how do you determine the engine type? i have an 88 lx-i and about 10 years ago they swapped the engine to the next gen up, but i'm not sure which one.

 

Here is a list of all the years of 3rd gens with engine type and code... 1986 to 1989..

1986 Accord: 2.0L(1955cc), BS, 2bbl, SOHC 12-valve
1986 Accord LXi: 2.0L(1955cc), BT, EFI, SOHC 12-valve
1987 Accord: 2.0L(1955cc), A20A1, 2bbl, SOHC 12-valve
1987 Accord LXi: 2.0L(1955cc), A20A3, EFI, SOHC 12-valve
1988 Accord DX/LX: 2.0L(1955cc), A20A1, 2bbl, SOHC 12-valve
1988 Accord LXi: 2.0L(1955cc), A20A3, EFI, SOHC 12-valve
1989 Accord DX/LX: 2.0L(1955cc), A20A1, 2bbl, SOHC 12-valve
1989 Accord LXi: 2.0L(1955cc), A20A3, EFI, SOHC 12-valve



The engines that came with are as follows (and the chassis code for all 4th gens are CB7) 1990 to 1993

1990 Accord DX/LX: 2.2L(2156cc), F22A1, MPFI, SOHC 16-valve (single exhaust manifold)
1990 Accord EX: 2.2L(2156cc), F22A4, MPFI, SOHC 16-valve (dual exhaust manifold)
1991 Accord DX/LX: 2.2L(2156cc) F22A1, MPFI, SOHC 16-valve (single exhaust manifold)
1991 Accord EX: 2.2L(2156cc), F22A4, MPFI, SOHC 16-valve (dual exhaust manifold)
1991 Accord SE: 2.2L(2156cc), F22A6, MPFI, SOHC 16-valve (dual intake manifold)
1992 Accord DX/LX: 2.2L(2156cc) F22A1, MPFI, SOHC 16-valve (single exhaust manifold)
1992 Accord EX: 2.2L(2156cc), F22A4, MPFI, SOHC 16-valve (dual exhaust manifold)
1992 Accord EX-R: 2.2L(2156cc), F22A6, MPFI, SOHC 16-valve (dual intake manifold)
1993 Accord DX/LX: 2.2L(2156cc) F22A1, MPFI, SOHC 16-valve (Canadian models: LX/EX)
1993 Accord EX/SE: 2.2L(2156cc), F22A6, MPFI, SOHC 16-valve (Canadian models: EX-R/SE)

 

The engine code should be stamped on the block towards the transmission. It's visible from under the hood.