Sorry for the double-post. I posted this in "Hybrid" as well, but I figured it'd be good to get some feedback from the CRX owners in this forum. Thanks.

Hi All:
I recently acquired an 87 CRX Si and it will be my project car for the next year or two.

I was pretty set on dropping a JDM B16A into it, but there are several things that I've considered that make this swap hard:

1) It is REALLY expensive. The ECU/Motor/Tranny combo is $1300, motor mount kit + custom axles is another $1000, and a lot of little stuff (new hubs, knuckles, cv joints, shift linkage, etc) that make it look like the grand total for this swap is going to be over $3000.

2) I live in California where apparently, JDM engines are not allowed to be installed into our cars. I don't really have a huge problem with the cost of the B16A conversion, but damn, if I do all of that work, I sure as hell do NOT want to have to pull it all out every 2 years to smog it!

A local wrecking yard has an 87 Integra with a D16A1 (DOHC 16 valve 1600cc) powerplant and the guy basically told me that I could take the entire powerplant for $1000. In addition to requiring almost no additional hardware to make this swap work, it would be legal.

What do you guys think? I should also mention that no matter what path I take, I plan to turbo this motor. I will probably rebuild the D16A1 motor with stronger rods and pistons and push about 10psi of intercooled boost through it.

Thanks,
Sonny

 

whoa, a grand seems pretty high for an undesirable engine...do not spend that much. try and get him down to like 800 or something. I had the D16A1 in my old civic hatchback('89) it was alright...almost the equivilant of a zc but a few less horsepower. good luck

 

I would go with the D16A1, all the points that you listed are pretty good, and definatly dont pay $1000 for it.

 

Just a side note, with the D16A1 you might even be able to keep your A/C. Although probably not once you stick a turbo in that tiny little engine bay.

On the question of smog legality, I doubt a turbo on a D16A1 would be any more legal than a B16. It's a USDM engine, but don't the smog refs just fail you right away when they see a turbo in there?

 

Sonny i just got my car smogged with the jdm b16 in it. I dont think youll have much of a problem, its all about who you know.

Let me know if you need any help!

-Todd

 

If you look back in the November 2001 issue of sport compact car mag. page 212
Hybrid-How-To 3rd Gen (86) CR-X SI w/ JDM B16A Engine.Gives every thing they used to build it up.They tested it out at a drag strip (in Phoenix 100+Temp, with ground level at 1800ft.),it ran 14's and expected to run 13's at sea level on a cool day.Any way check it out maybe it will help you make a decision
Later-HC4G

 

I might would give him a grand for the whole car. Depending on what kind of shape it is in. There are lots of things of the integra that will bolt up to yours. You can use the rear disk brakes, you will also need the beefier front suspension for the heavier engine. Here is a real good write up on the swap:
http://hybrid.honda-perf.org/tech/3gtech.html

It is a swap that I would really like to do myself. Of course I am neck deep in my current project.