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BetweenMiatas
23rd June 2018, 14:46
I test-drove another CRX Si yesterday. I've never bought one. This one was delightful, as usual, but very tired, and bog-slow.
I'm now thinking that maybe all these fellows swapping in DOHC engines might not be wrong. What swaps are good in these cars? What are the clues that a swap was done by someone who knew what they were about? What do all the numbers mean (engine names)?
Jesse H
23rd June 2018, 14:50
I had an 88 Si and swapped in a B16 motor, which was a 1.6L DOHC 160 HP from a Japanese Civic Si. Had cams and bolt ons but still wasn't that fast. The huge swaybars and 400/300lb suspension made it jarring but very fun.
Bill_Rockoff
23rd June 2018, 16:53
There are 1.6 liter Miatas newer than the newest CRX, and nobody bought a CRX to use as a 3rd car on perfect weekends. Sure they’re all tired by now, or $10,000.
Also, like the Miatas of the time, they were a bit over 100 hp and not much over a ton. They were pretty lively back in their day, but “their day” had 250 hp corvettes and a 55 mph national speed limit. Today’s 80mph fast lanes make up a differnt world. Their light weight makes them brisk as ever in surface street driving, but if you only have 125 hp you will notice that a lot of it is used up pushing you along at 80+ mph no matter how light you are.
ashtray
23rd June 2018, 17:59
Best to state your intended use of the car, and then what implications any engine swaps or modifications would make. Also what your local laws are for engine swaps or non-US spec engines.
Greasyman
23rd June 2018, 19:41
Get a FiST. Problem solved.
maarp
23rd June 2018, 19:42
Get a FiST. Problem solved.
Or, just buy a damn Miata.
jamesqf
24th June 2018, 01:24
Todays 80mph fast lanes make up a differnt world. Their light weight makes them brisk as ever in surface street driving, but if you only have 125 hp you will notice that a lot of it is used up pushing you along at 80+ mph no matter how light you are.
I don't know about that. Granted, I had an '84*, but I had no problems cruising around 80-90 over Donner Summit.
*Up until '03 or so, when I had an unfortunate encounted with water (must have been a burst main, 'cause it was clear & sunny) running over the interstate. Going backwards at 65 or so is not fun, and the engine was never the same afterwards :-(
MX5/XJ6
24th June 2018, 01:32
Or, just buy a damn Miata.
She already has one.
MX5/XJ6
24th June 2018, 01:37
I had both gens of CRX Si, both black, and loved them. I never felt either was too slow, even owning an LT1 Z/28 and Shelby Daytona (Turbo-II intercooled) at the same time. You could feel the lightness in the Hondas, like it was designed in. I wouldn't choose one for long distance highway trips (no cruise control), but that's about all they wouldn't be good for.
Did I cause this by posting that teal one the other day? LOL
ashtray
24th June 2018, 01:48
Here’s a Civic Si hatch with 90k miles and clean title.
https://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/d/honda-civic-si-low-miles/6615055005.html
For the prices some people want for a beat up CRX from the 80’s, you could get a much nicer Civic Si. Not sure the newer one wouldn’t be faster on the track too - though the CRX likely more fun/engaging.
One owner CRX Si:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/d/honda-crx-si/6614483380.html
MX5/XJ6
24th June 2018, 01:58
Here’s a Civic Si hatch with 90k miles and clean title.
https://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/d/honda-civic-si-low-miles/6615055005.html
For the prices some people want for a beat up CRX from the 80’s, you could get a much nicer Civic Si. Not sure the newer one wouldn’t be faster on the track too - though the CRX likely more fun/engaging.
"Don't quote blue book to me" Preach it LOL - I was selling a Miata years ago that was super nice, with stuff like ABS and hardtop, and the first person to show up tried the KBB approach. I said sure, you can find one out there for that price, good luck in your search. They bought mine. :rolleyes:
MX5/XJ6
24th June 2018, 02:03
One owner CRX Si:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/d/honda-crx-si/6614483380.html
"Windows newly tinted".........oh nice, finally got around to that after only 287,000 miles of sun exposure :rofl:
The Driver
24th June 2018, 02:05
I had an 88 Si and swapped in a B16 motor, which was a 1.6L DOHC 160 HP from a Japanese Civic Si. Had cams and bolt ons but still wasn't that fast. The huge swaybars and 400/300lb suspension made it jarring but very fun.
