Robert-
My name is Derrick, I am going to buy a crx 88-91
but had a few comments concerns. My main question is:
I am planning to engine swap for a stronger engine,
what engines would you recommend and any shops would
also be greatly appreciated, since I am going to swap
the engine how important is it, of what model I am
leaning toward the 88 vh because of the articles I
have read it is the lightest of group. I would love
any feedback from you.
I would highly recommend you check out the information on the HA Sport web site (http://www.hasport.com). There are a lot of good information there with links to other resources. And they're only one State over (Arizona...). I also recommend the Hybrid page (http://tech.hybridgarage.com/).
The ZC engine is very popular probably due to it's low price. But the downside, from my understanding, is that it's virtually impossible to pass California Emission testing. You have better luck with the B16 or B18 as far as passing emissions.
As I understand it, in order to pass, you also need to transfer all of the emission system that came with the cars for the respected engines. My friend Mike Munsell (who is also included on this email...) who lives in Playa del Rey did a swap a few years ago and got it to pass smog as well.
You can view it at
http://www.mrmunsell.com/My_CRX/Under_the_Hood/crx_performance.html
and while you're there, check out the rest of his car. :^)
BTW, I'm hosting a meet and drive on Labor Day Monday (September 2nd...) down in San Diego. Mike is making the drive down...
Since I live outside LA I have
to worry about getting my car SMOG LEGAL, I have read
your article on upgrades, but what kind of exhaust are
out there that are smog legal,
I'm assuming you mean exhaust headers because the exhaust from the cat back can pretty much be anything you want. The only thing you have to watch out for as far being legal is the noise level and how low it hangs. I don't know the exact height but I do know a few people who have been pulled over because the local Police felt that it was too low and so they got written up.
As for the noise level, check out GReddy's article:
http://www.greddy.com/CHPnoisepolicies.html
As far as exhaust headers go, I have the DC Sports which is smog legal. GReddy makes a smog legal one and so does Pace Setter (to name a few...). Expect to pay anywhere from $200-$300 (USD).
I also have a smog legal high performance catalytic convert ... the Random Technology cat. It's about $300 but that's a lot better than the stock cat that goes for around $750 (USD) from the dealer...
There are other high performance cats available that are less than the Random like the CatCo which sells for around $100 (USD) and there has been mixed feeling concerning this particular cat ... some say that they only last for about a year before the inners blow out (some even say that the blow out inners clogged up their muffler to where they had to replace that as well...) while others say that they've had theirs for over 2 years with no problems. But both sides seem to agree that for the price it's worth it.
You don't have to replace the cat, but mine was very high mileage and it did fail the first smog check, but when they re-tested it (after the cat got warmer...) it passed. My wife also bought me the DC Header as a Christmas gift and she knew I was looking to do the cat too so she bought that also so that I could do them both at the same time.
or is the stock exhaust okay.
Stock is fine but if you're going with an engine swap, I would highly recommend replacing the exhaust headers with something like the DC, GReddy or Pace Setter. The stock muffler should be OK. The thing to watch for is your cat. If it's high mileage (I believe Honda recommends replacing them every 100K miles, mine was around the mid 150K mark...) then you will want to consider replacing it too. Just don't stick a pipe as you do want to maintain some sort of back-pressure.
As for mods I would be on a budget(I am paying
for college USC=33,000 a year) so I would get parts
here and there. My mods would be all that were listed
on the website, but once I get the basics done when I
get an engine swap, I would get the bottom end built
all out.
Thanks for your time,
Derrick de Jesus
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I would also highly recommend upgrading the front brakes at some point. The stock discs will work but they were never designed to stop an engine that puts out power from the ones listed. Most of my friends who have wrapped their cars around a pole were usually the result of a brake malfunction. Basically the brakes were not able to stop the car adequately. That and they were probably driving above the posted limit.
The rears can remain stock whether it be stock Si discs or the drums. If you have drums, the stock Si discs should be more than ample.
Also consider replacing the stock rubber brake lines with stainless steel ones. They don't cost much more than the stock ones and they last longer and provide a much more positive feel at the pedal. I use the ones made by Earl's Performance and they cost around $100 (USD) for a pair.
You'll also want to upgrade the suspension. Which doesn't mean you need to drop it 2 inches or lower. Something like a 1 to 1.5 inch drop with a good set of springs and shocks will also help with the braking performance (even in a stock engine...). The larger engine also brings some additional weight that you will most likely feel when it comes to braking and when you are demanding more performance from the suspension (i.e. cornering...).
I know it seems like a lot of money (and it is...) but if compare it to some other makes of vehicles, it's not as bad. Basically do what you can and take your time.
One of the saddest things to hear is someone who has to sell their car because they ran out of funds to complete it. Unfortunately it happens and they are tough to predict.
Me, for example, I tend to take my time with my upgrades and modifications. I've always been that way with all of my vehicles. I will research an upgrade or modification for months before I decide if I want to do it. The research usually includes what you are doing and that is asking others for their opinions and feedback. What you need to do is take them as that, opinions, and then make *YOUR* own decision. Don't let magazine articles persuade you either. Those are opinions as well. But don't discount them either. Even after I do a lot of research on something, it's still hard to predict if it will become a money pit or not. But I at least hope get a "worst case scenario" from my research and that will usually sway my decision.
That's how I tend to approach things...
So, put together a list of things you want to do, call and ask around for pricing (The HA Sport web site has links to shoppes in your area too...) and then put together a plan with milestones. If the engine right now is healthy and strong, then perhaps focus on the suspension and braking first and then tackle the engine. Most of the people that I know seem to go that route first. But you can go about it anyway you want.
Keep in mind that the power-to-weight ratio of the CRX is excellent, perhaps one of the best, and it doesn't take a lot to scoot one down the road. By upgrading the suspension and braking, the car will feel even faster and in some cases it is... when you get on the throttle hard and the front suspension lifts for even just a second, you losing some torque (probably not a lot but the weight of the car going up and basically back is causing some extra load to the engine...).
Hope I was able to answer your questions. If not, please feel free to email me back.
If you're able to make it down to San Diego on the 2nd of September, let me know so I can toss your name on the list. Though it's a CRX meet, we are not discouraging other makes of vehicles. My brother is going to be there in his 2000 Civic and I think there is going to be a couple of 'Tegs there as well. It's all good.
CRX Owners Group President (http://www.crx.org/southcal)
1990 Honda CRXsi (http://drive.to/jiggy)
ICQ # 3714283 (nickname: godzilla)
Mount Laguna Cruise (San Diego County) - September 2, 2002
http://www.crx.org/southcal/events.html
To see who all is coming: http://www.crx.org/southcal/rsvp.html
