The Complete Honda/Acura Legend Resource 1985-1990

Honda/Acura Legend (First Generation)

Production Versions
KA1: Japan-spec sedan (RHD), 1986-1988
KA2: Japan-spec sedan (RHD), 1986-1987
KA2: European/Australian-spec sedan (RHD/LHD UK), 1986-1987
KA2: American-spec sedan (LHD), 1986-1987
KA3: Japan-spec coupe (RHD), 1987-1990
KA3: European/Australian-spec coupe (RHD/LHD UK), 1987-1990
KA3: American-spec coupe (LHD), 1987-1990
KA4: Japan-spec sedan (RHD), 1988
KA4: European/Australian-spec sedan (RHD/LHD UK), 1988
KA4: American-spec sedan (LHD), 1988-1990
KA5: Japan-spec sedan (RHD), 1989-1990
KA6: Japan-spec sedan (RHD), 1989-1990

Production/Design Notes
Although the Honda Legend used the same one-piece headlight design (with integrated foglights)for all models 1985-1990, the USDM KA2 sedan featured a split headlight/foglight design (and different grille) for 1986-1987, switching over to the one-piece headlights in 1988.  In addition, while the USDM sedan interior was redesigned for 1989, all other market Legends kept the original interior, which can be clearly seen in the door panels and dashboard.  The coupe design seems to remain the same for all markets and model years.

History
What makes the Legend unique?
The Legend was one of two models that launched under the Acura brand in the US (the other being the Integra). It was the first Honda passenger vehicle to use a V6 engine, itself an all-aluminum 24-valve with a variable-length intake manifold developed from Honda’s F1 experience. The coupe was the first automobile to be engineered using CAD (computer aided design).

When was the Legend introduced?
The Honda Legend was introduced in November 1985 (in Japan) as a 1986 model. Production at the plant in Saitama, Japan ended September 1990 as the new (second generation) model was introduced.

Where was the Legend sold or imported?
The Legend was sold as a Honda Legend in Japan, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, and parts of China, and as an Acura Legend in the USA. Additionally, it was imported into Russia, New Zealand, and several other countries.

Production Data
Honda Legend:
1986-1987 V6 Xi 2500 (KA2) - C25A – Power driver’s seat, adjustable rear seats, power folding mirrors, remote locking/keyless entry, power tilt/slide sunroof
1986-1990 V6 Zi (KA1*) - C20A
1986-1988 V6 Gi (KA1) - C20A
1987-1990 2Dr Exclusive (KA3) - C27A - Auto only, leather seats, wood trim, power front seats, power tilt/slide sunroof
1988-1990 V6 Xi Exclusive (KA4**) - C27A – Auto only, wood trim, leather seats, remote locking/keyless entry, power tilt/slide sunroof
1988-1990 V6 Xi 2700 (KA4**) - C27A – Auto only
1988-1990 V6 Gi Exclusive (KA1*) - C20A - Auto only, wood trim, leather seats
1988-1990 V6 Mi (KA1*) - C20A
1989-1990 V6 Ti Exclusive (KA5) - C20AT – Auto only, power folding body-colored mirrors, foot-operated parking brake, leather seats, extensive wood trim, keyless entry, power seats, power tilt/slide sunroof
1989-1990 V6 Ti (KA5) - C20AT

*In 1989 the KA1 platform was redesigned and renamed KA5
**In 1989 the KA4 platform was redesigned and renamed KA6

Honda Japan MSRPs (in USD):
1986 V6 Xi 2500 - $26,800
1989 V6 Mi - $17,900
1989 V6 Ti - $21,700
1989 V6 Gi Exclusive - $21,900
1989 V6 Xi Exclusive - $25,100
1989 V6 Ti Exclusive - $25,100

Acura Legend:
1986-1988 Sedan (KA2) - C25A
1987 Sedan L (KA2) - C25A – Leather seats, leather steering wheel, 4-way power driver’s seat, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, heated side mirrors
1987 Coupe/Coupe L (KA3) - C27A
1988 Sedan (KA4) C27A - Power sliding sunroof
1988 Sedan L (KA4) - C27A – Security system, anti-lock brakes
1988 Sedan LS (KA4) - C27A – Driver’s side airbag, Bose audio system, 10-way memory power driver’s seat, 4-way power passenger seat, Driver’s Information Center, automatic climate control
1988 Coupe (KA3) - C27A - Power sliding sunroof
1988 Coupe L (KA3) - C27A - Driver’s Information Center, security system, automatic climate control, anti-lock brakes
1988 Coupe LS (KA3) - C27A – Driver’s side airbag, Bose audio system, 4-way power memory seats
1989-1990 Sedan (KA4) - C27A – Driver’s side airbag
1989-1990 Coupe (KA4) - C27A – Driver’s side airbag
1989 Coupe L (KA4) - C27A – 6-way memory power driver’s seat
1989 Coupe LS (KA3) - C27A
1990 Sedan (KA4) - C27A – Body-colored power heated mirrors
1990 Coupe (KA3) - C27A - Body-colored power heated mirrors
1990 Sedan LS (KA4) - C27A – Wood center console, fog lights, CD player/changer
1990 Coupe LS (KA4) - C27A – Body-colored rear spoiler, wood center console, fog
lights, gold alloys, front end cover, CD player/changer