Everyone in I knew in FL that did that swap, wasn't able to hook the a/c, was that your experience also?
I drove them, and other than missing the a/c, I thought they were a HOOT!
ashtray
24th June 2018, 02:59
When you’re ready to step up to the big boy league, buy yourself a Subaru STi and rule all at the track. :cool:
maarp
24th June 2018, 08:04
She already has one.
So, her entire on-line persona is a huge lie?? :eek: "BetweenMiatas" means there are two, not zero? :confused::bang:
MX5/XJ6
24th June 2018, 11:05
So, her entire on-line persona is a huge lie?? :eek: "BetweenMiatas" means there are two, not zero? :confused::bang:
It's not a lie if it's accurate when you create the account :bang:
At one point I could've signed up and called myself White94Miata, but today it wouldn't be accurate.
planetom
24th June 2018, 11:10
Another former owner here, I had a 1991 CRX Si that I finally sold with about 260K miles.
Probably my second favorite car I've ever owned.
Bone stock when I bought it slightly used, the only mods I did were a bit of suspension work; better shocks and adjustable sway bars. It was fast enough for my taste and use, but the improved handling suited my use and driving preferences. A bit of fiddling with swaybar adjustments brought it's handling balance as close to neutral (in an unaccellerated condition) as I could ask for. It was my only car for years, so it was backroad plaything, commuter, cross country trekker, camping/fishing/ hiking transport on Forest Service roads, whatever needed doing, so it was getting tired by the time I sold it.
As good a car as it started out, many forget that it was a mildly sporty version of an economy car, 72 HP and tall fuel economy gears in the HF version. Many of the Si reviews at the time commented on body roll and manual steering that had great feedback but was slow reacting on-center. The upgrade to shocks and sways cured that, made the steering response quite good.
The US version of the Si had 108 hp. I never felt it was underpowered, it carried me and my stuff over 10,000 ft Sierra passes easily on many occasions. Like Miata and many other cars, it could have used more grunt, but "need" is a different question. Here in the US we never got the Vt version of the CRX with the 150 hp Vtec engine. I had a chance to drive one in Sardinia in 1992, and it was a blast. I convinced the dealer to allow a test drive by claiming that the 2 month gig might turn into a permanent job and I'd need a car.
Folks swapping in the Vtec engines are just duplicating what the factory did in other markets. I don't know what other changes the Vt had, like better brakes, etc.
As others have mentioned, it's hard to find one without a zillion miles on it, on average they were well used.
Bottom line for me- if they offered it for sale as a new car in exactly they same spec as 1991, would I buy it? Without hesitation. A couple simple suspension bits (like a Miata) and it's just fine.
You commented that the one you drove was tired and bog slow. At 260K, mine was showing age. The engine had started using a bit of oil around 230K, not much but a change from none. The suspension bushings definitely needed changing, and the transmission input shaft bearing was making a little noise. I knew if I kept it everything would need a refresh, including the engine. While researching that, I noticed in the factory shop manual that the nominal piston-cylinder clearance was under .001 inch! Surprised by that, I called a friend who ran an auto parts/ engine rebuild shop in another part of the state. Thinking I would need new pistons, etc, I asked if it was really possible to cut a cylinder to that tolerance. Familiar with that engine, he replied that it is, but requires a really good machine and patience, it can't be done quickly. Then he surprised me by telling me it wasn't necessary. If building the engine into stock form, the pistons would not need replacing unless damaged. New rings and a hone to break the glaze and they are fine. The he told me that unless the crankshaft was damaged, leave it alone, don't let anyone turn it, it will be round, just change the bearings.
I had planned to ship him the engine if I decided to refresh the car, but i told him he had talked me out of that plan. Without the heavy machining, I could do it local, I'd just farm out the valve job.
Mk1Racer
24th June 2018, 11:31
In the mid-90s, a fiend had a first gen Si with a B16A swap, and a nicely tuned suspension. He and I had many fun drives, he in his Si, and me in my 2.0 Rabbit GTI. His car was slightly quicker, but they were both fun.
