----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Morgan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "CRX POST" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2002 3:49 PM
Subject: CRX: Newbie Questions
> Hello all!
>
> I guess the first question to ask is how tolerant is this list of really
> dumb newbie questions? I'd like to benefit from all you've learned about
> your X's but I'm starting from waaayyyy back in the pack. I'm willing to
> eat dust, though, until I get somewhere near up to speed.
>
Welcome to the list. The only stupid question is the question that goes
un-asked.
>
> Here's the situation. I've got an '87 Si that is, except for the tires
> (I'll get back to that), totally stock. Bought it in '88 with 17k miles
> and have been driving it as my everyday car since then. It's now got
> 131k miles which is still pretty low. Runs like a top but, needless to
> say, she's looking kinda droopy - rusted out sunroof (no surprise
> there), cracked front mask and fender, seriously deteriorated paint job,
> some chassis rust spots but not too bad, grubby under the hood. You get
> the idea.
>
This is typical of the 1st gens as they age. The only solution for the
grubby engine bay is a LOT of elbow grease and a tooth brush. I spent two
days under my hood when the engine was out.
>
> I don't want to part with her and, given the kinds of things that folks
> like you have done with your X's, I don't see why I should. However, I
> could use some serious guidance to bring her back to respectability. How
> far back is still a question. I'm in total denial about the dollars this
> might involve and don't tell me either 'cuz I'm not ready for the brutal
> truth.
>
The dollar amount is totally dependant on how far you want to go.
>
> Where to start? Right off the top I need to get about $900 worth of body
> parts before I can think about a paint job. Ok. Accepted. It's the idea
> of the paint job itself that really makes me wince. I've been quoted
> from $800 (Maaco) up to $2400 (highly-recommended local shop). I've got
> no sense of the ratio of dollars to quality in this area. Seems like
> something that basic shouldn't be such a crapshoot.
>
You can source fenders and a mask from a company called Certifit. They have
a web site at http://www.certifit.com/. You could replace the fenders and
mask yourself with basic hand tools. That should help with the body repair
costs. How much you spend on paint is entirely up to you. I dont think I
would go much over $1500 myself. In body work (like many things) you dont
get what you dont pay for. The sad part is sometimes you dont even get what
you DO pay for. Talk to locals in your area for recomendations on shops.
>
> It needs a new set of tires anyway so that's next. The stock size is
> 185-60-14 and it's presently running with a slightly wider set of
> 195-60-14's. Everybody seems to go with larger wheels to get larger
> tires, but is it necessary? I really like the original Honda mag wheels
> on the car and would keep them if it makes sense. If the idea is to get
> more rubber on the road, and if the wheel wells accept them (big if),
> could I consider 205-60-14's or even 215-60-14's? If so, then should the
> car be lowered if it hasn't been raised in the first place? Or just
> harden up the suspension?
>
Oh, where to start on this one? I would stick with the stock size wheel for
now. Like you, I agree they are very fitting to the style of the car. As
for larger wheels, there are two reasons to go larger. One is to fit larger
brakes. The second is for looks alone. There is no performance gain from
larger wheels for that car. In fact, those of us who autocross our cars
generaly use 13" wheels in widths of about 8" with 225/45-13 tires. A good
place to shop for tires is http://www.tirerack.com.
Next you mention suspension. This is probably the place where you could
spend the most money other than the body. You could get exotic and spend
several thousand on suspension componets for that car. (I just spent $1400
on shocks, as an example) If you want my opinion I would start with a set
of KONI Sports shocks & struts. If you are up to it at the same time
concider a poly bushing kit like Engergy Suspension. Lowering the car
definately improves things however this comes at a few costs. The first
being the wallet if you do it right. The second is the streetability of the
car itself. Again, the options in this department are only limited by your
wallet.
>
> Then it's on to the engine. The concept of a swap is a little
> overwhelming at this stage and it may be overkill since a racing set up
> is not the objective. (Did you all start out saying that?) For now, I'd
> like to see how much can be squeezed out of the stock engine with
> bolt-ons. But what? And in what order given the need to spreeeaaad out
> the money?
>
Some first gen people have put in larger motors. I for one am not part of
the whole swap craze. There are a few things you can do to squeeze some
more power from your car. DC Sports makes a header. A few companies make
adjustable cam gears. I am sure at least one company makes a CAI for the
first gen (or you can roll your own). Currently no one makes an ECU upgrade
for the 1st gen CRX. (I will be trying to get something started with
Hondata (http://www.hondata.com/) soon). Installing a lightened flywheel
shows some performance gain at the expence of driveability. Lastly you
could install a turbo charger system.
>
> Any direction would be greatly appreciated here. Or if there's a better
> place to go with my basic questions, just point me there. After 14 years
> of absolutely reliable and fun transportation, I really want to do right
> to resurrect my baby. Thanks!
>
> Dave
>
I think you may have found one of the best places to get information on
where to go with your car. There is another list on Yahoo that is dedicated
to the first gen CRX. You will be able to find more specific information
there. A few people on this list (Keith Edwards, Roger Twitchell, Harry
Leach (if he is still on this list), and myself ) are first gen nuts. We
store information in our brains that should just be left in a book.
You can find the Yahoo list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CRXmk1/. You
will need a Yahoo ID to join the list.
Other websites that come to mind for goodies are listed below.
http://www.rivergate5speed.com/honda_performance.html
http://www.opmmotorsports.com/
http://www.ground-control.com/
http://www.dcsports.com/
http://www.aempower.com/
http://www.energysuspension.com/
http://www.prothane.com/
http://www.moroso.com/
http://www.msdignition.com/
http://www.electromotive-inc.com/
http://www.gude.com/
http://www.jgenginedynamics.com/
http://www.twminduction.com/
All of these companies make one thing or another for the first gen CRX.
Best of luck in your ventures. Feel free to ask the list, or me directly,
any questions you have regarding the car and where to go. I hope some of
this information serves as a primer for you.
Carl
'85 Si