Drivetrain
Engines (JDM/EDM-spec)
C20A – 2.0L SOHC V6
Horsepower: 143 @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 127 @ 5000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Bore/Stroke: 82×63mm

C20AT - Turbocharged 2.0L SOHC V6
Horsepower: 187 @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 177 @ 3500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Bore/Stroke: 82×63mm

C25A - 2.5L SOHC V6
Horsepower: 163 @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 155 @ 4500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Bore/Stroke: 84×75mm

C27A - 2.7L SOHC V6
Horsepower: 177 @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 166 @ 4500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Bore/Stroke: 87×75mm

Engines (US-spec)
C25A – 2.5L SOHC V6
Horsepower: 151 @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 154 @ 4500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1

C27A – 2.7L SOHC V6
Horsepower: 161 @ 5900 rpm
Torque: 162 @ 4500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1

What kind of gearboxes were available in the Legend?
There were several different gearboxes fitted to the Legend. The 5-speed manual had the following ratios:
C20A – 3.250/1.857/1.346/1.033/0.794/R 3.000/Final 4.200
JDM/EDM C25A – 2.923/1.789/1.222/0.909/0.702/R 3.000/Final 4.200
US C25A – 2.923/1.789/1.259/0.968/0.750/R 3.000/Final 4.200
US C27A – 2.923/1.789/1.222/0.909/0.702/R 3.000/Final 4.200

The 4-speed automatic had the following ratios:
1986-1987 C20A – 2.647/1.555/0.971/0.682/R 1.904/Final 4.400
1988-1990 C20A – 2.705/1.629/1.058/0.750/R 1.904/Final 4.533
C20AT – 2.764/1.500/0.972/0.707/R 1.904/Final 4.714
JDM C25A – 2.647/1.464*/0.971/0.682/R 1.904/Final 4.200
JDM C27A – 2.647/1.448/1.028/0.707/R 1.904/Final 4.266
US C27A – 2.647/1.555/1.028/0.777**/R 1.904/Final 4.266
*US C25A had a 1.555 gear
**Coupes had a 0.707 gear

Chassis
How is the Legend suspension set up?
The initial suspension system of the Legend used MacPherson struts with unequal-length control arms in front and a semi-trailing arm design in the rear. Antisway bars measured 26.5mm front and 12.5mm rear. In 1987, the coupe debuted with MacPherson struts front and rear and 27.4mm front/14.7mm rear antisway bars, and in 1989 the sedan followed suit. Steering is rack-and-pinion, with speed-sensitive power assist and an overall ratio of 15.9:1 on the coupes and 17.6:1 on the sedans.

What kind of brakes does the Legend have?
Every Legend has four-wheel disc brakes. The vented front rotors on 1986-1987 sedans measure 10.3 inches (262mm) in diameter and the solid rear rotors measure 10.16 inches (258mm). Sedans from 1988-1990 and all coupes upgraded to 11-inch (280mm) rotors in the front. ABS was available on L and LS models.

What are the factory wheel and tire sizes for the Legend?

All models are fitted with 205/60R15 tires, with several different wheel options. The 1986-1988 sedans were equipped with 6.5×14-inch 16-spoke alloys, all coupes used a 20–spoke turbine design, and 1989-1990 sedans came with 20-spoke alloys. Optional on the 1990 LS coupes were special gold “throwing star” alloy wheels.  A JDM option was a white-painted version of the 1986-88 16-spoke wheels.

Color and Upholstery Selections
Exterior Colors:
NH-509 Olympia White
NH-503P Granada Black Metallic
NH-531M Charcoal Granite Metallic
NH-92M Gothic Gray Metallic
NH-95M Blade Silver Metallic
B-29M Midnight Blue Metallic
B-37M Florence Blue Metallic
B-50M Melbourne Blue Metallic
YR-74M Ascot Gray Metallic
YR-78M Volcanic Gray Metallic
YR-79M Savannah Gray Metallic
YR-82M Bahama Gold Metallic
YR-92M Tuscany Taupe Metallic

Interior Colors:
Type A - Black Leather
Type B - Ivory Leather
Type C - Off Black Leather
Type E - Grey Leather
Type G - Silky Ivory Leather
Type H - Burgundy Moquette

Performance
0-60:
1986 KA2 auto – 9.8 (MT)
1986 KA2 manual – 8.1 (MT)
1987 KA3 manual – 8.12 (MT)
1987 KA3 auto – 8.5 (CD)

0-100:
1987 KA3 auto – 23.5

¼ mile:
1986 KA2 manual – 16.41 @ 85.6mph (MT)
1987 KA3 manual – 16.40 @ 87.5mph (MT)
1987 KA3 auto – 16.7 @ 86mph (CD)

60-80 (third gear):
1990 KA4 manual – 5.75

60-80 (fourth gear):
1990 KA4 manual – 6.73

60-80 (fifth gear):