BetweenMiatas
24th June 2018, 13:38
Or, just buy a damn Miata.
I have a Miata. What modifications do I need to do make it into a damn Miata?
;)
BetweenMiatas
24th June 2018, 13:42
Best to state your intended use of the car, and then what implications any engine swaps or modifications would make. Also what your local laws are for engine swaps or non-US spec engines.
Just a fun around town car. No smog laws whatsoever.
BetweenMiatas
24th June 2018, 13:43
I had both gens of CRX Si, both black, and loved them. I never felt either was too slow, even owning an LT1 Z/28 and Shelby Daytona (Turbo-II intercooled) at the same time. You could feel the lightness in the Hondas, like it was designed in. I wouldn't choose one for long distance highway trips (no cruise control), but that's about all they wouldn't be good for.
Did I cause this by posting that teal one the other day? LOL
No. It's a latent desire that's always there. :)
BetweenMiatas
24th June 2018, 13:45
One owner CRX Si:
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/d/honda-crx-si/6614483380.html
Sweet!
BetweenMiatas
24th June 2018, 13:46
So, her entire on-line persona is a huge lie?? :eek: "BetweenMiatas" means there are two, not zero? :confused::bang:
So there were none when I changed my username. Now I have one. I guess I should buy another. Sorry for misleading you. :)
I have a Miata. What modifications do I need to do make it into a damn Miata?
;)
Put VTEC stickers on it.
01SEBRG
24th June 2018, 14:00
I'd love to own one.
Wish I had bought one New when they came out, I'm guessing I would still own it, as long as it wasn't stolen. A friend had one stolen.
Mk1Racer
24th June 2018, 14:50
I'd love to own one.
Wish I had bought one New when they came out, I'm guessing I would still own it, as long as it wasn't stolen. A friend had one stolen.Or it didn't rot to pieces. Rare that you see a 1st gen on the road w/o the rear wheel arches totally gone
planetom
24th June 2018, 18:10
One other thought- make sure that the advertised one is actually an Si version.
When I was looking, before I purchased mine, I checked out two used ones at different dealers that had Si badges on them, but were not really Si. Some differences were obvious even walking towards the cars. All Si's had sunroof, it was standard. Neither of these had sunroof. Both had drum brakes on the back- Si had disc. Opening the hood showed that they had the "throttle body" single point fuel injection of the smaller engines- Si had port injection.
These used car dealers may have paid someone for an Si, but they didn't get one. I sometimes wonder how much they really check what they have.
Many years later I was interested in getting a CRZ as a fun commuter. There was a used one at a local Honda dealer, big sign on it saying full warranty. I asked the salesman if that full warranty covered the suspension even with the aftermarket lowering springs on it. He said it was stock and everything was covered. I pointed at the new CRZ's across the lot, they were obviously higher, and on the used car the bright red springs were clearly different than the black springs on every other car there. Of course a quick call to Honda Customer support clarified that warranty would likely be denied on any suspension issues. I told the salesman that unless their dealership agreed in writing to cover the suspension themselves, the "full warranty" claim meant little.
No sale.
The Driver
24th June 2018, 19:50
Or it didn't rot to pieces. Rare that you see a 1st gen on the road w/o the rear wheel arches totally gone
Huh? A. an 88 would not be a 1st gen, but a 2nd Gen. I had a red '86 CRX Si, which was a first gen. The chick I dated on my sophmore year of college, had a black 87 Si, also a first gen.
NEITHER car, rusted in the rear arches, though my front fenders had cracks, and the nose completely desintegrated, which I replaced with a black unpainted replacement one.
My car did rust a bit on the sunroof, hers didn't, and prior to attending college in Tampa, Karen moved from Miami.
The paint in my car turned a hue of "pink". When waxed, it looked decent on natural sunlight, but at night, the car looked pink!
OldDave
25th June 2018, 07:41
The paint in my car turned a hue of "pink".
As you know, Florida. Red cars fade to pink. Hell, the stop signs in South Florida turn pink.
eunosfan
25th June 2018, 07:49
Another former owner here, I had a 1991 CRX Si that I finally sold with about 260K miles.
Probably my second favorite car I've ever owned.
