So I'm in the market for a CRX that I wanna rag out and use for a Hybrid.

Any comments or suggestions on the CRX, which models are what, (DX, HX, Si... etc) And what I could pay? I've looked some and they're from $1700 to around $5000. For 90's and 91's.

Now for the Hybrid questions, what are good choices for hybrid engines? I always hear B16A's and B18C1's, mainly because they're common (ie cheap) and they're pretty powerful for their size (efficient). Is a CTR/ITR engine recommended for a Hybrid? I imagine CTR engine's must be rare. ITR's... I know the JDM rev's higher than the USDM, but that's about it.

What does a B16A cost? B18C1? And what's typical labor on an install in a CRX. (Is this what you mean by CRVtec?)

Finally, what kind of times should one expect with a B16A CRX, or a B18C1 CRX?

I've found the power/weight ratio's match those of car's that typically run high 14's. Is this the case?

Ah yes, and one last thing: Issues about engine mounts, wiring harnesses, and the tranny. Any comments? cause I know nothing about them

 

I think I can help out a little...

For the trim models, the DX is dual-point fuel injection, where both the HF and Si are multipoint fuel injection. Doing a DX hybrid takes more work, as you have to install an injector resistor as well as wiring in two new fuel injector wires. As for what you'd pay, well, that all matters on the quality of the car... if you can find one with a blown motor you're in business .

The easier of the two swaps is the B16A, because it's got such a huge base of information all over the 'Net. I installed my own, nights and weekends working by myself (and I know jack about cars) and it took ~3 months. The B18C1 is nicer to have 'cause it's more powerful, etc... and of course parts are more readily available. It sucks not being able to buy an engine manual for your car . Dropping in an ITR engine is exactly the same as doing a B18C1 swap (ITR is B18C5). Dimensionally identical. CTR engines are indeed rare, and for the price you might as well go for a B18C1 or a B18C5 (which are easier to find). B16A installation is cheaper than a B18C1, too.

CRVtec is installing a VTEC head onto a CRV engine, so it's not the same thing, no (the CRV engine is the B20, 2.0L non-VTEC engine).

Most on this board agree B16A CRXs can run mid-14's. I've yet to 1/4 mile my car, but I'm looking forward to my first run... soon as I get it running right . B18C1 CRXs should run low 14's to high 13's dead stock, I'd say.

As for transmissions, you should use a non-hydraulic transmission - ie., get the Y1 or YS1 transmission from the CRX SiR (and make sure you get the optional LSD as well). Any B-series transmission will work with any B-series engine so this is an easy part . For engine mounts, everyone agrees that the HASport kit is the best - http://www.hasport.com is the place to go for that. They also can hook you up with a shift linkage. The wiring is simple as well - took me a couple nights to finish it in my car.

If you have any other questions, feel free... HTH!

P.S. There's pics of my swap on my website in the Hybrid section if you're curious (B16A).

 

Thanks for the information man, I appreciate it.

Will an engine swap do? I mean can I swap the engine into an HF and that's it, no tranny work no engine mount work?

Is a B18C appreciably heavier than a B16A?

Also when you did your own swap, did you have air tools?

I actually did happen upon a CRX with a blown motor, but it was a 1st gen? (if 88-91 is a 2nd gen).

So I guess I'm lookin for a CRX HF, or Si and a B16A or possibly a B18C (man low 14's is freakin sweet).

 

Well, with the engine swap that involves replacing all the engine mounts with aftermarket ones - that includes the transmission mount. You have to replace your transmission as well, because the stock CRX engine is a D-series engine, not a B-series... more's the pity. The B-series transmissions are a lot beefier... there's some pics on my site .

The B18C1 will probably be a bit heavier than a B16A, just because of the added displacement and slightly larger size (the block is taller than the B16A).

Erm, I had no air tools with my swap... just a wrench set, a hoist (this one is absolutely necessary of course ) and a ratchet set. Not even a good set with a lot of attachments... LOL... you'll need a few extras, like a breaker bar and a 32mm socket to break loose the axle end nuts, but that's about it. Oh, and a 12-point socket (12point sounds right...) 8/10mm size (I can't remember off the top of my head) to remove your clutch assembly if you want to go that far (I recommend replacing the clutch; it's easy when the transmission's off anyway).

You know, you can actually get a kit to fit the B16A into the 1st gen CRX as well... it's on the Hasport website, too . Now THAT would be a nice sleeper!

The major diff between the Si and the HF is trim level... the Si gets a lot of nice accoutrements that the HF doesn't... sunroof, anyone?

Anyway, HTH!


