displacement: 1,829 cc (Template:Convert/CID)
- Bore: 80 mm (3.1 in)
- Stroke: 91 mm (3.6 in)
- Power:
- Template:Convert/hp @ 5800 rpm
- Template:Convert/ft.lbf @ 3500 rpm
A20A
The A20A is probably the most plentiful of all the Honda A-series engines. It was available in both carbureted and PGM-FI versions. They were found in both Accords and Preludes throughout the 1980s.
A20A1 & A20A2
The A20A1 and A20A2 were the carbureted versions of the A20A engines. It was available in the 1984-1987 Honda Preludes as well as the 1982-1989 Accord DX and LX. They are the same engine, the only difference between them being that the A20A2 has no emissions components, so it has a slightly higher power output (hp and tq numbers for A20A1 only).
Specifications
- Exhaust: 4-1 Cast Manifold
- Induction: Carbureted 2bbl Keihin ( Feedback Carb )
- Displacement: 1,955 cc (Template:Convert/CID)
- Bore: 82.7 mm (3.26 in)
- Stroke: 91 mm (3.6 in)
- Power:
- Template:Convert/hp
- Template:Convert/ft.lbf at 3500 rpm
A20A3 and A20A4
The A20A3 and A20A4 were the fuel injected versions of the A20A engines. They were run by Honda's PGM-FI system on a partial OBD-0 computer. Again, there is no real difference between the A20A3 and the A20A4 besides the A20A4 having a slightly higher power output because of not having emissions components (hp and tq numbers for A20A3 only). The A20A3 was offered in the 1984-1987 Honda Prelude 2.0Si, the 1989 Honda Accord SE-i, and the 1986-1989 Honda Accord LX-i.
Specifications
- PGM-FI
- Displacement: 1,955 cc (Template:Convert/CID)
- Bore:82.7 mm (3.26 in)
- Stroke:91 mm (3.6 in)
- Power:
- 1986-1987: Template:Convert/hp @ 5500 rpm & Template:Convert/ft.lbf @ 4500 rpm
- 1988-1989: Template:Convert/hp @ 5500 rpm & Template:Convert/ft.lbf @ 4000 rpm (12 valve)