Bone stock when I bought it slightly used, the only mods I did were a bit of suspension work; better shocks and adjustable sway bars. It was fast enough for my taste and use, but the improved handling suited my use and driving preferences. A bit of fiddling with swaybar adjustments brought it's handling balance as close to neutral (in an unaccellerated condition) as I could ask for. It was my only car for years, so it was backroad plaything, commuter, cross country trekker, camping/fishing/ hiking transport on Forest Service roads, whatever needed doing, so it was getting tired by the time I sold it.
As good a car as it started out, many forget that it was a mildly sporty version of an economy car, 72 HP and tall fuel economy gears in the HF version. Many of the Si reviews at the time commented on body roll and manual steering that had great feedback but was slow reacting on-center. The upgrade to shocks and sways cured that, made the steering response quite good.
The US version of the Si had 108 hp. I never felt it was underpowered, it carried me and my stuff over 10,000 ft Sierra passes easily on many occasions. Like Miata and many other cars, it could have used more grunt, but "need" is a different question. Here in the US we never got the Vt version of the CRX with the 150 hp Vtec engine. I had a chance to drive one in Sardinia in 1992, and it was a blast. I convinced the dealer to allow a test drive by claiming that the 2 month gig might turn into a permanent job and I'd need a car.
Folks swapping in the Vtec engines are just duplicating what the factory did in other markets. I don't know what other changes the Vt had, like better brakes, etc.
As others have mentioned, it's hard to find one without a zillion miles on it, on average they were well used.
Bottom line for me- if they offered it for sale as a new car in exactly they same spec as 1991, would I buy it? Without hesitation. A couple simple suspension bits (like a Miata) and it's just fine.
You commented that the one you drove was tired and bog slow. At 260K, mine was showing age. The engine had started using a bit of oil around 230K, not much but a change from none. The suspension bushings definitely needed changing, and the transmission input shaft bearing was making a little noise. I knew if I kept it everything would need a refresh, including the engine. While researching that, I noticed in the factory shop manual that the nominal piston-cylinder clearance was under .001 inch! Surprised by that, I called a friend who ran an auto parts/ engine rebuild shop in another part of the state. Thinking I would need new pistons, etc, I asked if it was really possible to cut a cylinder to that tolerance. Familiar with that engine, he replied that it is, but requires a really good machine and patience, it can't be done quickly. Then he surprised me by telling me it wasn't necessary. If building the engine into stock form, the pistons would not need replacing unless damaged. New rings and a hone to break the glaze and they are fine. The he told me that unless the crankshaft was damaged, leave it alone, don't let anyone turn it, it will be round, just change the bearings.
I had planned to ship him the engine if I decided to refresh the car, but i told him he had talked me out of that plan. Without the heavy machining, I could do it local, I'd just farm out the valve job.
I had the HF in Alabama. It was fun to drive, and light enough to push start one handed. Europe might have gotten a 1.6VT, Japan got a 1.5VT.
It seems to me that the surviving cars should be preserved with the original specification. They are collectors items now.
JT58
25th June 2018, 08:00
Drop in a K20 SI engine in it. those CRX Si's were fun in the day. I remember when I had my 83 GTI brand new, traveling from MA to Stamford CT once a week and I would run into a CRX SI- that car was as quick if not quicker than my GTI- which was very quick and fun for 1983.
Gammaradiation
25th June 2018, 11:33
Buddy in HS had a rex with a B18 swapped out of an integra. Those old Honda's are like legos. It was a blast. I have a soft spot for CRXs because of that car, I am not a Honda fan at all.
The Driver
25th June 2018, 11:55
As you know, Florida. Red cars fade to pink. Hell, the stop signs in South Florida turn pink.
I've only had two red cars in FL (or anywhere else, as the color got old to me), and the CRX was the one which spend the least time shelter in a garage. The other was a Porsche 944S, and I'll be darn if that car didn't spent most of it parked life under some kind of shelter! :D
BAT Miata
25th June 2018, 11:56
Years ago my friend and i swapped my FC and his CRX Si.
I immediately noticed the open space feeling of the CRX.
It was also much lighter.
But FWD and front weight biased made the car less balanced feeling as the RX7.
