TheKracken

Hello everyone, I am new here.

I am looking into purchasing a project car for school this next year (I am taking some college auto classes in addition to my engineering degree).

I have two options that I can reasonably afford at this point in time.

91 Acura integra ls - $1500 plus 200 if I want the new cat welded on that will make it CA legal?
Vs
88 Honda crx - $1200 and I think it is the si edition. Is has the 16 valve engine

cons
Acura has a transmission issue apparently, it grinds in 2ed 3ed, and reverse. He says it has something to do with the syncros going out? And it will cost 900+ to fix but it still runs and is his daily driver.

Honda- he says the engine was replaced but has no idea how long ago. The odometer reads 320k miles. Says it is just fine mechanically and it will pass smog (but I have to do it). Body is not the best, the hatch has a broken part so it has to open and close a specific way. Other cosmetic dings and such.

I did test drive the Honda and plan to test drive the Acura tomorrow. The Honda was very fast and the exhaust was very load...almost too load to my liking.

WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR IN MY PROJECT CAR:

I don't have much money right now so it can be something that I work on little by little.

Good gas mileage with a decent speed potential. My current daily driver is a 98 get metro that gets 45-52 mpg. I am not expecting that but not much less than 30 would be nice. My 03 mini used to get 25. No longer have.

Needs to be decently fast with really good handling. Potentially a rally race car in the future?

Easy to work on!!! I am brand spankin new to just about all of this.

If need be I can probably get some pictures up and a bit more information, just let me know.

rudebwoy

iTrader: (1)

I would choose the CRX. because I don't like Acura body style

TheKracken

I think both look just fine, considering the rest of the info, is there an obvious choice?

SonicRacing1

crx is easier platform to work with

TheKracken

Would either get better gas mileage and be a better daily commuter as well as a fast car? I like the fact that the Acura is longer and has back seats but not if you can't actually use them. I am 6 2.

I would also like to install a roof rack at some point for camping purposes.

flycivicsi

iTrader: (5)

after seeing this comment i believe this post should be removed from the drag racing section

SonicRacing1

Im going to have to agree.

SonicRacing1

WTH are you talking about you do relize that this is a drag racing section, we don't do goofy *** roof racks and we definitly don't care about gas mileage.

rudebwoy

iTrader: (1)

WTF!
are you serious? this Drag racing not rice racing. leave the roof racks to the Subaru show cars. Gas mileage? you don't need a project car, you need a Prius, if you really like Hondas get a Insight. LOL
but whatever you do please don't buy a classic car and turn it into ****.


move this **** to the General discussion or 88-91 forum.

jfreakofkorn

I would get the CRX, IMO

Freemananana

iTrader: (3)

Hey, fuel economy can be a concern. I was sad when my Civic went from 30 MPG to 25 after the swap and even more sad when it dropped to the low 20's with boost. It didn't stop me from doing it, but it is something to 'consider'.

I'd go with the CRX, but do note that the 88 is a weird year. The 89-91 are more similar. The '88 may have some goofy boxy rear LCAs and such. If you are looking to swap the car, the LS is going to be easier for a B-series swap. The LS could even be rebuilt and you can run boost or high comp through it. The trans can easily be swapped and you might as well pick up a LSD trans while you are at it. The CRX has a ton of drag race potential with the low curb weight. The price is also better on the CRX.

As someone who has a Metro, I would say keep it if you buy either of these cars. Project cars are not reliable. I doubt either of these will really get 30 MPG.

Decently fast? What is that? My Metro is 'decently' fast. I don't think many Hondas rally race because they are front wheel drive. It really is terrible in the dirt with all the understeer you will experience.