I need to replace the engine in a 1989 CRX but as I understand it, there
were possibly up to three different engines used in that model year.

The info on the engine that is currently in the car is:

16 Valve (As indicated on the valve lifter cover)

FHM 2521 (engine number)

JHMED8454KS000944 (VIN number)

Should I just rebuild instead of replace?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

JT (Residing in Austin, Texas)

Just Tooling Down The Internet Superhighway With my G4.......

 

I believe that the d16a6 si engine is the only 16 valve crx engine.

 

well coming from a person with the same motor as you in the same model year car i would even attempt to rebuild it. it would be a total waste of time and money and you wouldnt have much to gain. the stock HP is between 105 and 108 depending on who u talk to. I would definately swap it out for either a ZC if your are goin Jspec or a b16. they both make great power and have excellent reliability. =

 

what about Bizi's all motor crx laying down high 10's or jason whitfield's crx doing mid 10's with turbo on 1.5 liter. Single Cam can be fast if built correctly plus the blocks are cheap *** hell. Don't underestimate these engines.


BTW Rockford IL ******* sucks god I hate that town


[Modified by dohcvtec16, 7:28 PM 12/29/2001]

 

Thanks.

I sent an inquiry to Majestic Honda for a quote on the necessary parts for a short block rebuild.

I'm not really interested in top performance, just a dependable sporty looking vehicle.

JT

 

Well,,,,

I own a 1931 Studebaker President coupe with a 337 straight eight that develops about 120 HP. Those engines would push those non-aerodynamic cars well past 100 MPH weighing in at a mere 4,200 lbs.

Sooooooo, I think that I would be more than happy with 100+ HP with the curent engine in the Honda. Since it is an automatic, (my choice), I just don't want to do much in the way of modifications, just get it back on the road.

I understand that I will get a variety of replies, each of which I appreciate.

JT

 

I think that a rebuild of the current engine would be in order especially since the previous owner has already had the head redone.

I would use a replacement, (same type though), if one were to become available at a reasonble cost such as a used one from Japan.

I am sure that the car will go as fast as I ever want to....

Thanks,

JT

 

If I were you I would throw a ZC in there... It's cheap and it's alot more power over your stock DX engine, let alone it has alot more potential... I got one in my hatch and am very satisfied with it!

 

my std motor will keep up with a zc they arent all they are cracked up to be dont bother do the mpfi and ull notice alot more power comes from a d15 save for a b16 or dont bother getting an expensive motor and get a d16 or save alot on it and get a d15 and do mpfi till u can get a b16 or b18 zcs arent worth teh $ u spend

 

ZC =

Don't fall for the twin-cam D series hype.

 

I am satisfied with my ZC, I don't know what you guys are talkin about.. personally I think it was worth the money considering I got it for only $600 canadian, which included the engine, tranny and ECU, and I also got it installed for $300 canadian... so I think I got a good deal... I am not saying that it's the fastest engine but it sure as hell could kill a STD engine...

 

wut does it run smart guy?

 

I never taken it to the track.... listen I don't want to start a argument but stock versus stock a ZC will kill it... The only reason I did the swap is becuse I got the engine for such a cheap price, I could of done the swap or got a header and exhaust or sumthin, but for the price, it was the most HP's for my money! Like i said, I am satisfied, I don't care if you don't like it or if you think your 1.5 liter will beat it... It's getting me by until I get my B18A... By the way whats your's run?

 

15.4 best as it is stock ram intake only no other mods except an si injection and ecu nothing else

 

That's not bad... I think mine would do low 15's, but hey, I'm tired, goin to sleep so whatever.

 

yeh considering it ran 18s stock

 

what a big difference fuel injection makes eh.

 

well... I ran a 15.81 in my crx with just i/e and swapped a zc in and it ran strong with the teg ecu but I only ran a best of 15.73. woohooo yeah the zc is great!

 

i say vtec head swap! i hate b16's. d series power baby.

 

u should go b20 vtec

 

Same here go B20/VTEC

 

MOS DEF a B20/vtech....if u got the money....but i had just as much fun in my old CRX with the B16a...ur choice...

 

Wow!

I never expected this lively discussion.

But the bottom line is that I don't want to change style of engine, just rebuild or replace what I have with the same thing.

So I guess that I have a d16 engine?

Many thanks!

 

well if its an auto you have a d15b2 or a dx motor i belive it pushes out 92 hp.
i would go for the mpfi swap like jdmB18hatch said. The only problem is with your car being an auto you would need to find a compatible ECU, on from a same year EX civic might work.