Still it's the ONLY FWD car I would own.
nashcarr
25th June 2018, 11:57
My very first brand new car that I ever purchased was a 1989 CRX Si, US Spec but I purchased it while stationed in Germany. What a great car, it did not come with AC. Drove it 115mph everyday on the way to work. I sold it in 1996 (bought a Mitsubishi Montero) and it had close to 165,000 miles on it. I never changed the timing belt and water pump (was broke and in college after Army). 3 sets of tires, 2 batteries, 3 or 4 sets of brakes and 1 brake booster that died. Drove it all over Europe before shipping it back to USA. It cost $12,000 brand new, which included shipping back to USA.
BDG
25th June 2018, 18:38
When youre ready to step up to the big boy league, buy yourself a Subaru STi and rule all at the track. :cool:
Lol yeah: Bring a spare engine and hope a vette doesnt show up.
ashtray
26th June 2018, 03:07
Lol yeah: Bring a spare engine and hope a vette doesnt show up.
BTW, my comment was said extremely tongue in cheek since the OP has a collection of cars to choose from including a brand new STi type RA. Why they want a CRX Si... ok, I understand as a cheap track beater (gut it, cage it, race it), but not for an around town vehicle.
Jesse H
26th June 2018, 11:22
Everyone in I knew in FL that did that swap, wasn't able to hook the a/c, was that your experience also?
I drove them, and other than missing the a/c, I thought they were a HOOT!
It's been almost 20 years, but I remember using a bracket from the same company that made my engine mounts and shift linkages.
Braamer
27th June 2018, 10:56
I had an 88 CRX Si in the early 2000s, and I absolutely loved the car.
Red_5
28th June 2018, 13:37
A '91 CRX Si was my first new car, I bought it the summer before heading into the Army. I was going to buy a Miata until I looked in the trunk and didn't think I could fit an duffle bag in there.
I loved my Si, had through my time in the Army and then through college. I had it for 8 years and put 150k miles on it. Mine was stock but IIRC, those engines took pretty well to headers and CAI types of mods.
miatarest
28th June 2018, 13:51
I don't know if it has been mentioned, but the CRX, like most Hondas, get stolen often. In my side of the country, they go to far lengths to steal them too. Atleast that was the case about 15 to 20 years ago, but it still happens.
eunosfan
29th June 2018, 01:41
Possibly the last movie appearance by the CRX, and some other iconic cars:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUXLKVjahfk
planetom
6th July 2018, 08:39
http://www.speedhunters.com/2018/07/back-to-basics-driving-a-stock-honda-cr-x-sir/
Just had this pop up in my suggested news blurbs.
Not a detailed road test, but a drive a little into yesteryear in a version never imported here.
ashtray
7th July 2018, 12:09
Still think Honda goofed by not offering the CRZ with a back seat and the Si drivetrain. I mean it was right there staring at them. They have the parts. They have the technology. They can build it - for less than $6M too!
LoveGiants
8th July 2018, 01:02
I saw a red CRX Si in San Francisco yesterday and thought of @BetweenMiatas. It was red and needed work. I hadnt seen one in quite a while.
The Driver
8th July 2018, 13:01
Still think Honda goofed by not offering the CRZ with a back seat and the Si drivetrain. I mean it was right there staring at them. They have the parts. They have the technology. They can build it - for less than $6M too!
Two seats with a 4 seat option would've been ideal, though I doubt with 4 seats it would've passed a collision test of that era. But not putting the Si drivetrain was a blunder of Ryan Lochtes proportions!
rloewy
9th July 2018, 21:06
This one looks cool:
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/1989-honda-crx-si/6610938278.html
1989 Honda CRX Si - $6950 (Corona)
https://images.craigslist.org/00y0y_9QuT3g9fc9g_600x450.jpg
Low-miles, all-original. If you buy it, you owe me a spin in it... ;)
BetweenMiatas
9th July 2018, 22:40
That looks really clean!
Jesse H
10th July 2018, 12:26
Crazy how just seeing pictures of the above CRX brings back memories of my red 88 Si!
nashcarr
10th July 2018, 18:05
I tried to keep up w a Euro Spec CRX Si in Germany a few times and never could. These were great cars! My CRX Si was a great, 1st brand new car to own in 1989!
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