[Modified by raeneshadow, 3:53 PM 4/26/2001]

 

sup mang!!! i didnt know yo *** was goin hybrid.. . You'll enjoy it, i have, it had its bad times but i like may car now... now if i can just get good suspension to go with these spoon rims . Lets eee, you want low 14's?.. if its your beater, then you dont need a/c and you dont need a sunroof.. get your *** a b18c1, put it in a 89 crx hf, throw some 97 civic hx rims on there and your car will hit 14.1- 14.3 consistantly . Listen to raeneshadow, he knows whats up, if youhave any other questions ask me on ot, L8r man

 

"Will an engine swap do? I mean can I swap the engine into an HF and that's it, no tranny work no engine mount work? "

No, you will have to get a "B" series trans for any "B" series engine. You will have to get an engine mount kit for any of these swaps. The Hasport kit seems to be the favorite

"Is a B18C appreciably heavier than a B16A?"

No, they are based on the same casting, the B18C has a slightly higher deck and longer stroke. The weight diference is negligible.

Also when you did your own swap, did you have air tools?

I didn't and i didn't find that i needed them. I did take the car to a local garage to have them loosen the 32mm axle nuts but that was the only thing i had to have done. You will have to rent a hoist of course.

Good luck! it's a fun project but take the time to do things right.

Mike

 

I saw a CRX w/a B16A run down Craig's care Kenny. I don't know if he could beat him but I know he was right there with him. Money wise its cheaper to get a B16A motor (1500-2500) as opposed to a B18C1 motor (3000-4000) or a B18C5 motor (4000-8000 yes 8000 I asked the guy if he was sniffing crack). If its your beater then get a B16A it will be good for mid to high 14's if you are serious you should do the GSR motor for sure low 14 sec 1/4 mile times.

 

Thanks for the info guys, again, I appreciate it. Hurrell, its just a thought right now, I wouldn’t even file it under the "possibilities" folder, yet. I think hybrids are a novel idea, but I’m completely ignorant with the details.

A few more questions... the more I think about it, the more I realize I don’t know squat.

Would I be using B16 boltons or CRX boltons? I imagine the header and intake would be B16, but I spose the catback would be CRX... I dunno, just wanted to bring some things up in case I’m missing something big here.

Now that I think about it, WhyTF don’t we have more hybrids running around kicking ***? I think everyone should have a little 2nd driver hatch/crx type and throw an DOHC in it. Sure as hell costs a lot more to make my daily driver that fast (and that includes the price of the Rex)


One last question: Where's a good place to start lookin for engines?

 

You have to use B16 boltons for the engine components (del Sol VTEC usually works), but yeah, the catback is a CRX catback. You can use your stock exhaust, it works fine (albeit while eating about 20 horsepower ).

Why aren't there more? You'd be surprised... there's actually a LOT. But it's a lot of work, and a lot of hassle, and your typical driver would rather throw on an intake and exhaust to be a little different. Don't get me wrong, it's fun and all, but your car is never going to be even close to the same after you're done. It radically changes the car's feel.

I don't know where to look for engines, really... there's a bunch of sellers listed on the Hasport website, like Nippon Motors...

 

I can help you find a motor when you're ready Kenny. The exhaust has to be a CRX one but like Rae said make sure its after market or else its a big bottle neck. That's the problem I'm gonna have on my car when I come back. I'll be bottlenecking big time until I can recover until I can get the money up to by a aftermarket one. Also need to sell this B16A intake manifold/throttle body and injectors. Anyone know of anyone looking for these parts. Willing to let them go cheap.

 

Cool, man. sounds good!


I'll get the word out.

 

also there are peeps selling hybrids already
92-95 civics with B16's and B18b/C's
they take care of all the effort and u just pick em up when they dont want anymore
of course u gotta look around tho to find it.
there are two on the classifieds here for sale. and i know of anohter one already too. that makes three.
thats what im thinking of doing. getting a hybrid for a daily driver.
good luck kenny

 

Well I've been site hopping, just pickin up some info here and there, looking at average prices, and typical obstacles people have to overcome in a swap, and such. Right now, I have to decide how fast I wanna go. That'll determine which swap I'd want, and how to get there... (ie all motor, turbo, sc).

I'm not into the "Wait til next fall buddy when I have my blah blah blah complete..." or "I'm swappin by the end of summer, then winter, turbo."

I just wanna take this slow and do things right, so I don't have to backtrack anything.

And no, its not for daily driving, (but that doesn't mean I want it revving to 11 grand, or running 2 bar psi either). I just have the convenience of leaving it in the shop for a few weeks if need be.

But like I said, its just a notion right now. Just doin what I always do, over-think stuff.



Peace