2x0

Did some looking around and so far, I have not seen any complete K series CRX AWD builds. Ultimate goal would be a turbo K24, either stock for 400-500whp or built motor for 600-700whp, although at those levels I imagine a dog box would be needed which might make this whole thing even more financially infeasible.

Here is what info I have gathered so far as for everything that will be needed for the build. I am not saying 100% that I intend on doing this myself, but I am piecing together in my mind what it would take and may start picking up some of the parts as I go. But honestly it would be years before I could put this all together, just wanting to throw some ideas around and see where specific challenges on the CRX might lie.

It appears to me that all of the pieces necessary to complete this build are already available. We have mostly bolt-in K swap kits for the CRX/EF, we now have components available to install the rear diff, trailing arms, axles, etc. for the CRX/EF with some minor fabrication.

1.) Engine - K24A2 from a TSX. Should be plenty of these available.
2.) Transmission - 5 speed AWD from a ~2004 CRV or Element. Possible issue with low gearing? Availability could also be an issue. Found a few online going for around $1200 in unknown condition. Anyone have a good source for these?
3.) Rear diff - same as above
4.) Drive shaft - same from vehicles above but shortened
5.) Rear trailing arms, diff mount, LCA's from Hub City Performance. hubcityperformance.com
Humble Performance recently posted a video of them installing the HCP kit on a Civic. It looks really straightforward.
6.) Rear brakes, hubs, axles etc. CRV stuff will work here? Or a hybrid of different model components. Probs require some trial and error.
7.) Rear sub frame brace - since the rear frame has to be boxed out to fit the diff, adding some bracing here would probably be a priority.
8.) Fuel cell in rear hatch, since OE fuel tank must be removed.
9.) Engine mounts - HASport now offers EF K series kits for the AWD tranny
10.) Clutch conversion - Hush Performance offers a kit
11.) Turbo kit - Go Autoworks? Looked around and did not see any offering for a K series kit in an EF chassis yet, so may have to be custom.

Here is the vid of the Humble Performance rear diff mount install...



Overall, it all seems really simple. So what am I missing? Is there a reason nobody has done this in a CRX yet? Yes it will probably be $10K or more by the time you acquired all of the needed components. But shouldn't be any more complicated than building a B series AWD CRX, which has been done many times. And we've seen plenty of turbo K swapped EF's. The closest thing is probably boostedboiz wago.

Just trying to start a discussion on the possibilities, anything I may be missing. Specific challenges anyone can share from their experiences with AWD builds on this platform.

K7-1Ktrevor

2x0

True. Pretty much every K swapped EF or CRX I've seen has no hood on it. I suppose it would require a huge cutout in the middle. But that is a rather minor detail.

I am wondering if it wouldn't be easier to find a wrecked 2004ish CRV manual and get the entire vehicle as a donor car to swap the drivetrain over. Just not sure if the engine would be a good choice, would probably need to change intake manifolds and a few other things around I would imagine.

Dang, what was the issue that caused your rear end to lift like that? Too much front weight/brake bias? Aero lift in the rear? I've hit the brakes hard-ish from about 150 and never had any issues.

K7-1Ktrevor

DarryCar

540whp and 430tq broke the **** out of my trans. I'm running the B series set up and I'm sure not loading up the drive train properly on some of my launches didn't help things out. I think the K series stuff is a little stronger, but if you plan on making power in the 600-700whp range then be prepared to make so serious upgrades to the trans and transfer case. $$$$$$$

2x0

Damn, that is some scary sh*t! I know I've felt a little squirrely above 120mph, mostly due to a loose steering rack and that is not a good feeling at all lol

Yeah that's kinda what I figured. So what is a safe power level for a stock K series trans, 450whp? I've already broken 2 B series LS trannys at only 400whp,and that is just with FWD. With AWD I would imagine the tranny limit would be even lower due to added grip.

I think I am starting to find the best route to do this is to buy a manual CRV donor vehicle. There are some high mileage ones on CL, found a 1999 B series manual AWD for $2400 and a 2002 K series AWD manual one for $3700. Mileage don't really matter since I would be rebuilding or using a different engine altogether, just need possible tranny or rear diff rebuild.

But seriously, those prices are way lower than what it costs to buy the engine, tranny, and other components from one of these out of the car.

LankorDie

We think alike sir

I have been keeping my eyes out on parts for this for over a year now, would be nice to have a back pocket setup for when the time comes.

DarryCar

Well, here you go..... It's becoming easier and easier to get your AWD conversion parts these days. Kind of takes the fun out of it though.

https://hubcityperformance.com/produ...mount-package/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/97-01-CRV-R...4AAOSwEOxXPgfb

Still going to need a few more bits and pieces. Getting a donor car is the best way to go, but then you have to figure out what to do with the shell after you have picked it all apart.

And there is always this option...

https://automotiveknd.com/shop/honda...ersion-system/

DaX

iTrader: (1)

PBE just announced last week they're looking for folks for a group buy on the first round of K-series billet bell housings and transfer cases.

DarryCar

They just finished up the B-series too and are currently testing it out. Should be getting it soon...

khrys771

here is another.
S1Built | * * * Don't Look For Happiness, Build It. * * *

also this video.