EFb18b

My original idea was to put a boosted b18c into an 88 CRX Si, but now I think my power goals are going to be way too much for the tiny wheelbase of the rex and will probably be a little be better suited for my 93 Si.What I was wonder is what are the wheelbase numbers for both cars and how much more room is available in the engine bay of my EG compared to my rex?
TIA

jolt-tsp

Your CRX has a wheelbase of 90.6 inches, and the 93 Civic has 101.3 inches. As far as engine bay space goes, I could only tell you from eyeballing. If you own both cars just go stick a tape measure in 'em.

B18C5-EH2

The 1993 civic will be easier in many ways to mod than the CR-X.

I have a 1992 Cx and a 1990 hatchback - I know this from experience.

1993 Civic:

Stock mounts
Plug and play engine harness and ECU
Hondata ready because it's already OBD1
Better hydro tranny bolts right in
More room in the engine bay for turbo
More aftermarket kits (turbo wise) for 1993
More room for intercooler because the lack of a bumper bar (it's removable)

CR-X:

Mount kit needed
Convert to OBD1 to run Hondata
Pre-OBD electronics don't support secondary butterflies on B18C1
Cable trannies are not as reliable and harder to come by as time goes by
Less room for turbo
Bumper bar is not removable and makes less room for intercooler (bumper cover is attached - not removable)
Less options for piping and kits for 1988-1991

Now I've not boosted one of my own cars, but just from a swap stance alone I can tell you that the 1992-1995 Civic is much easier to deal with.

I've got a friend who boosted a B16A in a 1989 hatch and an LS motor in a 1992 hatch and he says that the 1992 was much more turbo friendly in terms of engine bay room.

EFb18b

hmmm... 11in can make a hell of a difference....and there is a lot of bay room....

I'm so torn right now. I wish I knew what to do

EFb18b

Anybody else have any ideas?

jolt-tsp

Put it in the Civic, I think you'd be much happier with the ease of installation. The CRX would be cramped. Just get a b16 with cable tranny for the CRX. I've heard thats a really simple install too.

EFb18b

I'm not worried about the ease of installation though I just want to be sure if I put it in the CRX can I hold traction with the amount of power I'll be putting w/o the use of a solid rear axle or wheelie bars

jolt-tsp

Well, there's always wider wheels/tires and flared fenders. As far as holding traction, I don't think there will be much of a difference between the two.

AeMpwRd eX

i'd say put it in the civic

Quik Chris

The other thing about CRX's is the annoyance of that front subframe. It's a front crossmember that attaches with tie rods to each LCA. If you have a B-Series in this chasis, the tightest clearance of them all is the bell housing on the tranny between this crossmember and the rear cross member, room on each side is about 5mm. This makes clutch changing a real joy.

EFb18b

Well this thing is going to be nothing but race. All I want to know is will wheelbase make a difference where a slight loss of traction at the start or while shifting could cost me the precious time that I'm starving for?

jolt-tsp

I assume you're talking about drag racing. From what I've seen, drag prepped CRX's have wheelie bars to help it's short wheel base. So if you do put it in the rex, I'd be sure to install some of those.

EFb18b

yeah I can't use wheelie bars in my class. Not even a solid rear axle is allowed.

I think I've decided to with the civic. Anyone want to buy a CRX shell w/d16a and needs 2 rear quarters fixed?