Hopeful future '88 Si owner: Guidance appreciated
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12
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From: Athens, GA, USA
Hopeful future '88 Si owner: Guidance appreciated
I recently accepted a job that requires me to commute 110 miles each way at least twice a week so a decent MPG vehicle would be a godsend.
The things that are important to me in a vehicle:
1. Reliability. I know about this one. My aunt's '83 Accord was finally retired in '97 with just short of 400K miles. The Si owner below has an '86 Si with 420K miles on it.
2. Fuel efficiency. I don't need hybrid kinds of numbers but at least 30 is required
3. Power. This one needs no explanation
4. Handling. Even if a 200hp V6 will fit under the hood and get 30 mpg it is too heavy for that car, imho.
Some relatives were over last weekend and in the course of conversation it came up that my wife's uncle has an '88 Si (with a motor/trans sitting next to it) in his shop he might let me have or purchase very cheap. He said he'd look into seeing what it would take to make it work. I decided to come online and learn a little about the CRX. Here is what I have gathered these past few days:
1. The performance/mpg specs of a factory '88 Si are an acceptable combination for me. Although I, like every other male, would like to go faster if possible I don't want to trade any noticable mpg for power right now.
2. There is an incredible amount of choice when it comes to powering a CRX.
3. With the exception of the stock CRX engines every alternative appears to require some kind of a-dapter kit.
4. People are doing some amazing things with CRX's.
Since the original engine is currently not in the car because it was burning oil, I thought that it might be worth looking into putting a different powerplant in it since the removal part is done and the original engine already has issues.
Here is where the guidance part comes in. I can't tell what kinds of engines meet my criteria. I know there are some engines producing obscene horsepower that are definitely not right for me, but since the original car had a SOHC D16A6 engine, I am unclear if getting a newer technology DOHC or VTEC replacement would give me more power without costing me efficiency. (I am willing to give up a little in the mpg dept but I don't want to fall below 30 hwy no matter what.) The B16A1 and D16A9 certainly look sexy but I don't know what kind of mileage they get, what kind of cost is involved in putting one in or what kind of trouble I am asking for putting a foreign engine in a US car. (Remember, I need a car that won't break down.)
Does it make sense to try and fix the original engine? Would it be better to get another original engine or should/can I go with something else?
This may be my first post but if I am to get this car I will certainly be on here a whole lot more.
Thanks in advance.
The things that are important to me in a vehicle:
1. Reliability. I know about this one. My aunt's '83 Accord was finally retired in '97 with just short of 400K miles. The Si owner below has an '86 Si with 420K miles on it.
2. Fuel efficiency. I don't need hybrid kinds of numbers but at least 30 is required
3. Power. This one needs no explanation
4. Handling. Even if a 200hp V6 will fit under the hood and get 30 mpg it is too heavy for that car, imho.
Some relatives were over last weekend and in the course of conversation it came up that my wife's uncle has an '88 Si (with a motor/trans sitting next to it) in his shop he might let me have or purchase very cheap. He said he'd look into seeing what it would take to make it work. I decided to come online and learn a little about the CRX. Here is what I have gathered these past few days:
1. The performance/mpg specs of a factory '88 Si are an acceptable combination for me. Although I, like every other male, would like to go faster if possible I don't want to trade any noticable mpg for power right now.
2. There is an incredible amount of choice when it comes to powering a CRX.
3. With the exception of the stock CRX engines every alternative appears to require some kind of a-dapter kit.
4. People are doing some amazing things with CRX's.
Since the original engine is currently not in the car because it was burning oil, I thought that it might be worth looking into putting a different powerplant in it since the removal part is done and the original engine already has issues.
Here is where the guidance part comes in. I can't tell what kinds of engines meet my criteria. I know there are some engines producing obscene horsepower that are definitely not right for me, but since the original car had a SOHC D16A6 engine, I am unclear if getting a newer technology DOHC or VTEC replacement would give me more power without costing me efficiency. (I am willing to give up a little in the mpg dept but I don't want to fall below 30 hwy no matter what.) The B16A1 and D16A9 certainly look sexy but I don't know what kind of mileage they get, what kind of cost is involved in putting one in or what kind of trouble I am asking for putting a foreign engine in a US car. (Remember, I need a car that won't break down.)
Does it make sense to try and fix the original engine? Would it be better to get another original engine or should/can I go with something else?
This may be my first post but if I am to get this car I will certainly be on here a whole lot more.
Thanks in advance.
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 213
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From: Montoursville, Pa, USA
Re: Hopeful future '88 Si owner: Guidance appreciated (es330td)
IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING TO DO WITH THE CAR. WEATHER IT BE A BEATER, SOMETHING TO GET FROM A TO B, A SEEPER, OR A SHOW CAR. I'M FACED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM OF DECIDING WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY EF HATCH. I THOUGHT ABOUT DOING A COMPLETE JDM SWAP WITH THE ZC AND RIGHT DRIVE. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR SIMPLICITY I WOULD STAY OBD0
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 18,961
Likes: 75
From: I am Tyson
Re: Hopeful future '88 Si owner: Guidance appreciated (es330td)
forget your thoughts on expensive B series and vtec swaps. why you are even considering that when youre required to use premium gas and worried about mileage doesnt make any sense.
in my 88 Si with original 220k d16a6 i get consistent 30mpg, run 87 octane (i could run 86 if i could find it). im content with the power for daily driving.
a good a6 is hard to find. any d15 will do for good mileage, especially with a DX transmission that has a taller final drive, which is an important consideration if youre after mpg.
you can always look for an imported sohc ZC engine. pretty much the same thing as the original d16a6. i think theres a local importer in GA.
in my 88 Si with original 220k d16a6 i get consistent 30mpg, run 87 octane (i could run 86 if i could find it). im content with the power for daily driving.
a good a6 is hard to find. any d15 will do for good mileage, especially with a DX transmission that has a taller final drive, which is an important consideration if youre after mpg.
you can always look for an imported sohc ZC engine. pretty much the same thing as the original d16a6. i think theres a local importer in GA.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
From: MA, US
welcome..... just go get the crx you wont be sorry it is a great commuter as well as something fun to toy around with. as far as what you should do about your engine situation.... first prioritize. how much money can you spend on it? if ya dont have much cash then just fix the old one or get a replacement engine (used , the same as stock for quick and easy install and cheap) and if you have a few grand then put in a b series, they all have real good power and its not to hard to get it in and going. especially with these guys round here to help. well good luck and hope ya get bit by the honda bug.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Athens, GA, USA
Re: (ESONE S1)
I didn't realize the engines I mentioned require premium gas. That is obviously a big deal since 5 MPG more but needing gas that costs more just doesn't make sense.
As for purchasing an engine, first I have to see if the original can be used. I'll remember that you offered though if it turns out I need to find a new engine.
As for purchasing an engine, first I have to see if the original can be used. I'll remember that you offered though if it turns out I need to find a new engine.
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